The Bachman Blog

Hayley Bug

2012-02-01T21:04:00.003-07:00

Hayley's birthday is next week. I can't believe I'll have a six year old! Really, where did the time go? With her getting so big on us, I've been reflecting lately on some of the things going on in her life lately.

Back in October, Hayley finally convinced us to buy her a pet. We decided on a goldfish, and she was super excited about it. Until it died. And the replacement died. And the replacement's replacement died. Fish #4 was going to be the last chance. We got some fish advice from my sister Stacey, who won a fish at Westfest four years ago and has also kept it alive for that long. (It's kind of creepy how big a four-year-old goldfish is...) The verdict? We weren't feeding the fish enough. They were starving with only having the few flakes that the fish food bottle recommended. Sure enough, as soon as we started being a little more generous with the fish flakes, Ta da! No more dead fish. However, since Hayley was now in the habit of going to pick out a new fish pretty much weekly, we still headed over to the pet store every now and then to check out the fish tanks. (And give Jackson his weekly exposure to dogs, but that's a different story...) One day we were there and there were some goldfish in the tank that were tiny! Hayley convinced me into buying her one of the mini-fishes to be a friend to the one we already had. (No names for the fish either. Hayley stopped naming the fish after about Fish #2.) The best part of this story is that when Daddy saw that there were now two fishes in the bowl the next morning, Hayley said to him, with a totally straight face, "Wow, I guess my fish had a baby!" She was so convincing, that Jeremy believed her! Until common sense got the best of him, and he came to me for an explanation of goldfish reproduction. Don't worry, I got him all straightened out. While Hayley listened from upstairs and laughed, until we heard, "I tricked you Daddy!"

Today I was reminding Hayley that this Friday is Spirit Day and they will be selling popcorn at school, so we needed to remember to bring a quarter. She asked if she could bring two quarters, and I told her, "Remember? It's only one bag of popcorn per kid, so you only need one quarter." To which she replied, "Mom, the extra quarter isn't for me. It's in case someone in my class forgets to bring their quarter, then I will have one to give them." Really? So sweet, and even better that it was unprompted. I think we just may send her with two quarters on Friday.

Lastly, the Little Girl lost her first tooth tonight. It's been loose for a while, but today it was to the point that Jeremy and I were both afraid she may accidentally swallow it in the night if it didn't come out. I came home to Hayley in front of the mirror with the pliers, and Jeremy recording her with his phone. Except then she started to get nervous, and Jeremy kept pushing her anyway, and pretty soon she was in tears. We took a break and Jeremy left for a while to go run some errands. I knew the tooth was barely hanging on, and had a calm chat with Hayley and told her that she could pull it, or I could pull it, but if it was still in her mouth when Daddy got home, he would probably pull it. Finally she said, "Okay fine. I want you to pull it." So without wasting any time, I plunked her up on the counter, grabbed the tooth with the dishtowel, and gave it a good pull. Sure enough it popped right out. After the initial shock was over, and she inspected her tooth and the new hole in her mouth, she announced that this was the "best day ever!" We send Jeremy a picture and he hurried home to share the excitement with us, and we headed to Grandma Heidi's to show her too. Grandma told Hayley to write the Tooth Fairy a note to not take her tooth because she needed to put it under her pillow at Grandma's too. Spoiled much Hayley? Guess I'll let it slide. Spoiling is what you're supposed to do with almost-six-year-olds, right?

Winter Cabin Trip

2012-01-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

So, I know that I said that I wouldn't go back to the cabin in the winter until we had some newer snowmobiles there with us, but after having a couple years to warm up to the idea, I was ready to ammend my statement. I decided we should go, but not go any farther away on the snowmobiles than we would want to walk or hike back.

It worked out pretty well, especially since Jeremy took off a few days and came up with us. Hayley spent lots of time with her daddy on the snowmobile. Jackson, on the other hand, was scared to death of the snowmobiles. He did not want to ride, and he didn't want anyone else riding them either.

At least he looked cute all bundled up. :)

Such a super fun weekend, that we're planning on going again over Presidents' Day next month. And Jeremy and I are going to go up again in March when I'm off track again. Alone. I'm super excited. :)

Cookie College

2012-01-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

It always seems like there's a little bit of an after Christmas funk around our house. We're kind of mopey and bummed that all the holiday fun is over. So when I saw an ad for Cookie College at the Naborhood Bakery at Gardner Village, I thought it sounded super fun. I called to sign up Hayley, and they told me that unless they got at least one more kid to sign up, the class wouldn't carry. So I signed up Jackson too. :)

He was in heaven. He loved looking at all the treats in the case, and using the cookie cutters and later frosting his cookies.

They also did a tour of the bakery and showed the kids all the gizmos and gadgets and ovens that they use to bake their treats with each day.

Hayley also thought Cookie College was wonderful. Her favorite was the foot cookie that she made. Her least favorite was when she got trapped in the bathroom for a minute after the old lock stuck. She was pretty stressed.

But it wasn't anything a few cookies wouldn't fix.

January 2012 Faves

2012-01-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hayley Bug

Favorite Food: "Daddy Sandwich" (Grilled ham and cheese sandwich) and KFC
Favorite Treat: mini muffins from 7-11
Favorite Friends: Aisly, Kade, Kylie, Bailey
Favorite Toys: Her scooter, and anything that has to do with paint, glue, tape or scissors
Favorite Movies/Shows: Parent Trap, iCarly, How It's Made, Cake Boss
Favorite Song: Thriller, Poker Face, and Mary, Did You Know?
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Play her Leapster.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Go see if friends can play and ride her scooter.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he hugs or kisses her.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Clean her room, and especially clean up any mess that she didn't make.
Funny Things She Says: She's started telling jokes, and she will laugh right along with you at the punchline.

Action Jackson

Favorite Food: Cheese cubes and chicken nuggets
Favorite Treat: Any candy that anyone will give him.
Favorite Friend: Anyone who will get down on the floor to play with him.
Favorite Toys: Anything Thomas the Train, blocks, cars, trucks
Favorite Book: Any animal books
Favorite Movies/Shows: Barney, Thomas, Bob the Builder
Favorite Things to do Inside: Go to the Fitness Center Daycare.
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Chase his remote control car and go for walks
Favorite Thing about Hayley: She will share whatever treat she has with him, even if we have told her she shouldn't and that she is not in charge of the baby.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Go to bed and go down for naps.

New Things He Says: What doesn't he say? Favorites lately are fix it, open it, hungry, sandwich, night-night, nap-nap, candy, Barney, Thomas, Bob, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Whitney, help, Idunno, all gone, and "Hi" to anyone who will listen, including strangers.
New Things he Does: Shake his hand at you when he wants you to go away so he can do something he's not supposed to be doing.

And he's still my favorite. :)

Love. This. Boy.

2012-01-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

All Caught Up!

2012-01-02T01:41:00.002-07:00

There are eight (yes, eight) new posts below documenting our December/Christmas season. Be sure to scroll down, or click here:

Dicken's Festival
The Wright Family Christmas Party
The Dame Christmas/Birthday Party
Christmas Eve
Christmas Morning
Christmas Day
Gardner Village
ZooLights!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ZooLights!

2012-01-01T21:45:00.004-07:00

With the unseasonably warm weather, we decided to squeeze in a trip to ZooLights. It far exceeded any expectations that I had. Moving lights, interactive lights, backdrops, it was awesome!

This set was my favorite. These animals passed the star to one another until the monkey put it on the top of the tree.

Jackson really did like it, even though you can't really tell from this picture. His favorite was the monkey who was throwing a banana into his mouth, with all of it made out of lights.

We also rode the carousel. They even piped in Christmas music for it. Jeremy had to work, and I was so glad that my mom and Robert came with us, since they were happy to ride the carousel with the kids. It makes me so sick. :(

Waiting for the carousel...

And taking a spin...

This was one of Hayley's favorite animals made out of lights. It's the fountain that is such a symbol of the zoo for our family. I remember it from my childhood, and Hayley loves it too. Neither picture is great. If there's a good way to take a picture so people's faces show up, and you can see the coloring of the lights, I haven't figured it out yet.

If you haven't done ZooLights, I would very highly recommend it. Even on a night when the weather was awesome and it was super crowded, there's so much room to spread out, it didn't seem too bad at all.

Gardner Village

2012-01-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

I didn't want those few days when the temperatures were in the 50's to go to waste, so we did a few of the Christmas activities that had been on my December list that we just hadn't gotten to yet. We went to Gardner Village to see the elves, which Hayley loved. Jackson was a little leary of the elves at first. Maybe he figured out they had something to do with Santa.

We'd gone to see the witches before, but never the elves, and it seemed like maybe it would have been neater to go at night when they are all lit up. Oh well. Now we know for next year.

Don't let Hayley's get-up fool you. It really was a nice day. Perfect hoodie weather, just the way I like it.

Hayley and Jackson may have snuck under the fence to play near this gingerbread house. I may have let them since there was no one else around.

We finished up our outing with a treat at the bakery. I knew that there was a Elf Hunt paper that you could fill out and redeem for a cookie, but that seemed like a lot of work, so I sprung for the dollar a piece and just bought us each one. Hayley was in heaven that they had macaroons. And then of course she had to tell us about the last time she had a macaroon, which was at Disneyland. Later I got a note that read:

I wont too go too Disnyland.
Love, Hayley

I love that girl and the way she thinks!

Christmas Day

2012-01-01T21:33:00.001-07:00

Jackson just kept on being happy all day long on Christmas. He was friendly and smiley all day long, even playing and wanting to be held by the extended family relatives he doesn't even know that well while we were at Aunt Carol's for lunch.

Then we headed to Stacey and Matt's house to open presents with my Dad. Jackson liked his remote control car from Grandpa, so we got it all out and batteried up for him. The funny thing was, he had no interest in the controller, he just wanted to chase the car around.

Hayley loved her sewing kits and paint by number sets. It's been fun to do a crafty thing with her while Jackson is down for his nap in the afternoons.

I got a darling jewelry box and some fun gift cards to spend. :)

Here's my Dad, Dennis, and his three daughters, Whitney, Heather, and Stacey.

So happy to have all of us together and celebrating such a great day!

Christmas Morning

2012-01-01T16:45:00.004-07:00

Someone woke up excited and ready for Christmas morning!

Have you been noticing a theme with any of Jackson's gifts so far? This child loves, loves, loves Thomas the Train lately. His big present of the morning was this Thomas the Train set.

