My Quilt

In December I decided to make a quilt for my friend for her birthday. My master-quilter mother got me off to a great start before I left her house at Christmas and I actually, shockingly kept going from there! I am proud to say that I made this quilt all by myself (thanks mom, for the pointers and finish work!) This truly was a gift of love for my great friend Jilly!

Backyard Campout

This weekend we decided to have a campout in the backyard. We figured "why drag everything up to the mountains when the trampoline is just as exciting for the kids?" And- we could come in at mid-night when it got cold?!
As you see we did roast hot-dogs and mallows over the BBQ, ate smores, and slept out under the stars. And the best part was that we were able to tuck Jakey inside in his own crib where he likes to be when bedtime came!
It was actually very fun and I recommend the idea to others with small ones.

Digital Scrapbooking

Hey I just want to ask if anyone reading this does, or knows something about digital scrapbooking. My friend showed me all the stuff she has downloaded off the internet yeseterday and made me a page that was unbelievable! No cutting, gluing, no mess and no picture developing...it was amazing. I am motivated now to start heading the digital direction but I would like some tips like where to get stuff, etc if any of my friends have some. Thanks!

Sugar and Spice...makes everything nice!

My great friend Jill and I have babies that couldn't be more opposite. Even though she and I are a ton alike, her daughter is a mild mannered princess and my baby is a rough and tumble maniac. We laugh now whenever we get them together because they are always excited to see each other at first, but then Hannah flinches when Jake steps too close and Jake just loves the rise he gets out of us when he attacks. He isn't trying to be mean, in fact if he could speak I think he would say, "come on Hannah girl... get in here, let's wrestle!" But if she could speak she would say to him "I am much too proper for these animal games". So funny.

On that note I want to say too that my son Jake is truly the most active child I and many others who have made comments have ever known. He genuinely NEVER stops moving. Know anyone like that? I concluded yesterday that the reason he naps and sleeps so well everyday is because he BURNS through his energy and then has to climb in bed to recharge his batteries. This morning when I went in to get him he was already at it - doing seat wars like you do on the trampoline and saying "Mommy, Watch". How did I get so lucky?!! Precious boy.

A new chapter begins

Well, with the email that was sent out today throughout the PHX PwC office it is now official that Tyler is leaving the firm! As of a few weeks ago we decided to take a new job with a company here in Arizona called First Solar. Tyler will be doing similar work to what he has been doing at PwC, but will be handling the audit as an internal auditor rather than an external. It's been a very quick process for us, but we both feel excited about the change!

A Leap-Year Birthday for Maddie

It's late tonight, but I don't want to head to bed without posting something special for my sweet sister Maddie whose birthday it is today. Typically at this point of not seeing straight because it has been such a long day I would say "oh, I'll do something for her tomorrow." BUT since TODAY is her REAL birthday, this post has to be dated TODAY, and not tomorrow - this is only her fifth REAL birthday of her life. How would that be?! All I know is I would be expecting people to pull out all the stops. You better believe it!

So anyway Maddie, if you are reading (and I will call to make sure you do!) I want you to know how much I love you. I think you are beautiful, talented, brillant, funny and kind. Your creative and fun-loving, wild and passionate ways are much needed in this family. We are thankful for YOU!

I hope your day was full of love and happiness. I wish we all could have celebrated together. Was looking for a picture of you to post...and came across this one first. Something about it made me smile and think it would work. Happy Birthday! :)

Here's to a GREAT 8!

Yesterday Tyler and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. As is tradition, we planned a weekend away and my wonderful mom once again came to take care of the kids. They were as excited about spending time with her as we were to pull out of the driveway Thursday night! We couldn't get out of there fast enough!
So we were off to Irvine, CA, a five hour drive from here. We left with few plans, but I was committed not to get out of bed until noon the next day. It was amazing.

We enjoyed plenty of time relaxing at the hotel, and great entertainment that is so nice when spent with the one you love! The beach, shopping, eating out, movies, room service... One of the weekend's hightlights was Knotts-berry farm where we about lost our lives on the ghetto old wooden coaster. We laughed and I cried coming in the gate. Torturous.



