tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78108939118545482252024-02-07T02:24:59.559-08:00The Jurassic Johnsons!Seriously...don't you have something better to do?Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-68395603115382087612010-03-11T20:36:00.001-08:002010-03-11T21:42:46.225-08:00Semi Annual Update and a few random pics!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxyaFmOx9f4qa8Tx_RFqUu4CU-lIOfn3X-UPK91LSo4oqdjgsMw0SROfhT9p5p4ZdaP_iVZUYyXEN1ka28ziKrGjk73UNEoGDJLzjdZ4H2Guh7I1ckXscMX59h1PQO3q8HfoYFu9aPE0/s1600-h/DSCN0958.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxyaFmOx9f4qa8Tx_RFqUu4CU-lIOfn3X-UPK91LSo4oqdjgsMw0SROfhT9p5p4ZdaP_iVZUYyXEN1ka28ziKrGjk73UNEoGDJLzjdZ4H2Guh7I1ckXscMX59h1PQO3q8HfoYFu9aPE0/s320/DSCN0958.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447615918475791266" /></a><br />The world of blogging escapes me. I often journal in my mind, but lack the focus to write it all down. In truth, it's more time that I lack. It would probably be easier if I just carried around a tape recorder. Hell, I talk to myself enough. It'd be nice to catch the brilliant insight that often occurs when no one is around. I could text message myself with those thoughts, but then I'd suffer the wrath of arthritis, tendinitis or some bizarre thumb disorder. So until I find the true desire to blog. You'll have to be happy with the little that you get. So, here is a quick six month review of the life and times of the Johnson Clan. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2vVGFuyd0ag8mQ2bXjQh6jmoGAtetx2nRTmHPHFMhE2fxqGofN_9BsIzXoMFcgnCWBgkI_tOrgkXxiJdt-RCQt6Cn5GL7bAj0xcWpK9yuEuWhco0xqj-GuuFP4LAJdctRKlbseQqu0/s1600-h/DSCN1062.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2vVGFuyd0ag8mQ2bXjQh6jmoGAtetx2nRTmHPHFMhE2fxqGofN_9BsIzXoMFcgnCWBgkI_tOrgkXxiJdt-RCQt6Cn5GL7bAj0xcWpK9yuEuWhco0xqj-GuuFP4LAJdctRKlbseQqu0/s320/DSCN1062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447612111922085330" /></a><br /><br />Overall, we are doing well. Landon got a new job in August at the power plant in Vernal and he likes it for the most part. He is having to learn chemistry and hates that part of it. He is still a gun nut and is actually starting to get politically involved by emailing senators and congressmen. It's a cool thing to do, but he doesn't need to lecture the secretary of Parker's school on gun laws. Next time he goes to P.'s school, he'll be frisked. Oh wait, he has his conceal permit so it's okay! Thankfully he isn't too paranoid about black helicopters yet, but if we win the lotto, I'm sure we will have lots of land and a secured facility....I mean home. <br /><br />Parker is flying through first grade. In fact, I'm starting to think he's bored since he stalls on doing his worksheets until his teacher threatens him with no recess. I wish his teacher had the time to teach more science and history, but they don't since the government bombards them with tests. I guess this means we get to teach it at home. Landon is quite excited by this. He was down right giddy when I told him the library has Bill Nye the Science Guy on VHS. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBwm1btwdIEvrDi6BulDo5e-d8FIPRBASt7wxqPgSVLlGZxN2gbza_EoC0d6ZPiBh7AAQ6yDRNan2JciQircavBKC-vjOXXYUVyTkhHD-n6z0H2M2lsIxSQ5EZm7dFDDonnUrYOfP9NU/s1600-h/DSCN0824.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBwm1btwdIEvrDi6BulDo5e-d8FIPRBASt7wxqPgSVLlGZxN2gbza_EoC0d6ZPiBh7AAQ6yDRNan2JciQircavBKC-vjOXXYUVyTkhHD-n6z0H2M2lsIxSQ5EZm7dFDDonnUrYOfP9NU/s320/DSCN0824.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447617814484067362" /></a><br />P. is just finishing up the bowling season. Yes, he picked bowling as his sport of choice for the winter. Landon and I have vowed that it will never happen again. You wouldn't consider bowling expensive at $25 a month, but then you add on lunch every weekend for $20-25 and it makes Owen's hockey look cheap. I know we could skip the lunch, but the bowling alley is one of the few decent places to eat in Vernal. Anyhow, this fall, we are going to highly encourage P. to play in hockey with Owen, especially since they will be on the same league. So if anyone has any hockey equipment that can be passed down, please send it our way! P. will also be starting soccer in a few weeks and most likely swimming lessons as well. <br /><br />Owen is doing pretty well in kindergarten. He is always coming to me with amazing little facts. In fact, I'm convinced he knows more dinosaur facts than all of the employees at the Utah Field House Museum. O. is always on his best behavior at school. And he has also taken up singing. His favorite tune is currently the Ghostbusters theme song. It's not the singing that is so great, but his facial animation. It's like watching a cartoon whether he is singer, talking back or just twitching his eyebrows. He is the cause of a lot of shared laughter at our house. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiShPF-4MvF9HQ533Gys4A_ZcJd7NYZ-D0aPj4I_E8sqqmI5ylCaTSN_t9sCYvnL3rD980VAAlD53Drd2IKC_tyoFSfFfhQSN2mBHUaiOd4B4CkTvyp-G2W4a2W5ZvjqH17OtXpu0r7E/s1600-h/DSCN1080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiShPF-4MvF9HQ533Gys4A_ZcJd7NYZ-D0aPj4I_E8sqqmI5ylCaTSN_t9sCYvnL3rD980VAAlD53Drd2IKC_tyoFSfFfhQSN2mBHUaiOd4B4CkTvyp-G2W4a2W5ZvjqH17OtXpu0r7E/s320/DSCN1080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447616863011033154" /></a><br />Hockey season recently ended and while it should have been a relief since it started in September, Owen and I both ended up being quite sad. His love/hate relationship with the game, turned into full on love right after Christmas. He has already said that he wants a hockey birthday party, although I'm not sure how I'm going to do that with a May birthday since the ice rink is about to close for the season. He is ready for the next season to start, but until then Owen will also be playing soccer and learning how to swim. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcowKDHfjnLB8EDY1BulRiqlMvRHbrr5qgmaht7ASNzA5e7hLrs6BX44hFJ_vhmMDq9Pr1oZwDba6UzoRGB5PzHeSsR9INWuu9VkGka9_gwSzQW8i8X3diQHT-XQpa52-ciZryd93aqdY/s1600-h/DSCN1000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcowKDHfjnLB8EDY1BulRiqlMvRHbrr5qgmaht7ASNzA5e7hLrs6BX44hFJ_vhmMDq9Pr1oZwDba6UzoRGB5PzHeSsR9INWuu9VkGka9_gwSzQW8i8X3diQHT-XQpa52-ciZryd93aqdY/s320/DSCN1000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447615563202588994" /></a><br /><br />Zoe....sweet Zoe! She is our ultimate bundle of attitude. I hear it's a girl thing, but all I can say is DAMN! She will wave her finger at you in a heartbeat if you are doing something she deems inappropriate. Unfortunately, inappropriate to Zoe, is anything that wasn't her idea. It adds for a lot of tears. She has already started the Stomp, Stomp, Slam! Stomp out of the room, stomp down the hall and slam her bedroom door. I didn't think that would happen until age 8. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxhhgV2Uv4l8zjGpyzRS9v2ThuEiD9neLfuJi0HuhPgvyFUhus9LG76wNGdalKwuMSb3SX5ZAIfNSiLiP-XRx_qU6ADyOvELhWGj1QIQLHWuv2m_i09dclEJzMxJBVHPdlKAMf-UWxcI/s1600-h/DSCF5003.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxhhgV2Uv4l8zjGpyzRS9v2ThuEiD9neLfuJi0HuhPgvyFUhus9LG76wNGdalKwuMSb3SX5ZAIfNSiLiP-XRx_qU6ADyOvELhWGj1QIQLHWuv2m_i09dclEJzMxJBVHPdlKAMf-UWxcI/s320/DSCF5003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447612426597893874" /></a><br /><br />She recently tried dance lessons, but has decided that she wants to play hockey instead. Thankfully she has to wait another year before she can play hockey. Until then, she'll start preschool next fall and participate in swimming lessons with her brothers. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu_CvP_BaCOnA_MPVJk0T04V0bDj_NLEiltWmM92KsO2rPJnZJj93s834lU9VRLNBG8XGAKfaDOxwIxmOocJ_ImMpF5an-zBS6JdNtaVRwx6TxC7Yi8hyphenhyphenOSysh8UATwHQ7dThLC4t1Xk/s1600-h/DSCF5015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu_CvP_BaCOnA_MPVJk0T04V0bDj_NLEiltWmM92KsO2rPJnZJj93s834lU9VRLNBG8XGAKfaDOxwIxmOocJ_ImMpF5an-zBS6JdNtaVRwx6TxC7Yi8hyphenhyphenOSysh8UATwHQ7dThLC4t1Xk/s320/DSCF5015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447612955320748130" /></a><br /><br />As for me, well, I don't have much to report. I'm starting to run more and more. I'm enjoying the warmer weather since it means I can get outside more. I figure if I sign up for a race of some kind every few months, its the best way to keep one foot in front of the other. Oh, and I'm starting to plan my mom groups summer boot camp challenge.....so ladies, if you are reading this, we are going to have a helluva good time, but you might want to invest in a hot tub now so you can rest those tired muscles!Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-69976498337173941892009-06-29T07:12:00.000-07:002009-06-29T07:14:04.206-07:00Grandma NelsonOn Sunday night, after grandma Nelson passed away, my mom, Toni, sent the boys outside to help shuck corn in order to prepare for dinner. It’s not that shucking corn is usually a sentimental past time, but on Sunday, as I watched my boys shuck corn for their grandma, I couldn’t help but remember all of the times I had done so for mine. Whether it was a few ears of corn for grandma, grandpa and myself or a few dozen for a family barbecue, shucking corn seemed far more special than just a simple meal time task.<br />Compared to a lot of grandkids, I’m fortunate to say, that I got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents. I clearly remember the smell of Grandma’s home and how welcomed I felt anytime I was there thanks to both her and my grandpa. As a kid I got to spend about a week up at Grandma’s house every summer. She always seemed to make that week count and I’m sure she was exhausted once I left. <br />There were the staples that we did every visit. We’d go to lunch a few times, hit the local swimming pool or make the trip to Belmont Springs. She’d always make sure to take me to see my dad in Logan at least once, and she’d always take me to church….whether I wanted to go or not. If fact, one of the first questions she would ask me upon arrival was if I remembered a dress. We’d also always stay up to watch the news and Johnny Carson after grandpa went to bed. She’d knit or sometimes I’d curl up in her lap. <br />My favorite thing about my annual summer visit was the shopping. Every year, she’d take me back to school shopping. We’d start in “town” by going to Christensen’s where we’d never buy anything, and then we’d discuss whether we would go to Logan or Ogden to do the majority of the shopping. Usually, we’d end up in Logan. I remember the last year we went school shopping. I was going into sixth grade and I was all about “Guess” jeans. I was also moving from the Girls sizes to the junior sizes. It was this year that I found the perfect pair of acid washed Guess overalls in the Girls section that I just had to have. They fit, if I didn’t breathe. Grandma being the good sport she was with me, didn’t bat an eye at the $80 price tag. She just said it would limit what other things we could buy, but I was more than fine with that. These were the overalls that I probably wore four times. Who knew that breathing was more important than fashion?<br />I have lots of memories of Grandma in the kitchen too. I remember her canning dilly beans as well as making oddly paired jams such as apricot plum peach. I don’t think anyone every had the heart to tell her that mixing these was not necessary. One kind of fruit in jam is enough. We all remember her and know her best for her infamous carrot pudding and its sauce. And I remember her for liking her meat particularly well done. I learned at an early age not to let grandma order my meat at a restaurant since I like things a little on the bloody side vs. the leather she enjoyed.<br />I remember her tolerance as well. Every visit I made up to Tremonton also included a ride on grandpa’s motorcycle. I think she sat in the front window waiting for us to return the entire time we were gone. Then there were Grandpa’s three wheelers that grandma never liked. One particular memory comes to mind of Nathan and I racing around the house blazing a trail in their grass. Nathan popped a wheelie and off we both flew. My head barely missed the sidewalk and after Nathan’s quick check to see if I was okay he was running to catch the three wheeler before it went through Irene Payne’s flower bed. If she saw it, she never said anything, but I’m pretty sure that it was shortly after that that the three wheelers were gone. <br />Grandma was full of kindness too. As I grew into my teens, I no longer made my week long stays at her house. However, between my junior and senior year in high school, my best friend’s brother died unexpectedly and she needed get away. So I called my Grandma and explained the sensitive situation. Before I knew it, Val and I were off to spend a few days at Grandma’s house. It wasn’t only a visit, it was an escape. She sent us to the rodeo with grandpa where grandpa then sent us to the fair with $100 after the calf roping made Val nauseas. There is something about carnival rides that helps the grieving process for a teenager, but there is something sacred about going to Grandma’s house. Somewhere along the lines, it turned into a place I knew I could go when I or anyone I knew needed a sanctuary and knowing it was open to my friends made it even more special. <br />She was funny too. This is something my mom never saw in my grandma, but there was the occasion her dry wit would come out. It was easy to miss, if fact, it wasn’t uncommon for me to catch her witty comment until well after the conversation had passed. Landon and I both remember sitting at her kitchen bar laughing with her shortly after grandpa died. We just wish we could remember what the conversation was about because it was one of those priceless unexpected moments.