Hayley got a scooter from Santa. The first few pictures I got a kind of half-smile, so I told her to start looking more excited about her scooter. Thanks Hay, that's a little more like it!

One of the best things about Christmas morning was that Jeremy was off and home with us to wake up and open presents. Plus, he put together the playhouse from Grandma and Grandpa.

The Dora Kitchen that Hayley supposedly wanted so badly still hasn't made it out of the box, and she still hasn't even asked Jer to get it out or put it together. Yeah, Santa may take that one back to WalMart.

P.S. In case you were wondering, Jeremy got a new airplanes and jets calendar and this Indiana Jones themed shirt, which is kind of an inside joke.

I got these for Christmas, and I love them!

Good work on picking out cute Skechers, Jer. :)

Christmas Eve

2012-01-01T16:40:00.005-07:00

On Christmas Eve, we headed up to Jeremy's parents' house in Centerville. We had a family picture taken, and were treated to a nativity performed by the kiddos. Hayley was Mary, and Jackson was... off doing something else, apparently.

Sorry about the crappy quality on those nativity pictures. My camera has issues. Actually, Jeremy says that it only has one issue: That it's getting old. I told him he's welcome to surprise me with a new one any time. Ha!

Next we opened presents. Jackson got this little Percy the Train flashlight. It lights up and makes train noised when you push the button. He loved it.

In fact he loved it so much, that he just about had a fit when he couldn't get it out of the packaging himself. Imagine this face and him yelling, "Out, OUT! Fix it! OUT!" Really child, just a little patience. Just a little.

He also got these awesome JawBones which are like updated TinkerToys. They kept him and Hayley busy for quite a while on Christmas Eve, and him, Hayley, and the cute stranger boy in back of us at Sacrament meeting the next day busy for almost the entire meeting. Score!

Hayley's favorite present I think, was this joint gift for her and Jackson, a playhouse, complete with a working doorbell and play phone.

Also a fun surprise was the Christmas pinata set up in the garage. Love how someone tells Hayley one more hit, and she squeezes in about three. Selective hearing on that one, I tell you.

Even on little Jackson, the pinata and stick brought out his "crazy eyes."

The kids sure had fun on Christmas Eve, with their cousins and seeing the grandparents!

The Dame Christmas/Birthday Party

2012-01-01T16:30:00.003-07:00

With my dad's birthday being so close to Christmas, it's kind of inevitable that sometimes his celebration gets smooshed together with something Christmas-y. We had a yummy dinner at my house, and finished off with cake and ice cream.

My Grandma Dame and Aunt Jan came over for the celebration too, and sweetly brought Christmas gifts for Jackson and Hayley too. Jackson kept pointing at the bears in the book saying, "Anmo, anmo!" ("Animal, animal!")

I tried to take a picture of Hayley with her gifts and Aunt Jan and Grandma. I told her to smile normal, and this is what I got. Awesome.

Apparently that smile runs in the family, because Jackson also has the look down pat. You would think they'd be a little more well trained with all the pictures I take, right?

My dad also opened his birthday presents, which he liked, but I know that mostly he was just glad to be home from his out of town job. We were glad to have him home to celebrate with us too.

The Wright Christmas Party

2012-01-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

My mom's side of the family always starts the celebrations off early, and this year we had our party the Thursday before Christmas. We met for dinner at yummy Braza Grill with all of my mom's kids, and all of Robert's kids, and afterward we headed to my mom's house to open gifts. Hayley and Jackson were both in heaven and so spoiled with all their gifts.

Hayley loved her new Squinkies and their gumball machine house.

Jackson loved his new cell phone from Grandma and Grandpa.
"Hello? Hello? How you? Kay. Bye bye. See ya!"

Also a hit was this little hills and roads car course. That was until I couldn't get it put back together correctly fast enough for Jackson the next day. There's nothing like feeling dumb not being able to put a two-year-old's toy together while he yells, "Fix it! Fix it!" in your ear. Glad I got it figured out before he got any more worked up.

Such a fun start to our Christmas Party Extravaganza!

Dicken's Festival

2012-01-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

My Dad has been working out of town lately, and the last time that he was home to visit, one of the things that he really wanted to do was go to the Dicken's Festival. My sister Whitney, my kids, my dad and I headed there for the evening after Hayley's dance concert. Jackson's been really into animals lately, so when we saw one of the big horses drawing a carriage around, I turned Jackson around so he could see it, thinking he would love it. Yeah, not so much. He screamed, "NO!" so loudly even I was a little freaked out. So, animals in books = great, animals in real life = not so much. Got it Jackson.

We headed into the buildings at the Fairpark, and stopped for a picture with the Scrooge backdrop. Funny how Hayley did not want to be the Ghost of Christmas whatever-the-little-fairy-girl-is. Acutally, I'm pretty sure she just wanted an excuse to stand on that green bar.

This Santa, or Father Christmas, as he was called was so darling. Taking time to talk for a good few minutes with each child. The picture is out of focus because I didn't use the flash. I didn't use the flash because there was a great big sign that said no personal photography. I just wasn't up to paying $40.00 for a pictures with Santa photo package when only one of my two children was interested in seeing Santa. Jackson started yelling, "No, NO! Help, HELP! Help me!" as soon as we got in line. I let him sit this visit out.

Hopefully next year Jackson will be over his Santa issues, because we will be back next year for another visit. I gotta get Jackson trained that this is actually a fun holiday tradition!

Holiday Dance Concert

2011-12-26T23:03:00.003-07:00

Hayley's been back dancing at Jazzle Dazzle this year. We signed her up with two of her friends from my mom's neighborhood, and into a class that was actually for first through third graders. She was a little bit nervous to perform.

And while she knew the dance well, she was a little out-shined style-wise by all of the older girls in her class.

She said she likes it, and likes being in a dance class with her friends, but I think I like it a little better when she is one of the oldest in her class, rather than the youngest.

I asked her if she wanted to be in two dance classes, and be able to do two dances in the next concert, and have two costumes.

She was all for it. Which means a class where she can shine a little more, and a class where she can be with her friends.

Our little Dancer Hayley did a great job!

December Happenings

2011-12-11T22:36:00.005-07:00

We've had a very busy month so far, but here are some of the highlights.

We went to the Festival of Trees last weekend. Hayley was much more concerned about the Bubble Machine that they have there than seeing any of the trees. :) It is pretty cool, I have to say.

Friday I went out to lunch and did our gift exchange with all the girls that I teach with at Jordan Hills. It was fun to see the great gifts that we all picked out for each other, and to be able to take more than forty-five minutes to eat a meal together.

Saturday we went to Breakfast with Santa at the Fitness Center before Hayley's basketball game. Hayley did great, with Santa and at her game, where she dribbled the ball down the court, shot and scored. She was so cute and so proud of herself!

Jackson, on the other hand, started freaking out as soon as we got in the line to see Santa. Like yelling out to anyone who would listen, "Nooo! Help! Help!" I made him sit with the Jolly Old Guy anyway. Because it just may be the last Crying-Kid-with-Santa picture I ever get.

We finished off the weekend with some visiting with my dad, who has been out of town working on a job. Jackson was happy to get some quality story time in. He loves being read to lately, especially anything about animals.

On another note about reading, Hayley's teacher told me last week that Hayley was doing really well, and she had moved her up to the highest reading group! This is in addition to finding out that Hayley had gotten 100% on her 1st term math benchmark test. I am so proud of that sweet little girl of ours.

Feelin' Thankful and Black Friday

2011-11-27T16:31:00.002-07:00

I only remembered to take pictures at one out of three of our Thanksgiving dinners. That's right, three. We're kind of spoiled. :) Dinner #1 was at my mom's house on Wednesday night. Lots of fun, yummy food, and good times with my family.

Maybe too much of a good time even. :)

The next day on Thanksgiving we headed to my Aunt Carol's in the afternoon, and then Jeremy's parents that evening. It was so nice to have Jeremy with us for all of the festivities, especially since that will not be the case for the Christmas this year; he has to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Yuck. No pictures from the two get-togethers on the day of Thanksgiving, mostly because I was busy scouring ads and planning my strategy for Black Friday, or Black Thursday, since stores started opening at 9:00 on Thanksgiving Day. It went something like this:

9:00 p.m. - Toys R Us. It was a madhouse, probably because they were the first to open of the night, but I ended up getting everything I wanted. I didn't even get in the door until a half hour after they opened!

Step 2 Cottage Playhouse
Little Tykes Slide
Little Tykes Table
Razor Scooter
Thomas Train Set

12:00 a.m. - Unloaded Load of Loot #1 at my mom's house. Revamped strategy since we had now missed the opening time for WalMart and Target.

12:30 a.m. - ShopKo. Still really busy after opening at 12:00. Waited in line for an hour to check out. Actually got a cart though, which is a bonus on Black Friday.

Princess Toy Box/Seat
Thomas the Train Toy Box/Seat
3 Drawer Craft Cabinet
Squinkies

2:00 a.m. - WalMart - It was dead by the time we got there, since they had been open since 10:00 p.m. the night before. We were in and out in less than an hour.

Leapster games
Cute Cheap Jammies
Cute Cheap Sweatshirts
Ants in SpongeBob Squarepants game

3:00 a.m. - Kohl's. My mom wanted to go over, so we did, but I was pretty much a zombie by then. I didn't buy anything. At least not that I can remember. :)

4:00 a.m. Unloaded Load of Loot #2 at my mom's house. Ate some turkey. Decided to stay at her house since if I went home my kids would be waking me up in 2-3 hours.

9:30 Woke up feeling refreshed enough to go out for another round. Picked up another it up another WalMart (Dora Kitchen and cute cheap t-shirts), Target, Kohl's (jewelry for me), WalMart again, Famous Footwear, and JoAnn's. Oh yeah, and I also went to a movie on Black Friday at 11:10 p.m. with my sister, Breaking Dawn, finally. Loved it.

Such a fun, long weekend. I'm looking forward to giving these kiddos their loot on Christmas morning!

Love

2011-11-09T22:07:00.004-07:00

After a 14 hour day and 15 parent teacher conferences, I came home to these:

Jer got me a card and roses for our anniversary, even though we said we were going to hold off until next week when life's not so busy. (Right, because that ever happens, that life isn't busy...) Thanks so much honey for making today and so many other days of our lives so wonderful. I love and appreciate you more than you know.

Hayley left me a little something too: A ribbon-wrapped leaf and a note that said:

"thez Ius u spRIs Far the anavRSRaRee"
(This is a surprise for the anniversary.)

