My Happy Place

I'm sorry, but it doesn't get much better than that!!!

Fall Pictures

Sunday, after church Ross was kind enough to not complain and take us on a drive up the canyon. It was so beautiful! This is my absolute favorite time of the year. We hadn't planned on taking picutures, so the kids don't coordinate or anything, but I think these turned out really cute! We're still working on Louis' smile technique. He does the squeeze and flare. (Squeeze your cheeks and flare your nostrils!) Good thing he's cute, so he can pull it off! By the way, I am pretty sure every other family in southern Utah county was up there. Around every bend, there was another family in matching outfits getting their pictures taken. It was almost funny by the end of the drive. By the way, apparently black in the new color to wear while getting pictures taken in fall leaves, in case you were wondering!!!

Women's Conference and Temptations!!!!

As per our yearly tradition, most of the women in my family went to Women's Conference last night. We usually invite our mother-in-laws or friends or whoever doesn't have anyone to go with, we go to dinner and make a night of it! This year we went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. It was super yummy! Good company and good food, who could ask for more?
The temptation comes in now. Someone (who shall remain name-less) decided to have dinner at the mall. Then we are supposed to leave, without shopping, and go to women's conference. How rude! Well, it took us a few minutes, no one could decide. We were thinking of possibly taking a little too long at dinner and having to skip it, we thought about faking food-poisioning all sorts of things. But no one would say the word. So, I decided to step up and make the decision for the group! So, off to women's conference we went! It may not have been the popular choice, but since no one else would decide, I did! (Mostly because I didn't have any money!) But, it was a great conference. Great messages from the RS presidency and Pres. Uctdorf (sp?). He is sucha great speaker. Very good stories and funny. Well ladies, until next year....

This is our group. From left to right: Courtney(Whit's sister), Whitney(SIL), Jessi(SIL), Carleen (Anna's MIL), Anna (holding Zoe), Linda (my MIL), mom, Merilee, Allison (Mer's friend) and moi! Thanks ladies for a fun evening!

What?

So, the kids were dying to go and play at the park after dinner last night. I was asking the usual questions. Who will be there, what are you going to be doing, why are you so excited to get there right now? Well, this was their response.



We are going to play in our hobo hut.



Well, what exactly is a hobo hut, and what do you do there?



MOOOOM, it's where you act like a hobo! (exasperated)



Sorry, what do hobo's do.



Well, first you start off as a homo, then if you play long enough and you're good at the game then you get to be a hobo.



(Confused looks from Ross and I) Do you know what the word homo means and who taught it to you?



The kids at the park.



HUH? BTW, you are no longer allowed to play with THOSE kids.



I swear. They come up with the funniest things!

Anyone Else?

Anyone else a fan? I never thought I would get into this show. It's my new obsession. The kids and I started watching it last season and totally got into it! We even picked the winner about 5 weeks out! Wow did we feel special... Anyway, it's just really motivating. I see how hard they are working just to be healthy, and how far they have to go. It also makes me be less obsessive and weird about how I feel about my body. Although, I don't care how much money is at stake. You couldn't drag me onto national television in a sports bra and bike shorts. Hello? Well, tune in Tuesdays on NBC if you're in need of a little motivation. It's emotional, it's dramatic, it's exciting. What more can you ask for. And shut up. Who doesn't like to watch someone's reaction when they lost 29 pounds in one week. What I wouldn't give....

If You Thought I Looked Good...

Ross will probbably kill me for doing this, but how could I resist? This is the funnest thing I have done in a long time. Remember, I don't get out much! Love ya' babe! p.s. I think we should both get afros!

I'm Pretty Sure I'm Hot

So, this is what I would have looked like a few years back. Just wondering what you think?
I'm pretty sure I'm hot in the 50's. The 80's is definitley not my decade!! You should try it. Go to yearbookyourself.com It's so funny!

YUMMY cookies

I have never posted a recipe before, so here goes. I got this off of my friends blog and we made them this morning. They are super yummy and I am kind of a chocolate chip cookie snob! We loved them. give them a shot!

EXTRAORDINARY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (their name, not mine, although I don't disagree)
1 1/2 c butter, softened
1 1/4 c sugar
1 1/4 c Brown sugar
2 TBLS vanilla
2 eggs
4 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag (24 oz/ 4 cups) milk choc chips (or semi sweet for those of you who like gross stuff)
Deb's note (I put less chips than that..prob about 3 cups total instead of 4. It equates to two bags of choc chips...which for me is too much.... Also you can do half milk /half PB chips...half milk/half white...half milk/half skor bars...the possibilities are endless.
Heat oven to 350. In large bowl beat butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt (dough will be stiff). Stir in choc chips. On ungreased cookie sheet drop dough by tablespoon or small cookie/Ice cream scoop. 2 inches apart and flatten slightly.Bake 11-13 mins or until light brown- centers will be soft.
(I baked for 10) Cool 1 to 2 mins and remove from sheet to cooling rack.Eat a few and bake another pan, repeat as necessary or stomach space permits.