<br />I have a lot of things I could say about my Grandmother. I could go on about the vacation she and Grandpa took me on, her flower beds, and more. But I can’t end without mentioning her talent in front of a camera. Never have I seen anyone so photogenic that they look “three sheets to the wind” in almost every photo. <br /> I have a lot of memories that I am grateful for. But the best thing I could probably say it that I love her and while she wasn’t one to spoil me with hugs and kisses, she always made it clear that she loved me too. In fact, one of the few things I hope my daughter, Zoe, can experience is having even half of the relationship with her grandma that I had with mine.<br />So Grandma, thanks for all the times we shared. I hope you’ve found the happiness you deserve. Oh-and Owen asks that if you see Brighteyes in heaven, that you give her a pat.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-43668957983641057562009-03-28T20:04:00.000-07:002009-03-28T20:52:53.128-07:00Zoe and the not so pretty hair!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The entertainment of children is endless. I'm sure I've said it before. The stupid things husbands allow children to do without thinking through the consequence is equally entertaining and aggravating. Here is an example of husband stupidity and Zoe mischief!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">A couple of weeks ago, Landon decided it was time to give Parker and Owen haircuts. I'm sure you see where this is going. Owen likes a buzz cut while Parker prefers it spikey on top. To keep the house loose hair free, Landon took the boys and the kitchen stool to the front yard where he began using the electric clippers. Zoe sat on the porch watching contently, while I ran to the store. My gut feeling was to take her with me, but what could happen?! Landon's responsible, right?</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Thiry minutes later I receive this message on my cell phone.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318443614733077954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddztDAHIcXacKJP_z-R6JSIU12OlbVbsG-WI3OFQBw75Mmm08J1Hx_CcEy9ozugTNrLN2uPJshlPtwPGBYCBDGb95OdsX_11aNNbocNynuezZ0aECp9kOs4ftLZs96AwIJc-OYX7TUtE/s320/Zoe+shaved+head+1.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With two sets of clippers and Landon using one of those on Parker's hair, he never heard Zoe turn on set two. Now, everyone who knows Zoe, know you never turn your back on her! Some even say she is plotting to take over the world. I, in this particular case, think she just wanted to feel pretty and independent. She didn't quite understand what she had done at the time, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the outcome she expected. Landon's first response was "Oh Zoe, your hairs not pretty anymore." He didn't laugh....then. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Later that night after lots and lots of laughter at Zoe's expense, we took a better picture. Go ahead and call it poor parenting to laugh at your kid, but you try not to laugh when they shave a quarter of their heard. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318443614901282610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqEdojpAh5F3a6XfZXI91kfOAILMC6P5nnQpk9O2YlP3QvyalpNQWkd2XjTTDT71wzx_N9yQ_4hyKBSIG0Q_zJsNKiWpTZGSuza-1m3HPQZKJZ1w3VXrpzmAGh0LS4mD-8EnJlik1QPM/s320/Zoe+shaved+head+2.jpg" border="0" /> After Zoe's bath, we let her look in the mirror for the first time. Her sadness and shock was immediate. She didn't cry, but she starred at herself intently for about five minutes. After getting into her pajamas, she quietly got her shoes and a knit beanie on then came to me to say, "Mommy, hat go buy, peeze?" I had planned on buying a couple of hats on Monday morning, but with a plea like that, there was no saying no. So at 8:30pm on Sunday night, Zoe and I ran to K-Mart and Wal-Mart where she picked out a Dora baseball hat, butterfly baseball hat, and three bandanas. There where still no smiles from the little lady, but she was satisfied. And even later in the evening, we got her to model her pink bandana with a smile.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318443621256066802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFTBVmaaIyhrYcd4ZYPt1gZ5Mf7l6ulmIK93J8EhKMLBqhTMgcDgfR_2yNA-mLogjYgOJ55jM0dGaSFtH93U3smuAYwBWceEUEywWA10Imv-kYaqfydMt0PwJFPTWkK6P0jR1svSHRHo/s320/Zoe+shaved+head-bandana.jpg" border="0" />The decision whether to shave her head or not was our next debate. Landon wanted to shave it, but after the consultation of my moms group and a local hair salon (where everyone had suggestions and snickers!) it was decided that Zoe will be going with the ultra conservatve republican comb over until it grows long enough to turn it into a cute pixie cut. Thankfully we live in Utah so a comb over will blend it well! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Two weeks later she still insists on wearing a hat or bandana if we leave the house.</span><br /></div>Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-80018583788679990532009-01-18T21:58:00.000-08:002009-01-18T22:15:44.145-08:00Four Little WordsThere are certain things we wait for our kids to do. Things we teach and sometimes dwell on. These things include saying "Mama" or "Dada", crawling, walking, and so forth. I recall Landon coming home every night from work when Parker was a newborn. He'd hold him and say "Dada" over and over again. He'd move Parker's mouth with his thumb while he was saying "Dada". It was cute at first, but promptly got annoying. Months later, what was Parker's first word? Kitty, but Dada was the second.