Love my kids, love my husband, love my life.

Carnival #2 and a Duck Butt

2011-10-31T22:07:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning we headed to the Halloween Carnival hosted by our neighborhood ward. As a bonus, Jackson actually wore his costume. I should have realized earlier that a little bribery was all that was needed. I just waited until we were in the parking lot, stuck it on and zipped him in, and then pulled him in to the carnival and handed him a piece a candy. He got over being all costumed up pretty quick. There were games, and crafts, and Hayley's favorite...

Eating a doughnut off of a string! (I really should have videoed this. She thought it was so funny! She kept pausing every few bites to laugh.)

On Halloween night we headed up to Aunt Kimi and Grandma Bachman's neighborhood to go trick-or-treating. Hayley was so excited to see Payton! Good thing I got this picture of them before they took off, because after they started, they were out in front of the rest of us as far as we would let them go. They had a blast, and gathered a stash!

Jackson had a good time too, and was so cute tagging along after his big sister. Too bad he wouldn't look at the camera for anything! I had to resort to taking pictures of his cute duck butt backside, which wasn't all bad. :)

It was a very happy Halloween! Fun times with family, tons of candy, I feel like we got our money's worth out of Hayley's costume, and I'm just relieved that Jackson wore his at all!

Halloween Carnival #1

2011-10-29T22:21:00.000-06:00

The Thursday before Halloween we headed to the Kearns Recreation Center for their free Halloween Carnival. I was glad Jeremy could come with us, since he would be working during some of the Halloween festivities during the weekend before the holiday. No surprise that Hayley was really into the spook alley, games, prizes, and candy, but it was so fun to see Jackson really get a lot more excited this season.

Hayley's a cowgirl this year. Her costume turned out super cute, especially considering I bought all the pieces on sale at the after Halloween sales last year. I know you can't see her face in the last picture, but that face I am making is me laughing at Jeremy as I ask, "Are you taking pictures with the camera upside down?!" He was. Because, you know, why make things easy on yourself?

I bought Jackson the cutest duck costume last year for him to wear this year, but he was having none of it. I put it on him a few times, and he would just walk (waddle?) around and cry and pull at it until we took it off. So then my mom got him a cute puppy costume in an bigger size, thinking maybe the duck one was just too small. Nope, same result. It was only when I put the boring skeleton shirt on him that I actually started to get some Halloween smiles. So I cut him some slack for the carnival, but I may give the costumes another shot on the actual holiday.

We finished off the night with free drinks and cookies. The kids had no problem sharing the "cookies as big as my face!" as Hayley put it.

Traditions

2011-10-27T21:41:00.005-06:00

October, Halloween, and all the related activities seem to become more and more busy each year. There are lots of traditions that I look forward to, including going to The Pie and then Thriller with my mom and my sisters. This year, before we got to our seats, my mom could not find her glasses, and it took her a while, and dumping out her entire purse, and finding a pair of Hayley's sunglasses, before she found them. In the front pocket. Thriller was great, complete with scary zombie dancers.

From Thriller, I headed up to meet the girls from my fourth grade team for our annual weekend at Debbie's cabin. It was so beautiful, and peaceful, and the Rhino rides and company were lots of fun.

On our ride we saw this broken deck, a porcupine, a sun dog, and the amazing view from Windy Ridge.

And we found "my" lane. Too bad it was "dead."

One last tradition that we finally started this year was carving a pumpkin with Hayley. Neither Jeremy or I are big into carving pumpkins. We both think it's kind of gross, and messy, and stinky. Plus, it's the adults that end up doing most of the work. Hayley drew the little face though, and I carved.

The little yellow guy did turn out cute!

Cabin Trip 2011

2011-10-21T22:18:00.001-06:00

Hayley and I flew home Friday morning. Our flight was super early, after us being up super late, and Hayley promptly fell asleep leaning against me. Which was fine, until I fell asleep on the shoulder of the random guy who was sitting next to me. Twice. Sorry Stranger, and thanks for nonchalantly shrugging to wake me up and then pretending like it didn't happen.In spite of our being tired, my mom and step-dad and sisters were at the cabin for our annual Cabin Trip, and I figured why waste any time. So we went home for long enough to do some laundry and re-pack, and then we headed up to the cabin. It was a fun time, full of playing games, reading books, playing on the deck and in the snow, and Jackson helping Dad and Grandpa on the ladder...

What were they doing on the ladder, you ask? Just cutting down trees so they wouldn't hit the power lines if they fell down. With a chainsaw. Because they would rather do it themselves then pay someone to do it. Since this made both my mom and I very nervous to watch, we took the kids on a walk to the Bear River Lodge for a treat. We passed the stream which was super high from the snow we had a few days before.

Jeremy and Robert were both alive and intact with all of their limbs when we got back, and we enjoyed the fire later that evening with all the firewood that had been sawed off earlier that day.

Jackson was happy to have most of his favorite people hanging out together all in one place.

He was also happy to be entertained by Hayley's shenanigans with his Thumper.

Love those cute kids and their cute cabin giggles!

Surprise! (Or, maybe you aren't really all that surprised...)

2011-10-18T13:28:00.005-06:00

While we were planning our upcoming vacation to Las Vegas, I was thinking about how fun it would be to add on a few days at Disneyland. On a lark, I checked how much airfare would be from Vegas to California. Only $29.00!! Then I found some people on KSL selling their unused Disneyland tickets from last year (when the prices went up) for a super great deal. I think you can see where this was going in my head... I talked to Jeremy about it, and he said he would be just as happy to head home with Jackson, but that Hayley and I should go and have fun...

So, we did. :)

Hayley was so surprised and excited when I told her, especially since we were leaving the very next morning. The first few hours there, she kept saying "I can't believe we're in Disneyland. I can't believe we're in Disneyland RIGHT NOW!" It was so fun and low key to have just the two of us there. We did quite a few things that we usually pass by on our way to something else. We went on the new Little Mermaid ride, which was darling, watched the new Phineas and Ferb Rock and Roller Dance Show where Hayley was picked to learn the Fireside Girls' dance, and played at the Redwood Creek Adventure Trail, where we met Russell from Up who we'd never met before. It rained a little on us, but not too bad, and we enjoyed the parks until closing at 8:00 and then watched World of Color.

The next day we woke up early to head to Minnie and Friends: Breakfast in the Park. On our way there at quarter to eight it started to rain. I was hoping it would just sprinkle for a few hours and then stop like it had the day before, but that wasn't the case. It rained for nine hours straight, finally letting up at about 5:00 in the evening.

The Breakfast in the park was super fun. Hayley decided this year that she wanted to start to collect autographs from all of the characters, and started her first few pages with Captain Hook, Minnie, Chip and Dale.

We finished off the morning with the Fairy Godmother and Winnie the Pooh and Friends.

After breakfast, we headed back to the hotel room for our first clothing change of the day, including our "stylish" new rain ponchos. We were both all for going back to the parks, and I was so glad that we did, because we soon realized that Rain at Disneyland = No Lines. It was great! We basically walked on to many rides that often have a very long wait. We also rode the train around the entire park and then some, which was a fun way to keep dry, and get a different view of the park. Not quite dry enough however, and by afternoon, Hayley had gotten three unplanned souvineers: sweatpants, socks, and shoes. (I had only packed shorts and capris for her, and her shoes were old worn ones, which apparently had holes.)

After our purchases, we headed to see Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. It seemed as the day went on, more and more people were scared back to their hotels by the weather, because we waited maybe five minutes to see each of these guys.

At 5:00 when the rain stopped it was like a miracle. The sun shined down on us and must have sent some Pixie Dust with it, because we experienced a great case of right place at the right time. The outdoor Princess Fantasy Faire had been closed for Princess Meet and Greets all day with the rain, and had a scheduled closing time of 6:00. Seeing that there were now people in the line, we went over and discovered that the princess would be coming out for the last hour. We saw the first three, then got in line again and waited about ten minutes and by then they had switched to the second three princesses.

We stayed until the park closed at 8:00, and got some dinner and a treat on the way out. Hayley decided that Matterhorn Macaroons were her new favorite Disneyland treat.

We were expecting our last day to be more of the same rain, rain, rain. Imagine our pleasant surprise when we woke up to clear skies and sunshine! It was wonderful, but also noticeably more crowded in the park than it had been the day before. We made sure to fit in Musical Chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter, who informed us it was "Mad Hatter Day" since it was 10/6. Clever. Here's Hayley becoming a "Spooky Unwinner" (getting out) and telling her joke. Yes, we knew what was coming and had practiced. :)

Another highlight was meeting Flynn Rider, who has never been there with Rapunzel when we have met her before. They were so cute talking to Hayley. She told everyone who looked at her Autograph Book that, "Flynn and Rapunzel are married, that's why they sign on the same page."

We ate some nachos from Whitewater Snacks and some Mickey pretzels, rode a bunch of rides, including the new Star Tours which Hayley loved, watched the parade, played with Stitch, and saw Minnie and Pluto in their Halloween costumes.

Hayley even got me on the Teacups since she was a sport and went on Haunted Mansion that she wasn't so crazy about.

After three long days, and a week in Vegas before that, Hayley was pretty tuckered out. It was so much fun to spend some time at Disneyland with this fun little girl!

Vegas 2011

2011-10-17T00:04:00.002-06:00

The first week I was off track, we headed to Las Vegas to use our week at our time share. The drive went really well; we made it all the way to St. George before we even made a pit stop!

When we got to our timeshare, we quickly settled into a rhythm that carried on for the next six days. It went something like this:

Wake up, quick breakfast, swimsuits on, sunscreen up, and head to the pool.

Then when the lazy river opened at 10:00 we headed over there, right next to the pool. After a while, Jackson would get kind of cuddly and sleepy in the tube, and Jeremy would take him back to the room for his nap. Then Hayley and I would stay at the lazy river, go back to the pool for a little longer, or enjoy laying out on the lounge chairs. When we got hungry, we'd head back to the room and usually send Jeremy down to grill something for lunch. After lunch, if Jackson was still sleeping, Hayley and I would sometimes do another round at the pool.

By late afternoon we were usually a little water-logged, and finally ready to "get ready" for the day. When we were all set, we'd head over to the strip to some of the more kid-friendly entertainment, like the M & M store, the Coca Cola store, and the street performers (including the jester) at the Venetian.