Every year when we take a few days get away together it makes our anniversary so special. I am lucky to be married to my best friend. XO XO Ty. Thanks for a great trip

Todd and Nat's Visit.

This weekend Todd and Natalie drove down to spend some time with us. It was so wonderful to see them and get some quality time with them here at our house. Unfortunately it rained all day Friday which was a bummer but we ended up having a fun date night at the KEG for dinner and playing games at Dave and Busters. Sunday we borrowed some bikes and enjoyed a beautiful bike ride around the neighborhood. It was an event all of us could enjoy, even Jakey as we stopped at the park and had some laughs and picked fruit along the way! We love you Todd and Nat



!

Charlie Bit Me

Maddie had me watch this cute video on YouTube and I thought it was so cute that I added it here. Enjoy.

Two of my favorite QUOTES

I love these two quotes because they remind me of who I want to be and how I can find balance from day to day. I have the first one up in my kitchen to read often and the second one in my baby's room where I can see it from the rocking chair. Sometimes things can seem so crazy but when I read this first quote from Sister Hinckley I am reminded that life was not designed to be clean and orderly and calm all the time! I do appreciate the reminder also to soak in the moments with my little kids and to forget about all the stuff (like excess housework) that will always be here waiting for me tomorrow.

I really lived - "I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

"Babies Don't Keep - Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow...for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow...So quiet down cobwebs -dust go to sleep...I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

Backyard Fun!

The kids and I had a good time today out in our semi-new backyard as I tried to get some weeds sprayed. We recently re-landscaped with artificial turf (pathetic and amazing at the same time!) and built a new garden along the side of the house. I took these pictures mainly for Ali to see, but ended up with some cute ones of the kids and thought I'd share with you all.

Tagged...
My sister tagged me recently and since I find myself with some time tonight, here goes.
10 years ago- 10 years ago I was... a month away from 18. I can hardly remember back that far. I had a group of best friends - Jana, DeeDee, Megan, Hillary, Kristine, Jessica. I drove "the beast" around the Plateau and worked at KinderCare I think.

5 things to do on my list today-1. Get the kids to school. 2. Clean out the car
3. Pick up and paint Ashley's new dresser
4. Take dinner to a friend. 5. Fold and put away laundry
Snacks I enjoy. HoneyMaid Smores (amazing, try 'em). Reducted-fat Wheat Thins with cheese, Fruit rolls, chocolate anything
What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire
Have Tyler quit his job so we could hang out together all day. Find an interest/job/service for each of us to work on when we got bored. Hire out three things which I daydream about regularly. 1- A healthy and good chef in the kitchen 2- a laundry maid to do all start to finish and 3- a massusse to use at my discretion.
3 of my bad habits. Saying things I shouldn't around the kids (crap)
Not washing my face before bed, ever. and back to the laundry thing- leaving folded laundry out so long that we use it again before it gets put away. Pathetic.
5 places I have lived
1. Littleton, CO
2. Yakima, WA
3. Seattle, WA
4. Provo, UT
5 Englewood, CO
Jobs that I have had 1. Confetti Junction (a party store...I blew up balloons w/ my sis Ali)
2. KinderCare- taught the infant, 1's and 2's classes
4. Safeway- bagger/courtesy clerk
5 things people don't know about me. I sleep with my retainers every night,
My fingers are double-jointed, my favorite movies are Father of the Bride I and II, Return to Me and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I love eating chips and quac' at Chipotle, I love to bargain hunt/shop to find a diamond in the rough!

tag anyone who knows I look at their blog often...I love reading these things!

Elder Mugleston

On Tuesday morning Tyler, Jake and I flew to Utah to see Drew off on his mission. It was a very big event for our family and was filled with many emotions. That night before he was set apart (as an official missionary) our family went to dinner which was memorable. We had a "five minute funeral" for him - which is a tradition in my family where we go around the room sharing our feelings about someone to honor them on their birthday or any other special day. It was sweet to hear what my sisters and mom had to say about Drew.

Wednesday was the big day. Before we went to the MTC we got to stop by the BYU football office where Drew was invited to say goodbye to the coaches. It was so cool of them to take time out of their busy schedules to bid him farewell and to show their love and support after all this time. It was all Tyler and I could do to keep cool while meeting coach Mendenhall, sitting in his office, etc. Very fun.