<br /><br />I was the one who encouraged Parker to crawl and walk. I remember getting down on the floor and showing all my kids how to crawl. Owen had the army crawl down at four months and almost skipped the full crawl. He needed extra encouragement with walking. Zoe, well, we should have pushed her down. She hit all her milestones too early. Landon's grey hair will attest to this.<br /><br />We encourage our kids, sometimes we push them and sometimes we are surprised by them. It was to my delight last week when Zoe came up to me and jumped on my back. This wasn't the surprise. The surprise was that she pulled my ear close and said, "I love you mommy!" There was no prompting other than our daily good morning and good night love. It was just there. It is a happy "first" that I hope to always remember.<br /><br /> It is so easy to loose the joy of being a parent and lately it's been a daily struggle. But, moments like this are rejuvenating-So thank you Zoe Kaye. I have a feeling you have wisdom underneath all that silliness.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-86174470374830731902009-01-07T18:47:00.000-08:002009-01-07T19:04:53.530-08:00Punched Out!Now, I understand that hitting is wrong. My kids usually understand that hitting is wrong, but there are times when a good punch just hits the spot as was the situation between Owie and Parker on Sunday evening.<br /><br />On Sunday Parker helped Owie with his seatbelt while Landon and I were still making our way to the car. We were headed to dinner. There were no comments or crying and we found ourselves blissfully on our way with little difficulty, a rarity in our family. As we pulled into the restaurant after a ten minute drive, I turned to talk to Parker who had been unusually quiet in the car. (Parents seldom notice that something could be wrong with the silence, we simply enjoy it! And often when we realize something may be wrong, we still just enjoy the silence!) Anyhow, as I turned to talk to Parker, he burst into tears, "My brother punched me and knocked out my tooth!<br /><br />Tears immediately formed in my eyes as I quickly translated Parker's blubbering for Landon. I was trying to spit out something sympathetic to Parker but all I could do was laugh. Landon was no better, but he did manage to get out of the car and go around to console the grieving boy. You see, Parker's tooth had been loose and was about ready to be pulled out. I was going to have Landon pull it out on Monday so Owen simply beat us to the punch. <br /><br />After words of encouragement and a search for a tooth that is still missing we went into the restaurant. The tooth will probably never be found due to the broken white candy cane pieces that were all over the backseat of the van.<br /><br />Thankfully the Tooth Fairy knows that these things happen and Parker cheerfully woke up on Monday morning to find a pack of gum and a crisp $1 bill under his pillow.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-46598274581915682022009-01-07T18:28:00.000-08:002009-01-07T18:43:57.507-08:00Wasatch Back Relay....What Have I Done!!!So there is excitement and terror in what I have done, but today with the help of Kamille, we created a team to run the Wasatch Back Relay. Oh, it should be fun and a bit crazy knowing us and most of those involved. Truth is, that if you are friends with me or Kamille...worse yet, me and Kamille, there isn't much sane about you. <br /><br /><a href="http://http//www.ragnarrelay.com/wasatchback/index.php">http://http://www.ragnarrelay.com/wasatchback/index.php</a><br /><br />So a team of 12...well, we are still two short, but they will come. (Any takers?) The Wasatch Back Relay, for those who don't know, is a 178 mile relay race that spans over 24 hours. It starts in Logan, Utah and ends in Park City, Utah. There is truly only one word to give this race justice.....ALTITUDE! Ha! You thought it was going to be a naughty word. I'm saving those for race day. Our van will probably need a dollar jar. And after we are done we will probably be able to buy a Park City timeshare. <br /><br />Our next step, other than finding two more teammates (hint, hint!) is to name our team. Our two current possibilities are 1)WTF...I thought this was a 5k? AND 2) WWJD? Certainly NOT THIS! It's up for a vote among our ten runners, although I've temporarily named it #1, I have an equal fondness of the second. Yes, they are crude. My mother already chastized me, but as Kamille put it when hearing team name #1 was, "If that's the worst we hear during the run, we are doin' good!" Sometime Primary songs just don't cut it!<br /><br />Well, I had to make a quite post to insure that there isn't much sane about me, but then...we already knew that!Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-17621732353157822692008-12-19T23:46:00.000-08:002008-12-20T00:06:04.476-08:00AnnieToday the World's Best Cat passed away. I'm quite sad about this. We got Annie when I was 14 or 15 traveling back to Salt Lake from a weekend vacation with the family in Mesquite. We stopped at the Smith's in St. George where a boy was trying to get rid of a bunch of kittens. My mom picked this long haired black kitten. I fell in love with Annie, a perfect tabby. As we got in the car with the black kitten, I begged and pleaded for the little orange one until Delbert turned around and we went back for Annie. It really didn't take much convincing. We never even made it out of the parking lot.<br /><br />Annie got his name because 1) I loved the movie Annie as a little girl. 2)The boy giving out the kittens was positive he was a she. Katie (the black cat) was also a he. We learned this when we took them to get spayed and they wound up neutered.<br /><br />Annie is the worlds best cat for a variety of reasons. He would lay on your chest for hours. He'd curl up on your pillow and purr. He was friendly, but not annoying. He liked popcorn. He was great with kids. They could abuse him and love him in anyway they pleased and he would take it. Eventually he might go hide, but he wouldn't hiss, scratch or bite. He just go limp and wait for the kids to be done with their misguided love. He was tough too. I once saw him take on a raccoon. The fight was a draw because I scared them, but it takes balls for a cat to challenge a raccoon. <br /><br />I'm not sure where cats go when they die, but Annie deserves the finest spot in kitty heaven. You were one of the highlights and staples of moms house.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-24383072378812187852008-12-19T11:23:00.000-08:002008-12-19T15:38:08.134-08:00Halloween<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrFYujChZUtDcOR7xwOK2zK2QpSAxQFxXPc0O-KXF_fVETZgMlL-BLEibnpvifQqGdAw2yGnR7h6GxxUP71zDIS8h5LEgTF_X4TpwfWEzJWvSRFEgSTtjwuv4nMvhCzzGzhg50V0tQ2Y/s1600-h/Nov+2008+249.