Then we'd head back on the shuttle bus and turn in early. Usually everyone was in bed by about nine o'clock. It was a super fun, yet very chill and relaxing vacation, with a fun surprise at the end for Hayley... :)

Fall Ball

2011-09-30T14:56:00.000-06:00

Hayley has finished up with another round of Tee Ball. I think she liked it a little more this time around. Here are a few highlights (and funnies) of the season:

*Hayley can now hit the ball with the coach pitching to her, instead of off of the tee. If she's concentrating and in the mood to focus.

*She now knows that after batting, you drop (not throw) the bat, and keep the helmet on. Last season she kept tossing the helmet and keeping the bat.

*She's pretty good at stopping the grounders with her mitt, but she also thinks it's pretty funny when she misses the ball and it goes right between her feet.

*When Kade's mom told Kade and Hayley that after someone from the other team hits the ball they are supposed to catch it and throw it to first base, they were both a little surprised. Kade's response, "Get out! Really?"

*Hayley and her little friend Kade had to be separated at practice one night. Because the were fighting? Nope, not so much. Because they kept holding hands, and were trying to bat and catch balls while still holding hands. Kade's mom bribed him at the next game that if he could keep his hands off of Hayley for the rest of the next game, she'd buy him ice cream. My response to her? "You know this will be the story of our life for about the next ten years right?" We both had a good laugh, but seriously, they are like the little couple. Hayley got hurt the other day, and after she decided she was fine, she and Kade walked back over to his house hand in hand, with him patting her shoulder. Yeah, we'll see how long the ice cream bribe will work for.

Little Reader Girl

2011-09-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

I love the "thank you" and bow at the end. What a little ham!

Princess Party

2011-09-25T21:36:00.002-06:00

With Hayley only having nine girls including her in her kindergarten class, I wanted to have a little get together so they could celebrate going off track. I was thinking to have all of us meet up somewhere and get some lunch and let the kids play. I was telling my mom about how I wanted to organize something, and she started talking about how fun a Princess Party would be. Pretty soon I was suckered in. She was right, the girls were in heaven!

We strung beads on our princess ribbon crowns, had a princess relay race, and played some Princess Switch.

Then we had a princess fashion show. Here are all of the princesses during the finale.

We finished off with a Princess Tea Party Lunch and cupcakes. We also had a little talk about how we need to act like princesses at school too, and invite and accept others when we are playing. Yep, I may have had a hidden agenda. But I think I got the point across, and I know that all the girls had a good time. I did too. Two adults, six kindergarten princesses, and one little toddler prince made for a very fun afternoon. (Thanks for all your help mom. I couldn't and wouldn't have done it without you!)

Kangaroo Zoo

2011-09-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

Every time we go to Swiss Days, they have a bunch of these big bouncy houses and slides. They cost tickets and the money from ticket sales go to the local school. Now I'm all about a good fundraiser, but each ticket costs $1.00 and each bouncy thing-a-ma-jig costs two to three tickets. I think you can see where I am going here. Highway robbery, right? All the other years, I have gotten suckered into this scam at least five or ten dollars worth, but this year, I half-kiddingly said to Hayley that if she waited until we got home to Salt Lake, I would take her and a friend to Kangaroo Zoo. She jumped at the chance, and the next weekend Aisly, Hayley, Jackson, and I were headed off to the indoor, air-conditioned, one-flat-fee goodness that is the Kangaroo Zoo.

Hayley and Aisly had tons of fun, while Jackson was content to chill in his stroller and play in the water that I pretended I didn't notice he was dripping onto his stroller tray. Technically, I probably spent more money that I would have at the Swiss Days bouncies, but we got a lot more play time out of these ones. Plus, Aisly thanked us for taking her without any prompting from any adults. How I love a child that's been brought up right. And it's so nice that Hayley is getting old enough to bargain my way with, and usually convince her. :)

"Hurt"

2011-09-19T21:17:00.004-06:00

This past weekend should have been pretty chill... Hayley playing with friends, an outing to get Jackson's haircut, Sunday dinner at my mom's. I guess Jackson decided to spice things up a bit for us, and nearly give me a heart attack in the process.

In all his post-haircut cuteness on Saturday, he was bringing all his blankies and stuffies from his crib to my room one by one, climbing up on the bed, depositing them in the pile he was making, and then safely sliding down the side of the bed to land on his feet. He was on about round five of this game when I heard the CLUNK. Yes, that one, the one that no mother ever wants to hear. Yep, you guessed it, fell off the bed. Face first. I snatch him up, and notice two things. One, he's crying. Good sign. Two, he already has a mouthful of blood. Bad, bad sign.

I get him over to the changing table and mop some of the blood out of his mouth, and shudder as I realize what it is that is bleeding so much: he's totally ripped his frenulum. What is that you ask? It's the piece of tissue that connects the upper gum above your teeth to the upper lip. Why would I know what that is called? Because not two months ago our Pediatric Dentist told me that Jackson's is very low, and to be careful because it will rip and bleed. NO FREAKING KIDDING.

So I hold him, and try to keep him from swallowing too much blood, and try not to cry myself. I remind myself that mouth wounds bleed a lot, and that even if the scar for this one is nasty, it's inside his mouth when no one can see it. I think about how much I do not want to hold my two-year-old down while he gets stitches IN HIS MOUTH, especially since I am already a little spent from holding him down to get his hair cut earlier that day. And then I decide to call and get a second opinion before taking him in anywhere.

I call my mom and step-dad to explain the situation and they say that they will stop by. While we are waiting, Jackson has calmed down, and is acting fairly normal. He's playing quietly and his mouth seems to have stopped bleeding. At this point I decide to call the dentist, since he will be familiar with the injury and will have possibly dealt with it before. I was very impressed when he called back within five minutes of my leaving a message on the emergency line, and even more impressed when he actually discussed the injury with me since it seems that the only thing that I ever get from the doctor's office emergency line is, "Well, we can't really tell you anything on the phone, you better just bring them in." Anyway, so the pediatric dentist said that it is a very common injury, and if it is done bleeding and the child is acting fine, there's really nothing they would do for it anyway. They don't usually stitch it, and sometimes the frenulum grows back, and sometimes it doesn't, which is fine, because it doesn't really serve a purpose.

I am ridiculously relieved, call my mom and step-dad and tell them not to worry about coming, give Jackson some Tylenol for good measure, and move on with our day. Jackson has a puffy upper lip, and has walked around the last few days poking at it gingerly and saying "hurt" but he really seems fine. His mouth is healing, but I don't know if it will ever be the same as it was. At least I'll have a good story for him when he is older and asks why he has a big dangly, gangly piece of yuck at the front of the inside of his mouth.

So glad that our little boy is okay. The scary part is, with how much of a little monkey he is, I'm sure this is just practice for the years to come. If you are curious, and you have a strong stomach, the injury looked like this. Scroll down to the fourth picture. It still gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Baby Jail

2011-09-15T18:48:00.000-06:00

Don't let pictures like this fool you.

This little boy can be trouble with a capital T. Here's his latest trick:

After a few nights of restless sleep, and a few days with lack of naps at all or Jackson hopping out of his crib and strolling out into the hall, we broke down and bought a crib tent. We just weren't ready to make the big move to a big boy bed when obviously he would have no interest in staying in it.

Not a happy boy that first night. But much, much happier once he was back on his normal sleep and nap schedule.

You know, I'm pretty sure that this is karma for me making fun of those kid leashes. Serves me right I suppose.

So Happy Together

2011-09-12T19:26:00.000-06:00

We signed Hayley up for another round of T-Ball. Mostly because her BF/BFF (boyfriend/best friend forever) Kade was going to play too.

These two have so much fun together! Even when they are just playing in the dirt in the outfield, or watching the balls roll right by them. I don't think either of them realized until a few games in that you are actually supposed to go after the ball, get it, and throw it to someone. One thing at a time right?

Cabin Trip

2011-09-09T18:42:00.002-06:00

For Labor Day we went up to the cabin at Bear River. It seems every time we go there, we love it more. It's just far enough away from civilization to be relaxing, but close enough to pick up necessities in Evanstan. You know, like when you run out of diapers. :)

We spent lots of time reading books, playing games, eating snacks, taking walks, and playing on the enclosed outdoor patio. And we made a run over to Swiss Days on Saturday. Such a fun, chill, needed vacation!

Crappy, Crappy Weekend

2011-08-28T14:10:00.004-06:00

This weekend was definitely not my favorite. Friday started out feeling a little off, probably because I knew what was coming later that night: the viewing for one of the sweetest men that I've ever known, a man who taught at Jordan Hills for the entire eight years that I have been there, and even longer before that. He had Lou Gehrig's Disease, but also had one of the best attitudes ever about life and the struggles that it throws at you.

Anyway, I was really distracted and not quite myself all day long on Friday. Misplaced things, didn't have assignments ready for my class of kids, etc. I was just "off." I left early from my prep time after school, because I could already tell that I was not being productive at all.

Went to my mom's to pick up my kids and asked Hayley how kindergarten was, and she proceeded to tell me that she didn't have anyone to play with at recess, and that this has been the case on more days than one. I reminded her that she needed to ask others to play too, and that everyone was still making new friends, but I couldn't help but have that nagging feeling of, "Maybe I should have put her in the neighborhood school instead of taking her to school with me... Maybe she would have been happier there... Maybe I should have chosen to teach a different track so that she would be in a class with different kids than she is now..." Anyway, I shook myself out of that pity party, and realized that this was the first time in four weeks of kindergarten that she has not been mostly positive about her day. (Okay, maybe second, but the other day it was because she had gotten scolded for not following directions, and it was totally her fault...)

Next up: a sobfest with a dear friend who I am very close to, about death and how much it sucks. I'll remind you I haven't even made it to the viewing yet.

I think part of my "off-ish-ness" is that I hate viewings and funerals. I've been lucky not to have attended too many, but man the one on Friday sucked. It was more upbeat than I expected, yet somehow that just made it worse for me. Probably because I knew that that is how C.P. would have wanted it, so it reminded me of him, and then I remembered all over again that he was no longer with us. I miss that man. I had to sit in my car for a few minutes just to calm down enough to drive home.

When I got home, Hayley told me about a birthday party in our neighborhood that she was not invited to. I explained to her that the girl it was for is quite a bit older than her, and sometimes that happens. Hayley seemed okay...