We Don't Get Out Much!

Well, for the first night we have actually been together in about 2 weeks, we decided to just hang out. Well, we heard Louis giggling from the stairwell. So, we went to see what was going on. This is what we found...
and then a little bit of this...
Ross actually gave it a shot. I kind of did, but apparently I am not as aerodynamic as the rest of my family. But, the kids did it all night. They were laughing and giggling, we're not too hard to please.

Kind of funny. Sorry the video is sideways. Anyway, we thought this was hilarious. Sorry if you think we're weird. We already knew that!!

Louis Beckham

So, Louis has a new sport in his book. He now plays soccer. Never been a big fan. I'm sorry, I don't care who you are, when you see little kids in shorts that hit their ankles and shin guards that hit their thighs, they're freakin' adorable. So, this is our new thing for a few weeks. At the kids' school instead of traditional P.E. they get to choose a sport and they have practice during school hours and play games afterwards. Works out great for me!! So, this semester Louis is doing soccer and Kennedy is doing dance. Can anyone say free lessons and no carpool! Can I get a woot woot!!! Anywho, here's some pics. I'm certain you won't think they're as cute as I do. Oh well, enjoy!

Just getting warmed up!!He's still learning to be agressive. Something you want them to learn, but not too well :)

Everytime we would cheer Cole would raise up his arms and scream, it was the cutest thing!!

What I've Been Up To

Apparently I think I'm crafty. Something got into me this year and I decided to make Kennedy's costume this year. She was a witch last year, but I saw my friend making this skirt and had to have it. So, she showed me how and I went to town. I definitley have a one track mind. Once I decide to do something, I go all out and can't think of anything else until it's finished. So, now it's September 15th and Kennedy has her costume finished. Wow. Now what do I do until Halloween. I'm certain I'll think of something....This definitley looks way cuter in person, but hopefully you get the jist of it!

Shout Out

Just wanted to send a Happy 60th Anniversary shout out to my grandparents. We had a fun party for them on Saturday night. A few of my cousins and all of my aunts and uncles were there from my dad's side. It's always fun to see each other and our children. Weird that we all have kids now! But, it was a georgeous venue (TNI gardens) and fun company. Nice tributes were given and it was fun to celebrate their marriage and see how the family tree has grown and how much has come from that fateful blind-date 60+ years ago. Love you grandma and grandpa, thanks for the good example of a marriage based on love and sacrifice!

The Happy Couple!Feeding each other wedding cake! How cute!

Just Black One of My Teeth Out Now!!

So, we have officially joined the ranks of "White Trash". We have always been kind of teetering on the edge, but I'm pretty sure this one just put us over the edge. Sorry, no pics. Ross is on vacation in Lake Powell and took my camera!

On my way home from work tonight, I was listening to KSL. They were having a BYU tailgate party at the SF Macey's store, oh yes... we did. I took the kids. I know, but they wanted to. They had a bounce house and free food. Two factors that draw the finest of Utah County's citizens. So, we bounced, we ate, we enjoyed all of Macey's free fare. They had these round targets that you were supposed to try and throw a football through. Well, the kids were dying to try it, so we stood in line for like 20 minutes to try and throw a football through a hole. Yippee. So, Louis tried, and missed. Kennedy tried, and missed. They asked me if I wanted to try, why not. So, holding a purse and a baby and wearing stiletto boots, I gave it a whirl. Shut up. I made it. The kids acted like I made the winning touchdown or something. It was so cute. So, we are the proud owners of a blue and white football that says Maceys on it. Hold back your jealousy. I know. You're stinkin' proud of me. My husband would be so proud. I know he loves me, but this just puts me up a notch, I'm quite sure. So to all the stiletto wearin, baby carryin, purse packin' mama's out there. Word.

Watch Out World, Here She Comes!!

So, as I mentioned before, here is Kennedy singing "Good Morning Baltimore". It is definitley not her best rendition, but she looks cute doing it! It's a little long, but ENJOY! If you want to listen to it, you have to go down to the bottom of my postings and pause the music so they don't sing on top of each other !!!

Recommended?

Recommended age by the American Academy of Pediatrics for video games, 16 months, right?

Am I The Only One??