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281590429610046770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 418px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrFYujChZUtDcOR7xwOK2zK2QpSAxQFxXPc0O-KXF_fVETZgMlL-BLEibnpvifQqGdAw2yGnR7h6GxxUP71zDIS8h5LEgTF_X4TpwfWEzJWvSRFEgSTtjwuv4nMvhCzzGzhg50V0tQ2Y/s320/Nov+2008+249.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm catching up on a few major activities from the year...so here is Halloween! With a variety of Halloween parties and activities this year, our Halloween costumes were put to use!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281590954321399762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EbagD6wvAXuAt38DEhFSEIQJ0U6DFRGKYnZ_5KwN0B2FyoKCPdJcdxmxyqVgG6MROdNWu3Ic0cvur-PCsY10GbJj2kr5A4rbN8_rqOc5nRW8wjCUeQEPVrPwSKQRXPAPbjUsNodsiyk/s320/Nov+2008+243.JPG" border="0" />Parker was Indiana Jones but preferred being called Dr. Jones. Owie was a t-rex. Is that any real surprise?! And Zoe was a princess on warm days, but on Halloween she was a ladybug. We had lots of fun and got lots of candy. Parker had the most fun handing out candy at home, but trick or treating with friends door to door was a close second.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25yXZYyfyTtFHvfgbhb7ErDHdpnTGncTrFMddG_F5JzlZBQRRfRUx1AZ_MldhXoDFa_Whp74JdE-S1tndcCsZLMOuVgW8lQvtYt2BUbbwmKl9_lF3zoLF2k7F3wl5js9LYG8bLhdgA4E/s1600-h/Nov+2008+220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281585841043761410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25yXZYyfyTtFHvfgbhb7ErDHdpnTGncTrFMddG_F5JzlZBQRRfRUx1AZ_MldhXoDFa_Whp74JdE-S1tndcCsZLMOuVgW8lQvtYt2BUbbwmKl9_lF3zoLF2k7F3wl5js9LYG8bLhdgA4E/s320/Nov+2008+220.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuhwJefUF6pPqn24OFtvC5Z_9t7e0GJA5iQA9nMHG7cwGK9YCqxm_WxMmrmLC9pvQ_jS7TiK0Uo4AFoYgNfDIy-q41vhay4ltaPQxDOJPNttHyl49ayf_00LNPeKIoN2kWgTj-llrEgo/s1600-h/Nov+2008+252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281585421475062130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuhwJefUF6pPqn24OFtvC5Z_9t7e0GJA5iQA9nMHG7cwGK9YCqxm_WxMmrmLC9pvQ_jS7TiK0Uo4AFoYgNfDIy-q41vhay4ltaPQxDOJPNttHyl49ayf_00LNPeKIoN2kWgTj-llrEgo/s320/Nov+2008+252.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-49087564077002362672008-12-11T08:08:00.000-08:002008-12-11T08:13:02.241-08:00Our She-Devil turns 2!It is official; yesterday my darling daughter turned two. Of course she had a birthday party with a My Little Pony cake, which she tenderly refers to as her “Hee Haw cake”. To Zoe, there are no horses, only donkeys. I hope that doesn’t indicate what kind of boys she will date when she is older. On the other hand, aren’t donkeys/pack mules seen as sturdy and reliable? From a parent perspective that must be better than the wild stallion. I’m sure it’s something quite different from a teenage girl’s point of view. The comparison must be similar to dating the nice guy. You know the one I’m talking about, the one who is always “the friend”. Thank God we aren’t there yet. As eager as I am for Zoe to outgrow the terrible two’s, I’m nowhere near ready for twelve through twenty four, and Lord knows her daddy isn’t!<br /><br />Back to Birthday Joy (but aren't the tangents fun!)…..We celebrated with candlelit muffins in the morning. Our Christmas tree was transformed into a birthday tree, a highlight to Parker who is going to be sorely disappointed that he won’t have a Birthday tree for his January 9th birthday. And while Parker and Owen fully appreciated the candles and decoration, our Sweet Zoe was interested in birthday cake. Prior to yesterday she related birthdays to only one thing and that was CAKE! Yes, she sings happy birthday. Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed unwrapping her gifts with assistance from Owen and Lilly, but the highlight was the birthday cake that she cried about all afternoon. She sobbed. She clung to my leg. She climbed on the counter. It nearly took calling in the Marines to keep her from accomplishing her mission of capture the cake.<br /><br /><br />Thankfully the arrival of family and friends distracted her from her mission to engulf herself in cake. We stuffed animals and had snacks, and then we unwrapped gifts. A highlight at any birthday party, especially because all of the kids want to help. It’s great practice for Christmas morning this time of year. We now have more Barbies and My Little Ponies that necessary. In fact, Santa is reconsidering. Also received was a much needed kitchen, which was a grand idea; however the play food could go. Who knew that stepping on a plastic French fry could hurt? <br />What happens when Landon and I stumble upon a drum stick or banana? Will it rival the Matchbox car or lego?<br /><br />Overall, our She Devil had a splendid birthday filled with lots of family and friends. It was exactly how a birthday should be, one filled with love. So congrats to you, Ladybug, for making it thus far. And a bigger congrats to daddy for successfully managing two full years of having a princess.<br /><br /><br />We love you Zoe! And despite what Owie tells his preschool teacher, we have no plans on giving you away as tempting as it may be sometimes!<br /><br />Pics to come!Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-32794670047077918532008-12-11T07:58:00.000-08:002008-12-11T08:08:08.498-08:00My Love Affair with EdwardThankfully I can say that I have put this love affair to bed. Not literally of course, although I know what you’re thinking! It’s unfortunate that Edward can’t be put to bed…literally. (Kamille-that’s directed at you...as well as just about every mom in my moms group! I think I might be partial to Jasper…at least the movie version. )<br /><br />My Twilight obsession is dwindling. I can once again sleep nights and not look at my dearest hubby to wonder what I am missing. I don’t need the intensity or drama of loving a vampire. Nor do I need to have the insecurities of a teenage girl. Marriage is hard enough as it is and the teens where hell. Who would want to relive them?