...Until the very next day it happened again. This time the party was for friends that she does play with occasionally, and many of the other neighborhood kids were invited. She found out because she went over there to ask if they could play, and then realized the party was going on right then. She came home crying and said, "Mom, I don't feel so good. I feel so sad inside." Man, so did I. I can't even tell you how much I wanted to take that pain away from my child. To take her mind off of it we went swimming, and then came home and called another friend from a different neighborhood who came over for a playdate.

In retrospect, it's probably a good thing I was busy doing something slightly less depressing Saturday morning, instead of going to the funeral. I'm pretty sure I would have spent more time crying in my bathroom with the door locked than the ten minutes I actually did.

Hayley got over it, but my heart is still hurting a little. All the crap I was dealing with I could take, but having my child be hurting and having there be not much I could do about it was just awful. I suppose this is what they mean when they say parenting actually doesn't get any easier as kids get older. I guess I should have expected that, since life in general doesn't get any easier as you get older either. It's just the same challenges in different ways, and every so often you get a curveball, just to make sure you're paying attention.

Very Important Toddler

2011-08-24T21:18:00.001-06:00

Don't think that I forgot about this bundle o' fun.

Favorite Friend: Hayley
Favorite Toy(s): All the new birthday ones, including the Mickey Mouse Camper above, Little People Firehouse, new trucks, cars, balls, and books.
Favorite Book: Two Hippos Up on Sticks
Favorite Movie/Show: Barney
Favorite Things to do Inside: Watch Barney and play with his new toys. Preferably (to him) at the same time.
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Play in any water, including the gutter if you don't watch him carefully.
Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she sneaks him candy and treats he's not supposed to have.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Get yelled at for running out in the street. First he'll turn and smile to see if you are serious, and then he tests you by taking step by step toward the street. Gulp.
New Things He Says: Oh man!,up, bath, stinky, soggy, ka-ka, eat, drink, juice, Hayley, Stacey, Whitney, Grandma, Mom, Dad, pat-pat, splash-splash, outside, inside, hurt (and the sign for hurt), teeth, tummy... I know that's a lot, but I'm feeling behind on my lists of what he says. :)
New Things he Does: Slide down slides, climb ladders, climb in the bath by himself, turn on the TV, take off his shoes and socks, try to put on his shoes and socks.

Very Important Person

2011-08-20T21:15:00.002-06:00

Last week Hayley had her "VIP Day" at Kindergarten. Grandma, Grandpa, Jeremy, Jackson, and I were all able to attend.

Hayley got to tell all about herself and the things that are really important to her. Here are a few highlights:
Favorite Colors: Light pink and white
Favorite T.V. Show: iCarly
Favorite Movie: Labou
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Treat: Pineapple "Right Side Up" Cake
Favorite Toy: her bike
Favorite Friends: Aisley and Kade (from the neighborhood) and McKenna (from school)
Places she's been: Las Vegas, Disneyland, Lake Powell, Yuba, Yellowstone

Hayley passed out fruit snacks to her classmates, and I was impressed when all of them thanked her for the treat.

It was a little bit of deja vu though when Hayley's teacher, Mrs. Hessing, started excusing tables and then making kids go back to the table to try it again when they started running. Basically I realized that when I make kids sit back down after running, teachers have been telling them the same thing for five years!

So glad that Hayley is LOVING Kindergarten! She is such a very important person indeed.

Birthday Boy

2011-08-10T22:24:00.003-06:00

Two years ago today I gave birth to the sweetest little boy I know. Today we celebrated at the park with family and friends, and pizza and ice cream and cake. Jackson was in heaven to be playing outside.

And all the cousins had tons of fun playing while the adults hung out in the shady pavilion.

Jackson wasn't quite sure what to do with the candle on his cake...
(To avoid vertigo, you may want to start watching after the first five seconds. I was holding the camera and lighting a candle. And I forgot that my voice would be so amplified, or I may not have graced the video with my singing...)

But he knew exactly what to do with the presents!

Happy Birthday Jackson! We love you very much!

Kindergartener

2011-08-03T21:58:00.004-06:00

Hayley had been counting down the days until Kindergarten. Finally, today was the day. She woke up so happy and excited. She put on the (very bright) first-day-of-school outfit she had picked out the night before, kissed Dad goodbye, and climbed in the car to head to "Mom's school."

That's the part that I'd really been looking forward to, "Mom's school" becoming "Hayley's school" too.

Soon it was time to line up with her class. Hayley got a little bit nervous and clingy, but after a good hug from Mom, she was fine and headed inside with her classmates. No tears from her, or from me.

Then most of the other parents headed home, while I headed back in to school. I checked up on Hayley a couple of times, and she seemed like she was doing great. Her teacher said that Hayley's only issue was that she kept wanting to move on to the next thing quicker than the class was ready to. I guess this could go one of two ways: either Hayley has high expectations of what Kindergarten will entail, or she has a very short attention span. Either way, when I met up with Jeremy, Jackson, and Hayley for lunch and asked Hayley how her day was, she said it was "Great!" Plus she was pretty bummed when I got to go back to school after lunch and she didn't. Don't worry Hayley, there are many all-day-long school days in your future.

I can't leave you alone for a minute, can I?

2011-07-25T14:12:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday, after getting home from fishing, Hayley went out to play. A few minutes later, she came back in and informed me that no one could play, so she would be outside teaching herself to ride her bike without training wheels. I thought "Yeah, right" since Jeremy had been working with her the last few days and she was being pretty resistant, but I told her to be careful and watch for cars and she headed back outside.

Apparently I should have taken her a little more seriously, because about twenty minutes later she came in and yelled, "Mom, come outside! You've gotta see this!"

I was pretty shocked and amazed. Although I really shouldn't have been, because that is just how this girl is. There's lots of things that she can do but doesn't, because she'll do them when she's darn well ready!

Did you catch that? "Accidents happen!" when she had to put her foot down to balance. Funny kid.

Speaking of accidents, here's what I found after I went upstairs to take a quick shower while Jackson was watching Barney. Well this, and his little accident puddle.

He was so proud of himself, and so mad when I got him dressed (again) and made him wear a onesie for the rest of the day. I know, I'm such a buzz-kill.

Fishing with Grandpa

2011-07-24T13:41:00.003-06:00

Saturday morning, bright and early, we headed to the Sandy Urban Fishery to go fishing with my dad, Grandpa Dame. We were there maybe two minutes when Hayley and Grandpa caught a fish!

And a big one! It was a catfish, and Hayley was kind of wigged out by it's whiskers and it's wiggling.

A few minutes later, I caught a little perch. We had a very lucky morning. I think our final count was ten or more catches. The fish were lucky too, since we were strictly catching and releasing. No one was in the mood to gut the fish. :)

There was also a mom with a bunch of baby ducklings, and this mom with her "teenager ducklings" as Hayley called them. Hayley was feeding them trail mix, and they came right up to the shore for it, about two feet from where she was at. The mom with the babies wouldn't come that close.

This was Jackson's reaction every time someone pulled out a fish on their line. The plus to that was that he stayed in the stroller, so I didn't have to chase him around.

He liked the adjoining playground at the fishery much better than the actual fishing.

This was such a fun place to spend a morning. I would highly recommend it for any family with little fishermen and fisherwomen. (Fishergirls and fisherboys??)

Swimming Lessons

2011-07-22T22:35:00.001-06:00

Hayley and Jackson have both been taking swimming lessons for the past three weeks. Hayley started out kind of funny this year; she was hesitant to do some things that she has done so many times before, including last summer at swimming lessons. Like jump to her teacher from the side of the pool. I don't know what her deal was, but we practiced a few times away from swimming lessons, and she gained her confidence back. She has almost passed off all of the Level 2 skills now, which is great, especially considering that she is the youngest, smallest one in her class.

Her teacher wrote this about her on the last day of lessons:

It was great improvement with Hayley. If she keeps it up, she will be an awesome swimmer!

And the Little Boy. I knew that if I signed up Hayley for swimming lessons, and then proceeded to go to the pool each morning with him in tow, and not let him be in the water, I would probably seriously regret it. So I signed him up for the Parent/Tot Class at the same time as Hayley's lesson. He did it last year too, and I wasn't sure if he would really get much out of it. I was wrong. This kid is pretty much swimming. If you hold him with one hand on his tummy, he'll splash his arms, kick his legs, and put his whole face in the water. He'll also crabwalk on the side of the pool, boost himself up and out, and jump in from the side of the pool. (That's one of the things that helped Hayley get over her fear; she didn't want to get out shined by the one year old little brother.) He's a fast little sucker too. There were a few times when he jumped before I was ready, and went completely under the water. He held his breath and came up happy as can be.

Most of the days the kids had lessons, Jeremy was at work. He had the day off for their last lesson, so it was his turn to get in the water with Jackson. That way I was able to get some pictures of our little fishies in the water.

Good job Hayley and Jackson!

The Cavity

2011-07-20T22:34:00.002-06:00

After three successful check ups in a row with no cavities, I was pretty bummed when Hayley's check up was not all clear at the dentist's office last week. She was pretty bummed too. I have to give her credit though, because even the dentist said that he could tell she brushes, but that this cavity was due to lack of flossing. (Really though, I can only do so much in the way of a five year old's oral hygiene.) Hayley was very nervous about getting her cavity filled, especially about the shot. We decided to try the laughing gas on her, and see if it would calm her down some.

It didn't really calm her down, but it made for good entertainment:

As soon as the dentist came in, she ripped off the gas, her headphones, and her sunglasses, sat straight up and proceeded to cry and say how she didn't want a shot. Ended up I got to help hold that little girl down while they numbed her up. Here's the kicker though. The dentist, as he's giving her the shot, is telling her that it's just cold, cold water to make her cheek go to sleep, and she calmed right down. And after the shot was done, she looked over at me with her sad eyes and said, "Mom, I really don't want a shot." Yeah, she didn't even know that it was already done. Good work Dentist!

While she was numbing up the dentist left the room, and she got to sit on my lap, still telling me how she didn't want a shot. When he came back in, she did not want to get back up on that dentist chair for anything. It wasn't until she bargained her way up to three tokens for the machine in the waiting room, and had had a threat from me that I would hold her down like I had to during the "cold, cold water" that she got up on the chair and toughed it out. The dentist showed her each tool he was going to use, and told her exactly what he was doing with each tool as he did it. She laid there calmly through the whole filling of her cavity, and finished off with a high five for the dentist and a tooth-brushing for Mama Bear.

No more cavities ever for Hayley would be optimal, but it's probably not very realistic. I may sit the next one out and let Jeremy take her. Maybe he can make it through the appointment without being in tears along with his daughter.