I am going to vent for a moment here. And I already know that I'm in a bad mood, so just bear with me here.... The semi-annual dental check-up. Enough said. But, wait, there's more. For some reason, it just peeves the crap out of me that I am paying some 19 year old girl to stand over me and slice the crap out of my gums and remove "supposed" plaque. Well, what if I like it there? What if I don't want you stabbing me until I bleed and scraping so hard you almost flick one of my cavities loose (she admitted that one!). My gums feel like hamburger right now. I had to come home and take Tylenol because my mouth was throbbing, still is a bit if you really want to know. Now, I consider myself a considerably clean person, okay actually obsessively clean in the oral region. I brush my teeth every day, fairly good I might add. I can't do anything or go anywhere unless my mouth is clean. I flouride on a semi-regular basis. FINE!! So, I don't floss... Is it really that big of a deal? Like I said, clean teeth, no cavities for 2 1/2 years now. A personal best. I'm just saying. Don't lecture me. I know I need to do it. SHUT UP! Don't tell me I need to I know I need to. Just clean my teeth, don't make me bleed and go away! Wow, I sound really rude right now, I was just having a moment. So, sorry for the rant. I'm off to floss....

He's a STAR

As I mentioned before, Louis is the STAR of the week, this week. He was beyond excited this morning when he woke up. He wanted to do his hair spikey this morning, just because he is star of the week. In fact, he said " Let's do it spikey all week, just 'cause I'm star of the week, and then I won't do it again. Then they'll know it's special!" He's so funny. He was very posessive of his poster today, he wouldn't let anyone see it. He wanted it to be a surprise! He's adorable and I'm so proud of him!
Louis at home with HIS poster
In front of the school, again with the dang poster!

Louis and his wonderful teacher Mrs. Frampton!

In Kennedy's class they have music every Monday. They let one person each week do a "music spotlight". They get to choose a song, they have to fill out a sheet about the song, like is it loud or soft, fast or slow, what do you like about it? etc. They give you the choice, you can bring the music so everyone can hear it, you can sing it or teach it to everyone so they can sing it. Well, guess which one Kennedy chose? SING IT! She really wanted to do "Grandma's Feather Bed", she is adorable when she sings it, but we left the cd in dad's work car, so oops. We decided to have her sing "Good Morning Baltimore" from the Hairspray soundtrack. If you've never heard Kennedy sing this, you're missing out. She has an amazing voice and she just belts it out in this song. She was a little nervous, because she didn't want to sing in front of the BOYS, but I talked her into it and she was all ready to go. Well, after I went into Louis' class to talk about him for a minute, I went to say good bye to KK. She comes out in the hall and has these big crocodile tears. Apparently they aren't having music class today, they're having an assembly. She was so upset. Kennedy loves to perform and sing. Seriously more than anything. I think she was sad because she got herself all worked up and excited and ready to go, and.....nothing. Oh well, she gets to do it next week. Too bad for KK, seriously, you have to hear her sing that song. It's awesome. Maybe if she will, I will record it and post it on here. We'll see....

"End of Summer"....

Sunday night Mer and Clay had us all over for an "End of Summer" BBQ. It was quite fun, the weather was great and the yard was beautiful. Not all of us were there, but it was fun anyway! Thanks Mer and Clay for the shindig, it's always fun to get together and let the kids play.

Kennedy and Cole, he looks a little annoyed...

Halle and Lou at the mini table!

Kylee and Cayden, Ky I think you have something in your teeth! JK

Sweet Grandma and Grandpa, they're always good sports and put up with our loudness (?)

Cayden was cute to play with Cole. Cole loved the attention and the football!

On the way to the party, Cole was showing off some of his dance moves! Don't mind the threatening you hear in the background, just enjoy some sweet moves by Cole!

Proud as a Peacock

Well, just wanted to update you all on Louis. I remember posting a while ago that Louis was struggling a bit in school and he was doing really well, trying to change it. Well, he's freaking awesome. We have been rewarding him with small rewards at the end of each day, if he has a good report from his teacher. And at the end of the week, he gets a larger reward if he gets good reports every day that week! Well, let's just say that tomorrow we are going to Jumpin Jacks! His choice! He is so excited and he knows that he earned it by making good choices. In fact, Ross was chatting with his teacher at pick-up today and she reported that he has made such a turn-around and she is so proud of him, that he gets to be the STAR of the week next week. Something you have to earn through good behavior~! He's stoked. We couldn't be more proud of our cute little poop. You gotta' love when your kids know they've done something good, it makes them want to be better! It's awesome! So what if it's costing me an arm and a leg, if I get a good kid out of this, it's all worth it!!! Go Lou, we're proud of you!

It Never Stops

The funny sayings never stop around here.

Me: Lou, your nails grow so fast, I swear we just clipped them.
Lou: Mom, do you think the tooth fairy put a curse on me when I was little so that my fingernails would grow really fast? I think that's what happenned.
Me: Uncontrollable laughter.

Mom: Louis, I thought you told me that you made your bed?
Louis: Mom, it was made when I came upstairs for breakfast. I think a monkey convention was down here when I was upstairs.
WHAT?

Lou: Dad, guess what I'm gonna' be when I grow up?
Ross: What Lou?
Lou: A hip-hop dancer!
HUH?

I swear, he's the funniest kid!