<br /><br />The intensity of a new relationship is something that seriously sucks with marriage. The newness that is full of surprise, suspense and flirtation somehow dissolves into daily routines. How is it that fun can be sucked out so easily and that responsibilities have to be such a bummer? Yes, I said bummer. However, there are bright sides. No more dating. Feel free to let you leg hair grow (too bad I'm a compulsive leg shaver.) And thankfully kids add a lot of humor to a marriage. Because laughter is critical in a successful marriage, at least it is in mine! Although, I must give Landon credit. He does provide a lot of humor which often turns into hysterical laughter!<br /><br />So thank you Ms. Meyers for developing your Twilight characters so thoroughly. Once back down in reality, I appreciate my hubby and my family a bit more. The fact that my idea of a chase scene is running after a two year in attempts to get her dressed if just fine by me, albeit sometimes equally emotional draining as having someone trying to kill you. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much!<br /><br />But Edward, if you are out there....feel free to visit my dreams from time to time!Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-82080765864883496542008-12-11T07:53:00.000-08:002008-12-19T15:53:20.151-08:00The Kindergartener & The Preschooler<div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281651925652486610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYv7Lma0Lp76vJLx1LHvDDkkiadFCuTPxDPouPORgh6CZ1Dz4VmxM-BPApiHOqD11C3H1Mt60uORL7jb-nri0MBdZfw24gphY5sXrDtnGnHQiuNwH6NU8iHN6yjtrp7EAtpyJAFKA1wU/s320/Nov+2008+142.JPG" border="0" /><strong>The Kindergartener</strong> (written Sept 3rd 2008)<br />The countdown is over and the first day of kindergarten is HERE! Parker’s enthusiasm is contagious. My two minutes of sadness left last night. I’m sure if I got out his baby book I’d tear up a bit, but I’ll save my sentimental moments for another day. Today, I am happy. I am happy to know that I have five half days a week with only two of my little blessings.<br /><br />I don’t know what my expectations were once Parker entered the classroom this morning. I thought he might hold my hand and be a bit unsure. I didn’t know I could be so wrong. Parker surprised me with this delightful confidence. He walked in, greeted his teacher (she knew his name which made him happy), promptly put his backpack in the coat room and found his seat. He needed no guidance from his teacher. As for me, there was not a kiss, a hug or even a goodbye. He was ready and his confidence and enthusiasm filled the room….as least in this mother’s eyes.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281652162856546434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W1YneHjjqfLo83rBNy5FEExQCsNrKbA3wtYAugr16vKphwfMEqgTotiJEmpZDtkcg2rfYgSzdWmOP0A8f0q0J3CzLBUTwqDguHPcBNHNmxPi_3ZOI7Vf1yOCK5RvU7vcXI0TMfCwQDs/s320/Nov+2008+144.JPG" border="0" /><br />I think much of Parker’s enthusiasm is the fact that he gets to ride the school bus home, but the possibility of bringing the classroom show and tell bucket, known as the Mystery Bucket, home<br />comes in close second. Don’t get me wrong, he loves going to school. He is excited to learn, but a school bus to a five year old is magnificent. In our house it has risen past the almighty fire truck and the spaceship in status.<br /><br />Another school perk this morning was the PTO hosted Boo-Hoo Breakfast for the mothers of kindergarteners. Owen, Zoe & I went to check it out. We’d already had breakfast, but how many of us really pass up the chance at free food? I was surprised at how few mothers were at the breakfast. I also found that the Boo-Hoo breakfast is misnamed and should be known as the Hip Hip Hooray Breakfast. A few of the mothers were downright giddy that another child was in school. Push them out and ship them off!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6ZU_zIVqUUm4tmLXvNj3oKMX36jZ_fVqzPCzki9ArQ0dlrP_SKayv3GepmqNosGWEBwznVE_WLAYJ3dzk0GbU5_lYLG7k4JdPi0fmLdb2e92nnLpPPFcRal1CU_fbBcZoy_UZ-KPaPc/s1600-h/Nov+2008+146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281652838717568706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6ZU_zIVqUUm4tmLXvNj3oKMX36jZ_fVqzPCzki9ArQ0dlrP_SKayv3GepmqNosGWEBwznVE_WLAYJ3dzk0GbU5_lYLG7k4JdPi0fmLdb2e92nnLpPPFcRal1CU_fbBcZoy_UZ-KPaPc/s320/Nov+2008+146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My morning without Parker was full of busy to dos but I still had plenty of time to obnoxiously wait for the school bus outside my house with camera in hand. Yes, I did indeed see the bus driver chuckle as he told Parker to smile. While I’m sure this behavior was nothing new for a kindergartener’s mother, I was slightly embarrassed. It was an embarrassment that I will wear with pride.<br /><br />Now the interrogation began. Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Stan had come over to hear about Parker’s first day of KINDERGARTEN. We drilled the boy with questions and this is what we learned. Not much. He likes his teacher, he liked recess and he made friends with a nameless boy that was wearing the same shirt as Parker. All day I’ve been trying to get bits more, but there hasn’t been much. He and his classmates sat on the carpet and Mrs. Hadlock read them story. He also tells about a room that only five students at a time can go into…special toys, I think, but I’m not quite sure. Talking to a five year old is similar to a challenging riddle. There was one last thing I did learn about Parker’s first day, his disappointment in not bringing home the show and tell bucket. </div><div><br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ6nksumGsHpbB5q7i8IK_0aep87bTMca-LiThmrRmsU2eJcy9kKUsjK4V-B_roWMDMQlhn2caIEZ2jUlzfTHA4Mow1sjq_VMabR-6y_AAyT3gh-PODvvw_5UJxzj9GjqcwhLEFSP16I/s1600-h/Owen+1st+day+preschool.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281653212838991666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ6nksumGsHpbB5q7i8IK_0aep87bTMca-LiThmrRmsU2eJcy9kKUsjK4V-B_roWMDMQlhn2caIEZ2jUlzfTHA4Mow1sjq_VMabR-6y_AAyT3gh-PODvvw_5UJxzj9GjqcwhLEFSP16I/s320/Owen+1st+day+preschool.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Preschooler</strong><br />Today was also Owen’s preschool open house. Parker’s enthusiasm has obviously carried over into Owie. All morning it’s been constant questions about preschool…mostly, “Is it time to go yet?” Today he got to meet his teacher, Mrs. Kirsten. “O” doesn’t realize that he knows Mrs. Kirsten as Parker’s preschool teacher from last year, but the fact that she knew him made him happy. The fact that she had brownies simply sweetened the deal.