At the MTC Drew was quiet but ready. Two years feels like a long time when you are looking down the barrel at it. He will be a wonderful missionary and bring many people to Christ through his love and strong testimony of the gospel. I know that many special experiences await him. Anyway, here are the pictures. Great time.

SUPERBOWL XLII

I took a long lunch today and started the Superbowl Tailgate early - in Glendale. Major party outside the stadium. Gotta love AZ in February!

A Touching Tribute to Our Loved Prophet, President Hinckley

Our Grocery Store Fieldtrip

As most of my readers know by now, Ashley has a passion for "kitchen food". When she got wind of the fact that her preschool class would be touring a grocery store she was elated and we have been counting down since. Today was the big day!

We got a babysitter for Jakey and Luke out of school for the trip, and it was well worth it! We got the see the cool man in the deli make pizza, the kind lady in the bakery decorate a cake, we froze in the dairy and freezers, almost gagged in the stinky meat place, and enjoyed fresh produce, pizza and cookies at the end!

Must say all that time in the store brought me back to the days of my first job as a bagger at Safeway. Can't say that was a highlight in my life, but it was memorable! A big thanks to Bashas for the great time and good food. Morning well spent.

Hi.

I received a phone message from my loving friend DeeDee today and she pointed out that I hadn't updated on here recently. She wants something other than "the birth order of children", which she can't relate to.

Sorry Dee. Thanks for the call. I love hearing your voice.

As for an update, we've been busy and I haven't been carrying my camera with me much.

Things I have been doing are my special secret project which will de-bue itself in a few weeks on here, and stuff around the house and with my kiddies.

Things that I am looking forward to on the horizon are:

1- Flying to Utah next week with Tyler and Jake to see my brother off to the MTC. He leaves for two years in Baltimore, spanish speaking, on the 6th!

2- My HOT DATE trip with Ty for our anniversary coming up next month. We just booked our hotel in CA and plan to be away for three days, relaxing and playing somewhere like KnottsBerry Farm... the beach... my mom will be here with the kids. Hurray!

3- Having friends and family visit this beautiful spring. Todd and Nat are planning to come, my friend Megan, Ali and Blake... January thru March are really the months to visit AZ. The weather is heavenly.

4- Believe it or not I am actually getting ready for the summer to return...slowly.
The pool has been tempting the kids recently, I've ordered Jakey's floating swimsuit and feel exicited to get Ash and him (hopefully) swimming this summer. Luke is already a fish.

That is all I have to offer tonight. I guess I have to talk about what is to come because I have nothing much to say about what currently is! I will add a few pics though. BYE!

I can't deny it

THE BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN
Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your
OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time,
breathing didn't do a thing.
3rdbaby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth
month.

The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold
them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only
the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper, a frown--you
pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake
your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical
swing.

Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it
away
until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it
off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether
they need it or not
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if
needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to
complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knee

Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing,
and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby
Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry
cleaner.

Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you
call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to
leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if
she sees blood.

At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the
baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your
older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from
the
children.

Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child
to the hospital and demand x-rays.
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully
watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from
his allowance!

12:09am

Good night. All is quiet.

I wish for a dead dog.

It is now 11:41pm on Friday night. At about 9:40pm Tyler and I turned on the TV and soon realized that our neighbors dog was barking CONSTANTLY and it was very annoying. It has never done this before...but they are new neighbors as of two months ago. I listened to the dog, Tyler soon fell asleep and we ultimately decided to head to bed. Amazingly Tyler konked right out and I laid there getting more and more annoyed, irritated, angry and appalled (can't their hear their stupid dog?!) by the minute! And of course the more I've obsessed over it the more I can't hear anything BUT the dog - even with all the doors shut and the bathroom fan on- but I am too scared to go over there, what if they shoot me (we were watching a murder mystery on court TV - feeling a little spooked) so I just got up and called the cops! I seriously did. They said they'd come out soon. So now I am patiently waiting for the barking to stop (or to hear any action in the front yard) so I can retire to my bed in peace. Can you believe it.

Just uploaded Christmas