Ahh, Summer!

2011-07-18T14:07:00.002-06:00

We've had a great, mostly laid-back Summer.

We got a free Slurpee at 7-11 on 7/11,

and played at the park,

and we rode Trax to the fountains at Library Square uptown.

Another fun week of Summer!

June Faves

2011-07-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

Favorite Food: Dutch Pancakes
Favorite Treat: Candy
Favorite Friend(s): Kade, the little boy across the street. Sometimes he's her boyfriend, sometimes they are broken up. Kad's mom and I have had to have the "no kissing" conversation with them. Oy.
Favorite Toy: Her bike.
Favorite Movie/Show: Spongebob
Favorite Song: Don't Trust Me by 3OH!3
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Put on makeup.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Swim or play in the mud at Yuba Lake.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When she does something silly and she laughs.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Come in from playing to get ready for bed, especially since it's usually still light outside.
Funny Things She Says: "Don't tell Dad" (to me) and "Don't tell Mom" (to Jeremy) when she is naughty. "Maybe grandma will get it for me" when we say no about buying her something.

Favorite Food: Hot Dogs
Favorite Treat: Smarties
Favorite Friend: Hayley
Favorite Toy(s): Under the Sea Merry-Go-Round
Favorite Book: Barney Goes to the Zoo
Favorite Movie/Show: Kipper the Dog or Barney
Favorite Things to do Inside: Take baths.
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Go to a park and go up the steps to the slide, look at the slide, and come back down the steps. It's like he just doesn't quite have the courage to go down the slide on his own.
Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she gives him things to make him happy.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Come inside from playing. Get out of the bathtub.

New Things He Says: "Bum-ber" (Thumper), "Ma-maw" (Grandma), "Dad!" and "Mom!" (And he'll yell them until we answer.)
New Things he Does: Shake his hand at you when he wants you to go away so he can do something he's not supposed to be doing.

"Ferb, I Know What We're Gonna Do Today!"

2011-07-06T22:08:00.000-06:00

There's 20 days left of summer vacation,

And school comes around just to end it,
So the annual problem of our generation,
Is finding a good way to spend it..

Like Maybe..."

1. Bean Museum
2. Ride Trax
3. Gateway Fountains
4. Library Fountains
5. Swimming Outside
6. Joe's Crab Shack
7. Snow Cones
8. Walk to 7-11
9. Cherry Hill
10. Living Planet Aquarium
11. Zoo
12. Barnes and Noble
13. Fishing with Grandpa
14. Drive In Movie
15. Homemade Ice Cream
16. Puff Ball Animals
17. Raging Waters
18. Mini Golf
19. Mount Timpanogas
20. Library
21. Make Popsicles
22. Go to the Cabin
23. Movie Theater Kid Deals
24. Service Project
25. Play at Hayley's Playground
26. Yard Sale
27. Swimming Lessons
28. Temple Square
29. Water Balloons
30. Birthday Date

Twenty days left until I go back to school. We're trying for all thirty activities on this list. Wish us luck, and let me know if you'd like to join us on any of our adventures!

Fourth of July

2011-07-05T16:07:00.004-06:00

After spending the weekend at Yuba Lake, I wasn't sure if we were going to make it home in time to head to Aunt Kimi's neighborhood Fourth of July Celebration. We ended up coming home from Yuba Sunday night, resting up on Monday, and heading up to Kimi's Monday night. Jackson was his super happy self.

He was also hungry, apparently, because this is what he did to a muffin after eating four hotdogs and two plates of watermelon.

Hayley was happy too, playing with cousins and hanging out with Daddy.

That is, until the fireworks started.

She is ridiculously, deathly afraid. This video is after they got out the small fountain-y ones. Not even any of the now-legal big guns.

Jackson was fine, and enjoyed the show.

While we enjoyed some quality time with our happy little boy.

Hayley was more than happy to stay inside and watch through the window with Grandma, and play with Isaac, who also decided he has an aversion to fireworks.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July!

She's Growing Up

2011-06-30T22:08:00.002-06:00

Hayley seems to be growing up more and more beyond her years. She is such a big help with her little brother, and can do so many more thing so much more independently than she used to just a few months ago. Here's just a few of the things that I don't want to forget that our little five year old is capable of:

She gets herself up and ready for the day. Often her clothes don't match, and she had about five different hairbows in her hair, but I will take that if it comes along with her new found independence.
She will get herself a snack and turn on a show for herself downstairs.
She ties her own shoes. And we didn't even really work on it that much. She just decided she wanted to know how, had us show her a few times, and she had it down in about a week.
She had Jeremy's cell phone number memorized, and will call him on her own whim throughout the day. Often Jeremy will come home from work and tell me that Hayley called him and I will have no idea she even called. Or he'll call my cell asking what I called about, saying that he missed a call from me, and then we'll both realize that it wasn't me, it was Hayley.
Recently she helped to clean the playroom, and brought this to me. She had already gotten out a marker and labeled it.

Here's a close up:

Can you see it? Broken: "BROQN"

The best part was, later I found the other part of the doll bed.
Of course it was labeled:

"BROQN TOO"

Then a few days later, I came home to this list:

FRUIT
TO dRI
CAUTEl-
oPe
BANUANA
STRAWB-
eRRy
PIUN
EAPPlE
APPlE

Apparently, she had been talking to Jeremy about wanting to have some dried fruit, and Jeremy told her to remind me to buy the fruit, so she made a list. I'm pretty sure she had some help from him on some of the spellings, but still it was cute to have my five year old making my shopping lists.

This family sure loves our little girl!

Daddy Daughter Date

2011-06-28T23:11:00.000-06:00

Last week, Hayley came to lunch at Chick-Fil-A with my friends and me. One of my friends got a flyer for a Daddy Daughter Date Night that Chick-Fil-A was holding this week, and handed it off to Hayley. Hayley showed it to Jeremy that night and asked him on a date. Of course, he said yes. Who could say no to this cute girl?

Hayley was excited to wear her lip gloss, and jewelry, and the new dress that Grandma Bachman had gotten her, and felt pretty special when she saw Daddy all dressed up too. I told her that Daddy doesn't even usually get dressed up to take me out on a date, and I think that made her night.

Both Jeremy and Hayley said it was a very fun night. They were served their dinner, on fancy plates, at tables with tablecloths. And there were crafts and activities for the dads and daughters...

Including and limo ride!

And princesses! I was surprised when Jeremy told me that Hayley was shocked that they came to Chick-Fil-A all the way from Disneyland. I can't believe that she's oblivious to the fact that the princesses look quite a bit different than they did in California.

These two had such a fun bonding time, and I was more than happy to stay home with the little man. I think we may have to have Daddy-Daughter Mommy-Son Date night more often.

Mexican Cruise

2011-06-27T19:20:00.005-06:00

The week after going off track, I got to go on a Mexican Riviera Cruise. It was to celebrate my stepdad's triplets graduation from high school, but they needed an even number of people to fill the rooms, and I was more than happy to fill in.

The first port was at Catalina Island. I hadn't been to Catalina in about 15 years, and I had forgotten how cute and fun and quaint it is. Lots of shopping, and fishing boats, and entertainers in the street, and tender boats that we rode over to the island from our cruise ship. (That's our cruise ship in the background of the first two pictures.)

It was really fun to spend some quality time with my mom too. It's not often I get her all to myself without my two kids or her other two kids. :)

These cool plants were growing all over the island. The flower part was actually the leaves of the plant, spaced to look like a flower blooming. They were so pretty!

The next port was in Ensenada, Mexico. Along with some cheap shopping that was quite the experience for our haggling skills, this about summed up Mexico:

It was a relaxing, fun vacation, that got me all geared up and ready for five weeks off with my kids before school starts again! Thanks Mom and Robert for inviting me. I'll be the "Sixth Wheel" anytime!

Batter Up!

2011-06-18T18:32:00.001-06:00

With preschool and dance finished for the year, and soccer soon coming to a close, we signed Hayley up for T-ball.

Did she like it? Honestly, I'm not sure. It seems with her age group, there is a lot of waiting around for their turn to bat, a lot of confusion on what to do if they actually hit the ball, including remembering to drop the bat and keep the helmet on. Hayley may have gotten the two mixed up a few times. Actually, it may have been on purpose, because when I asked her why she wouldn't keep the helmet on she said, "Because it doesn't go with my fashion, Mom." Right, Hales. My mistake.

There was plenty of dirt to play in though, which meant a guaranteed bath every Thursday night. And Mom, Dad, Jackson, Grandpa Dame, and Grandma Heidi supporting her at most of her games. And snacks and a shirt and pictures, so I'd say we got our money's worth. We'll see if we do it again in the fall.

Or if it cramps Hayley's sense of fashion too much.

TGIF Fo' Shizzle

2011-06-10T19:46:00.002-06:00

This week has been totally stressful.

Last week of school, report cards, two hour concert dress rehearsal Monday, two hour concerts starting at 8:00 Tuesday and Wednesday (see below), T-ball game Thursday, no sitter Friday so I took the kids with me to work, two trips to the DMV in Draper to get my already expired driver license renewed, along with all the normal life stressors, has made me feel a little like this:

Which is why currently, I'm sitting on the couch, surrounded by kid toy mess, eating Oreos, while watching TV and playing on the computer.

Because I can, and I needed to.

And maybe if I leave them long enough the four baskets of laundry will fold themselves.

Spring Dance Concert

2011-06-10T18:38:00.005-06:00

Hayley danced in Miss Margene's Spring Dance Concert this past week. It was called Deja Vu, and included favorite dances from some of Miss Margene's past concerts. Which didn't mean much to us since this was her first concert with this studio, but her Rainbow Dance that was part of the Nature Suite in the concert was pretty cute.

The concert was at Murray Park Amphitheater outside. The performed the same concert two night in a row. The first night's weather was great, so of course I forgot a charged camera battery, and only had a disposable point and click camera to document the first night.

The second night of the concert happened to be my birthday, and I suppose a birthday miracle was in the cards, because the nasty rain and most of the wind held off until the concert was over. Good thing, since that was the night that most of Hayley's audience came, and the night that I was prepared to video her dancing.

What a cute little Rainbow Girl!

I was amazed that Hayley made it to the finale both nights, since the concert didn't start until 8:00 and didn't finish until about 10:30 both nights. She even went all out and danced the finale dance the second night.

Don't worry, I was too far back for that little boy to actually hear me.