<br /><br />Owen has to wait until Monday to start preschool. I’m sure his excitement will continue especially once he learns about show and tell. I guarantee that every Wednesday he will take something regarding dinosaurs because to Owie life revolves around dinosaurs. In fact, my final mission before preschool begins is to get Owen to talk like a normal three year old. Currently and especially in public, he roars. Occasionally, he’ll tell you what type of dinosaur he is for the moment.<br /><br /><strong>Piano Man</strong><br />And to top the day off, today is also Parker’s first day of piano lessons. I’m sitting outside Mrs. Blackburn’s house patiently awaiting a detailed report. I have this feeling that by 8pm we will all be exhausted from all of the days new experiences. And with any luck the confidence and enthusiasm will continue through the school year and through life.<br />Ahh, piano was a success!!!<br /><br />So, play me a song Mister Piano Man…….</div></div></div></div>Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-1724432974864734402008-11-07T20:49:00.001-08:002008-11-07T20:58:44.029-08:00Confessions of an Unloyal BloggerI think about this blog on a weekly basis and the guilt, well is not too bad. So I'm sorry Kamille for letting you down!!! I'll do better...really. I have about five unfinished blogs on my computer that simply need to be posted. Titles include: Kindergarten-My Saving Grace and My Love Affair with Edward. I'm not about to guarantee photos, but I'll bump blog to the top of my to do list next week....right under laundry and cleaning the bathroom.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-56540337114285226062008-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:002008-08-14T18:22:36.845-07:00Hell No!It's not a term Zoe has used yet, but her enthusiasm with using the word "NO!" may as well be the same as "Hell No!" The kicking and screaming has begun and she is delighted with herself. I'm not sure that I am prepared for the third and final round of the terrible twos, but I take a deep breathe and remind myself that it is essential to laugh.....often. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4lg8Qe72m1CTuTMRZRl6rUQwbRSX_s9FFOuyzYijL7GMn7V-Djzjavz5pWx1oT9pBYSeNR4-Y6cCrb5fkZkOO3e1E9RML0zJlu_c3U4vlau8DuaKRbTWFf98XEsF01s3GNS_YmiUQC8/s1600-h/Zoe+on+table.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234532379468003074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4lg8Qe72m1CTuTMRZRl6rUQwbRSX_s9FFOuyzYijL7GMn7V-Djzjavz5pWx1oT9pBYSeNR4-Y6cCrb5fkZkOO3e1E9RML0zJlu_c3U4vlau8DuaKRbTWFf98XEsF01s3GNS_YmiUQC8/s320/Zoe+on+table.jpg" width="226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her favorite naughty things include:<br /><p><strong>Climbing on the kitchen table.</strong> This often includes something flying across the room. Typically I wouldn't worry about her climbing on the table, but we have a tall bar style table and I don't do well with blood. Plus, every time she stands proudly in the middle of the table, I think of her future and hope table dancing is excluded. My morbid imagination seems to take it a bit further because Tina Turner's hit "Private Dancer" plays over and over again in my brain. In fact, it's the only song I have in my head these days....ask Landon. </p><p><strong>The infamous flailing of the arms and legs at the attempt to put Zoe in her car seat.</strong> I think every parent goes through this with their children. Today Zoe was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">insistent</span> upon kicking me in the head <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">repeatedly</span>. Zoe thought this was quite funny between her screams of agony. Surprisingly, I had no reaction to being kicked. I was more focused on confining my little angel and shutting the van door as quickly as possible. </p><p><strong>Coloring on walls.</strong> She is my first wall artist and she takes every opportunity she has to happily draw a mural of scribbles on the walls, doors, cupboards, fridge and whatever else is under 30 inches tall. At visits with our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pediatrician</span> he always drills us on keeping medications and cleaning products out of reach, but he fails to mention crayons, markers, pens, paints and all other art products. These are critical products to keep out of a toddlers reach. If all households in America had these items on the top shelf, I have no doubt that child abuse <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">statistics</span> would drop drastically.</p>It's not too often that I want to shake Zoe. The rare <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occasion</span> that I do want to shake her, my self restraint kicks in. Instead I opt for timeouts. Zoe is quickly becoming familiar with this practice of punishment at which she sobs and tries to cling to my leg. The sobs of "Mommy, Mommy" don't typically make me pity her. They do make me wish for a time machine to fast forward through the next year....at least the screaming parts. She also understands "spanking". It's not something I practice often, but just the word gets her attention and causes her to listen.<br /><br />Zoe is still the sweetest little girl I know even though she is becoming known as Little Miss Independent. She is stubborn. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Stubbornness</span> is a horrible trait to have to deal with as a parent, but it will be a great attribute when she is in middle and high school. Her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">stubbornness</span> along with her new age of independence keeps her repetition of the word "NO" so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">frequent</span> that you'd think there was an echo.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-33230747852358328952008-08-07T12:27:00.000-07:002008-08-07T12:36:27.342-07:00Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Off To School They Go!The thrill of school starting is running through the veins of our house. It's all Parker talks about these days. I, too, am equally excited...maybe even more excited than Parker. Today, we officially registered Parker for kindergarten. It's done! He starts on September 3rd. I think I hear angels singing......Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-15529443475286468792008-08-07T11:25:00.001-07:002008-08-07T12:26:41.294-07:00Our Tropical Salt Lake City VacationSo Salt Lake isn't what one would call tropical, but this year we enjoyed it as our summer vacation. We stayed at my mom's house for a week to house and pet sit while she (Toni) and my step-dad Delbert when to Oregon to see Delbert's uncle's 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Birthday party....seriously, I hope I don't live that long. <br /><br />We had a great week. It was a nice combination of family, friends, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">activities</span> and just a bit of relaxing. I understand the concept of "vacation" is relaxing, but I like to go and do, not sit. Landon specifically requested that there be some sleeping in and down time. <br /><br />We took the kids to Thanksgiving Point where we visited the Museum of Ancient Life and the farm. Talk about a great museum. My boys loved every minute of it and that includes my hubby. He probably had the most fun of all of us. After the museum we went to the farm. Landon named all of the animals. Landon and the kids petted a donkey (better known as both jackass and democrat) and the calf (Veal). Both animals got jealous when the other was getting attention. The calf kept ramming the donkey's kennel and the donkey was jumping around screaming. Oh, and the boys got to milk a cow. It was only three squirts each, but they thought that was fun. Landon was disgusted by it.<br /><br />We hit the zoo while we were there too. It's not quite the zoo I remember as a kid. A lot of animals seemed to be gone. The lions and the polar bears are no more. A trip to the zoo is a trip to the zoo. They don't fascinate Landon or myself (well, maybe if we went in the spring), but the kids, particularly Zoe, really enjoyed it. She was all about the cats. The snow leopard looked her up and down asif he was ready to take a bite. Her favorite cats, where the small ones that looked like house cats. She would have loved to cuddle with them.<br /><br />Our last big outing was Lagoon. Grandma Toni kept Zoe for the day and we took the boys. It was fun. No major meltdowns...well until it was time to leave, but the bride of cotton candy brought back smiling faces. I had two highlights of the day. First was taking Owen on the Log Ride. He <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shrieked</span> when he got wet. Everyone is line was laughing. I had a hard time getting out of the log he was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">shrieking</span> so loud. Immediately following that we took him on the river rafting ride. Of course I told him he wouldn't get wet! As we approached the waterfall, I decided I'd better cover him as much as possible, but it really didn't do much good. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Surprisingly</span>, he was okay with the river rafting as long as he didn't have to do it again. <br /><br />My second favorite part of the day wasn't a moment, but the facial expressions and the joy you could see on the boys faces. It's stands out best on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Musical</span> Express. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Owie</span> was hellbent on keeping his hands up the entire ride. His eyes were open as wide as they go. He put so much effort into keeping his hand up that there were no sounds coming from his smiling lips....unusual for Owen, who is the loudest kid I've ever met.<br /><br />Our vacation was also filled with lots of family time. We went swimming with my brother Nate and his family. Nick, my nephew-age 6, was jumping off the diving board when he slipped into a perfect dive. Nick was terrified, but I think the crowd gave it a perfect 10. My brother has identical twins, Erik & Zack who are always fun to watch. <br /><br />Family time, includes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kamille</span>. We've been friends for years and for some odd reason we've never gotten sick of each other. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kamille</span> has been married for almost 11 years and has four kids. This was the first time we've ever spent time together with our families. Typically when we see each other our husbands keep the kids and we go to lunch. I can officially say I like her husband Jeff. Prior to the 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> of July, he was just Jeff. There was no personality attached to it. To my surprise he is quite a delight. Their kids; Ethan, Maya, Kate and Logan are equally delightful and probably the most polite children I've ever met. Go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kamille</span>!<br /><br />Fun with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kamille</span> includes a combination of white trash meets high school. The huge hill in her backyard allows for a thrilling homemade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">slip'n'slide</span>. Parker's bloody nose and my grass burns ought to sum up the speed of the slide. <br /><br />The best part of our vacation was the date night that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kamille</span> planned. We went <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">water sliding</span> down a drainage covert under the I-215. No kids for this...and while I first questioned if I might die, I quickly realized that was absurd and the worst thing that could happen was being arrested. There's nothing like adding a bit of thrill to your life!<br /><br />There were lots of other things that we did on our tropical vacation, but these few things needed to be highlighted for my memory's sake. Sadly, I can offer no photos. Our camera decided to die the first day we were there. <br /><br />As for having a hometown vacation, I highly recommend it! Maybe next year, we'll vacation in Vernal. While everyone thinks this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">small town</span> is vacant, I find it's a treasure if you scratch the surface....plus we've got a 42" rule for Disneyland.Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810893911854548225.post-12820165877854411982008-07-16T20:33:00.000-07:002008-07-16T20:41:28.957-07:00So this is blogging?I'm always a bit behind on the newest fad. In fact, I don't often follow fads....maybe I do and just don't always notice. I did just order new glasses that would be considered the "in" thing.<br /><br />Anyhow....this blogging thing has taken me a bit by surprise. I am an intensly private person so airing my views might not be the wisest thing, but what the hell. I've realized that my writing skills are slipping. Maybe this will sharpen the pencil. AND it's an opportunity to write about my kids. That ought to make it fun because I've always got a story!Carrie J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18410844092664840106noreply@blogger.com5