It's been a great year, full of dance, fun, and friends!

Now if I could just convince Hayley that her bedtime is in fact three hours earlier than she has been going to bed the past few nights. Yikes!

Time Flies

2011-05-31T20:50:00.002-06:00

Last week Hayley had her Preschool Graduation. I may have gone a little overboard getting there earlier than anyone else to ensure we got a good seat this year. Hayley was happy to have some time to play with Little Marlie before the program got started. An appropriate nickname, I think, for Marlie.

She was very happy to see Miss Margene too.

I tried to get a picture of it when the first filed up front, but I was too slow. Hayley and that cute boy in the yellow polo were totally holding hands. Like fingers interlocked and "I like you" kind of holding hands. Hayley has been telling us about boys that she thinks are cute in her class, but I didn't realize how serious she was.

No wonder Jeremy and I are both going gray.

Here are some snippets of the program. Hayley was very excited to get picked as the Flag Girl for the Pledge and Flag Song. I was happy I got the pledge on video this time. It's always my favorite part of their programs.

And really, what Preschool Program is complete without a rendition of Five Little Ducks? Plus, you can see Hayley's "boyfriend" (for real, that's what she calls him) and Jackson having a ton of fun with Grandpa's hat. Sure wish Hayley would come waddling back as fast as she sings the last line of the song.

Here's the last half of Hayley's favorite, the "H" song, Hannah Had the Hiccups. I love Hayley's giggle at the end.

I didn't get the whole thing recorded at the program, so I had her sing a solo when we got home.

As much as I don't want it to, time just continues to fly. I'm sure we'll be worrying about this in what feels like no time:

In the meantime, we'll just work on getting through the Summer and then on to Kindergarten!

Outtakes

2011-05-26T20:46:00.001-06:00

Memo to the Kids:
Step 1: Look at the camera. At the same time.
Step 2: Smile. Preferably, at the same time.
:)

Blast From the Past

2011-05-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

When Hayley jumped up and posed on that wall by the tulips, I thought that location and photo looked so familiar...

So I checked our other pictures from the Tulip Festival and found the one on the left from 2009 when Hayley was three.

What a difference two years makes. She looks so different!

She also sounds and acts so different. I found this video in the same folder.

In case you didn't catch that:

"I love purple."
"I got two purples!"
"I'm gonna say thank you to the Easter... For these."
"Hey, they are candies. They are gummies."
"These are mine. My stuff."

So cute. Love you Hayley. Then and now.

Kick It! Kick It Good!

2011-05-14T13:37:00.004-06:00

We signed up Hayley for soccer though the Fitness Center. She was pretty excited on Meet the Coach Day. She got her uniform, met her coach and teammates, played with her friend Sydney who is also on her team, and smiled nice and cute for pictures.

Funny side note on the picture pose: one of the girls on Hayley's team showed up with her black dressy church shoes on for pictures. From that little girl on, this seemed to be the go-to pose for the team. I would have liked to see the cute soccer shorts and shin guards she had on. Oh well... :)

The next week was supposed to be the team's first game, but Hayley woke up at 6:00 a.m. to throw up, and continued to wake up and throw up just about every hour on the hour (seriously, it was weird how punctual she was) until about 2:00 Saturday afternoon, and then she was fine after that. I'm pretty sure she had food poisoning, but I'm not sure from what. I'm really so glad that we've got her bowl-trained though. The whole day I only had to wash one comforter one time due to vomit.

The week after that their game was snowed out. Because at least one canceled game is to be expected when playing soccer in the months of April and May, right? At least, it is if you live in Utah.

Apparently the third week's the charm, because Hayley made it to her game, healthy, and with perfect weather. And for never having played soccer before, she sure jumped right in.

This video is pretty par for the course of how she plays. Part playing with Sydney, part getting to the ball pretty agressively, and part posing and grinning for the camera.

I also love how she keep track of how many times she kicks the ball, and get just as excited when she kicks it as when she makes a goal. (She's made one!) And when she sees someone watching her, she give them a "thumbs up" from across the field. She also had to ask after the game was done, "Mom, did my team win?" To which my answer was, "Well, did you have fun?" and her reply was, "Yes!" So I asked her, "Then what do you think?" I figure no sense in making her be any more competitive than she needs to be this young. For her the most important thing is playing and having fun.

On second thought, the most important thing according to her may be the snack at the end of the game. :)

April Faves

2011-05-09T22:56:00.002-06:00

Favorite Food: Pancakes
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend(s): Molly, who lives one street over. This is a big deal because it's the first friend we've let Hayley play with that we can't see her house from our front door.
Favorite Toy: Littlest Pet Shops
Favorite Book: Mortimer's Christmas
Favorite Movie/Show: iCarly
Favorite Song: MJ's Thriller
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Watch iCarly.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Catch Rolly Pollies. (Potato Bugs.)
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he lets her hold his hand.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Get hurt. Physically or emotionally. Which is hard considering how hard she plays, and how tender her feelings are.
Funny Things She Says: "How 'bout... Oh, right. I don't get to make the deals."
"Sorry Baby, but you're just going to have to deal with it."

Favorite Food: String Cheese
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend: Mom
(I don't know where this Momma's boy came from all the sudden, but I like it. Most days.)
Favorite Toy(s): Legos and blocks
Favorite Book: The Elmo Bath Books from the dollar aisle at Target.
Favorite Movie/Show: Barney ("Arney") and Baby Bop ("Bop")
Favorite Things to do Inside: Sit at Hayley's little desk in her room and play.
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Explore! Pick up rocks, grass, and whatever else.
Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she picks up his stuff that he chucks while in the car.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Go to bed. At all. Period.

New Things He Says: "Naughty", (When I'm saying it to Hayley, and oh, does it make her mad!) "Knock, knock" (Grandma Bachman taught him that one), "Stack, stack" (with blocks), "Help" (but only when he's really frustrated) and "No, no" while shaking his head "no" and already doing something naughty.
New Things he Does: Cry when Hayley leaves the house. He'll try to put on his own shoes and socks, but is very particular and only likes his one pair of sneakers. We're going to be in trouble when they get too small!

Spring has Sprung

2011-05-07T23:06:00.002-06:00

Today was the last day of the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. (So if you were planning on going, sorry, you're out of luck.) We usually go every year, and Hayley, knowing that the festival would soon be over, convinced me to take her and Jackson today. We almost didn't make it there, when traffic was backed up on the freeway because of two pretty bad accidents. I told Hayley that if we were going this slowly, it would take us two hours to get there. She replied with, "I'm okay with that. Sometimes you just have to be patient, Mom." Nice. It's kind of funny when your own lessons that you taught your child kind of backfire on you.

It was a beautiful evening when we got there. The tulips were pretty, but some of Hayley's favorite things have nothing to do with the flowers. She played in the sand and in the creek, but when we got to the climby bugs in the Children's Garden, disaster struck. As she was going down the ladder, she caught her feet in the ladder, and smacked down hard on the sand with her knees, palms, and head. I could tell it really, really hurt, yet still she was really tough about it.

The picture below was taken about five minutes after she was wounded. As for Jackson after feeding him his favorite dinner of a corn dog and apple juice, he was fairly content to just hang out in the stroller and observe and smile for most of the outing.

Love Spring, love these kids!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-28T17:24:00.003-06:00

Hayley helped Grandma Heidi prepare for our family Easter Party. First on the list was frosting and decorating the Easter Bunny Cake. I remember making this same kind of cake with my mom when I was little. Hayley loved it just as much as I remember that I did.

We also colored eggs, which Hayley seems to love more and more each year.

Jackson liked grabbing them and banging them on the table until they cracked.

He was pretty excited when we let him bang the plastic eggs to his heart's content on Easter Morning.

Hayley posed in her new Easter Dress, courtesy of Grandma Heidi.

And more of the "No, of course we won't both sit on the stairs, look at you, and smile at the same time. What are you Mom? Crazy?" act.

After church on Easter Sunday, it was off to Grandma Bachman's house to find more eggs with all the cousins.

(credit)
And pull out a few model poses for Aunt Katie's camera.

(credit)
A great holiday full of food, family, fun, and faith.

The Bunny

2011-04-22T14:11:00.002-06:00

Took the kids to see the Easter Bunny today. You know, because they love it so much.

Okay, fine. So Jackson hated it. Hayley liked it though.

Hayley's trying really hard to get him trained on Easter Bunnies and Bunny Ears.

Such a cute big sister!

Disneyland, Baby!

2011-04-13T21:29:00.015-06:00

After a long 10 hour drive, complete with an overnight stop in Vegas, we finally arrived at the Happiest Place on Earth. It also felt like the Hottest Place on Earth. It was in the mid nineties the first day we were there.

We headed back to Toontown, caught Minnie outside her house, and quickly learned that Jackson was scared of the characters. Didn't help that Minnie tried to chase him down. He's not in the picture because he was busy having a fit.

Jeremy rode a few rides with us, since he was leaving the next day with Grandpa Bob to go scuba diving at Catalina Island.

While they were gone, my mom and I did a few more days at Disneyland with the kids.

Hayley loved all the characters. She saw Mickey dressed as Steamboat Willie, Aviator Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Aurora, Rapunzel from Tangled, Tiana, Ariel, Jasmine, Fairies Iridessa and Tinker Bell, Mickey's bear Duffy, Woody and the Green Army Man, Gepetto, and Mary Poppins and Bert. And we saw Snoopy, Charlie, and Lucy at Knott's Berry Farm.

After a few more days, Jackson also warmed up to the whole vacation idea, including the characters. At least, as long as he was sleeping or someone was holding him.

Jeremy and Robert got back from Catalina and joined us for a few more days at the parks. It was so nice to have the grandparents with us and be able to go on a few rides together with Jeremy.

Plus, Jeremy got to see Jackson's change of heart regarding his Disney friends. Goofy was the last one we saw on our last day, and Jackson couldn't get enough. He kept flicking Goofy's whiskers and laughing like it was the funniest thing ever.

As fun as our trip was, it was still so nice to get home and back to our own beds and back to normal life. And for those of you who are wondering if we ended up with annual passes this trip, the answer is sadly no. Because I thought my family would appreciate being able to buy groceries when we got back home. I know. Some people's priorities, right? :) There's always next year!

P.S. There's way more pictures. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog for a slide show of them coming soon!

March/April Faves

2011-04-10T21:57:00.003-06:00

Favorite Food: Yogurt
Favorite Treat: Fruit Rollups
Favorite Friend(s): Kali and MaKell
Favorite Toy: Mr. Potato Head
Favorite Book: Polar Animals
Favorite Movie/Show: Tangled and Hannah Montana
Favorite Song: "Grandma and Grandpa Gwendelyn" from Preschool
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Any "craft" that requires scissors and tape.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Go to Disneyland.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When she can get him to say new words.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Be told to quit bugging Jackson.
Funny Things She Says: "That's insane!" and "I think something just shifted to my lower intestine." (After burping.)

Favorite Food: Melon (any kind)
Favorite Treat: Goldfish Crackers
Favorite Friend: Grandma Heidi
Favorite Toy: Any Shape Sorter
Favorite Book: Sesame Street: Eyes, Ears, Mouth, and Toes
Favorite Movie/Show: Still with the Barney.
Favorite Things to do Inside: Look for binkies that Mom and Dad haven't thrown away. We're on Day 4 of No Binkies!
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Hold your hand and walk.
Favorite Thing about Hayley: Pulling her hair.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Go to bed without his binky.

New Things He Says/Does: Says "Tee" for "Pretty" and "Up" for "Cup." If you say "Hand" he'll reach up and grab your hand. He'll climb absolutely anything he can, including the rails in his crib so he falls out.

May I Take Your Order?

2011-03-09T20:39:00.003-07:00

Okay, so. My friend Hayley posted this on her blog, and I commented, and then realized that my comment was a little out of control in the length department, so I posted it here instead. She shared her Cafe Rio order, and asked what other people's orders were, so here it is. Enjoy.

Used to be I got the salad because I thought it was healthier. And then I realized, "Really? Who am I kidding?" So the standing order now is this. (It's the family's order, but only the family order will give you the full effect.)

Pork Burrito, black beans, mild sauce, enchilada style. (Jeremy's)

Fire Grilled Chicken (or Steak, depending on my mood), black beans, mild sauce, enchilada style.

And a Kid's Quesadilla. (Hayley's. Technically. But she doesn't even really like quesadillas. We order it because it's supposed to be free with an adult meal. Sometimes they still charge us. Grr.)

That is followed by a slight break in stressful ordering. (Because really, have you ever been to Cafe Rio and NOT had them be in a huge hurry??)

Anyway, burritos come out of the oven, and the guy says, "Lettuce and salsa?" To which the answer is "Yes, but on the side, in a separate container." And I gotta say it fast, or it ends up right next to the burrito, and Jeremy thinks he's deathly allergic to lettuce, tomatoes, and pretty much every other vegetable. The other reason why is that that extra lettuce with a side of their creamy tomatillo dressing and the leftovers of my burrito make for a delish lunch the next day.

And because the guy doesn't think that I'm enough of a pain in the butt yet, when he asks, "Anything else?" I tell him I need a cup of strawberries (versus the ONE strawberry slice that usually comes on the kids quesadilla). Because, yes, I bribe my child with strawberries to get her to eat the cheese quesadilla that she doesn't really like all that much.

And I order some extra "chipper strips" (sometimes I cal them "stripper chips" just to see who's paying attention) for Hayley too. Because she missed those from my salad when I stopped ordering it.

And drinks. If they had anything alcholic at Cafe Rio, I'd need it after successfully ordering our food. But alas, they do not, so soda it shall be.

Feel free to take the dare and share your Cafe Rio Order. Unless you go there and order a salad with no tortilla, no beans, no rice, no cheese, and no stripper chips and no dressing. The lady in front of me last time seriously ordered that. I was like, "Lady, why are you even here?" So, if that's your kind of order, I don't want to know about it. Because I feel kind of sad for you. And I don't know if we can be friends anymore.

February Faves

2011-03-05T16:31:00.003-07:00

Favorite Food: Oatmeal
Favorite Treat: Reeses Chocolate Eggs
Favorite Friend(s): Whoever can play. She's not picky.
Favorite Book: Princess Look and Find
Favorite Movie/Show: Blues Clues
Favorite Song: "The Poke Song" (Pokerface by Lady Gaga)
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Listen to CD's on her walkman.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Draw with chalk.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When she can get him to stop crying by singing.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Leave Grandma's or have Grandma leave our house.
Funny Things She Says: "Look at _____! Are you so impressed?!"

Favorite Food: Corndogs
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend: Cousin Zoe
Favorite Book: Bedtime Bears
Favorite Movie/Show: Barney (Much to my intense dismay.)
Favorite Things to do Inside: Try to play with the toliet plunger.

Favorite Things to Do Outside: Go "Bye Bye" in the car.

Favorite Thing about Hayley: That she shares her treats.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Have his nose wiped.
New Things He Says/Does: Points to his stinky diaper and says "Ka, Ka." And he'll whine until he has a spoon or fork to eat with, no matter what he is eating.

My Valentine

2011-03-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and I are not big fans of going out on Valentine's Day. We exchanged cards and Jermey got me flowers on Valentine's Day, but we didn't have our Valentine's Day date until about 11 days later. My mom was nice enough to come over and tend the kids. Jeremy and I first stopped at the new Carhart store that's been on our list to check out for a while. They had a bunch of really nice stuff, but Jeremy and I restrained ourselves, leaving only with a skirt for Hayley and a hat for me.

After that we headed to one of our fave places to eat, Braza Grill. We pulled into the parking lot and realized just how long it had been since we had gone out on a date on the weekend. (Probably about 5 years, because Jeremy used to always be at work on Friday and Saturday nights.) It worked out okay, and we only waited about ten minutes before starting in on the Brazilian Barbeque yumminess.

After dinner we headed home and shared our answers to these:

They are little quiz books that I found at Barnes and Noble. They were fun to do, and funny to read over with each other. Plus we both "passed" with scores of about 80% and learned some new things about each other. It was so great to share a nice evening with my best friend, my sweet husband that I love so much.

Hayley's Five!

2011-02-19T20:51:00.004-07:00

Hayley's birthday is always a cause for celebration, but this year, instead of multiple parties with family and friends, we decided to just throw one big shebang. And one BIG shebang it was!

We let Hayley open her presents from Mom and Dad at home, before her party. She was so happy, and so excited for her big birthday party!

We rented out a room at the Fitness Center, and invited anyone and everyone Hayley wanted to, including my family, Jer's family including all the "friend cousins" and Hayley's friends from preschool, dance, my mom's work at the Fitness Center, church, and the neighborhood. That amounted to about 50 people, which was fine, since I didn't think that everyone would come.

Yeah, just about everyone we invited came. :)

The kids started out coloring their goody bags and playing with Play-Doh.

And then sat down to wait for their turn to hit the pinata.

With a pool noodle. Because 25 kids and a bat don't mix.

Then it was time for the cake. Spongebob cake, and Hayley's insistence. (And my agreeing only because it was her birthday, and she really, really wanted it.)

We finished off with some playtime in the Edutainment Center play area.

With a party like that being the way her birthday year started, I'm pretty sure Hayley is excited to be five. I'm still a little in denial I think, that my little girl is growing up. There are some things I love about her getting older though. Like how big of a helper she can be (especially with Jackson), how she will clean up her own messes (sometimes with prompting, sometimes without), how she loves to play games and read books (just like her mom), how sometimes she totally talks like she is a little adult, how she still loves to cuddle, how not a day goes by that she doesn't "make me something" (a Valentine, a picture, a card), and how darling she is, and how much she loves her family.

Happy Birthday to the sweetest little five year old we know!

Wheeler Farm Pics

2011-02-12T20:38:00.003-07:00

Last weekend, the kids and I met up with my old friend Lyndsey from college. She is a teacher, mom, pro cupcaker (as seen here on Good Things Utah), and a terrific photographer. She took these darling photos of my darlings. These are just a few of my many, many faves from her shoot.

I love them.

So glad we didn't get snowed or rained out.

And that she caught all this cuteness on camera.

Especially since she did all this to help this sweet family in their adoption process. All the proceeds she made at her shoots on Saturday went to the Cerans. What a wonderful way apply your talent to a great cause, right? Lyndsey is kind of amazing like that.

January Faves

2011-02-02T22:24:00.003-07:00

(An "oldie but goodie" picture. Because I've been slackin' on taking pics this month.)

Favorite Food: Yogurt
Favorite Treat: Hershey's Kisses
Favorite Friend(s): Aisly
Favorite Book: Firedog Martha
Favorite Movie/Show: Ponyo
Favorite Song: Journey of a Germ
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Draw or Color.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Go see if her neighborhood friends can play.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he kisses her.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Sit on her butt while eating a meal.
Funny Things She Says: After telling her that she's strong, "Yeah, I've been working out."

Favorite Food: Goldfish Crackers
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend: Daddy
Favorite Book: The Nose Book by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Movie/Show: Kipper the Dog
Favorite Things to do Inside: Play with the fake food and play dishes.

Favorite Things to Do Outside: Go for walks.

Favorite Thing about Hayley: That she lets him play with her princess dollies.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Hold still on the changing table.
New Things He Says/Does: Holds his hand up like "I don't know" when asked a question.
Climbs up and down stairs with minimal falling.

January Happenings

2011-01-14T20:34:00.003-07:00

This is one of the times of the year that I love that I teach "A" Track. I've been off of school since right before Christmas, and I don't go back until next Monday. It's been a pretty chill (and chilly!) New Year, and it's been so nice to have Jeremy and I both home every morning, and all day long on his days off.

There's been some staying in jammies well into the afternoon.
Just because we can.

And lots of cuddling on the couch with Dad.
Because he will with Dad.
(He won't cuddle like this with me.
Jer's got him trained.)

And a little girl who can practically eat her weight in German pancake.

I think she's really enjoying having both parents home more too. She's been such a good girl the past week or so. Just fun and happy and such a good big sister. And hillarious! I know that I usually put her quips in her monthly faves, but she's saying so many lately, I've got to get them recorded now. Here's what we've been hearing:

"Hold that thought..."
"I love you more than you do!" (Meaning, "I love you more than you love me!" after someone says they love her.)
"Mom, I think the prince is awake from his nap." (Because if she is the princess, Jackson must be the prince, right?)
How do you spell _____?" (Whenever we are in the car, she is writing notes to people. For a while it was mostly "I love you" written to different people, but now she has progressed to things like: "Dad take me on a date" and "Grandma invite me to sleep over every time" and "Mom you are a star.")

Hope everyone else is having a great start to their New Year too. I've been doing pretty well on some of my resolutions, but I don't want to post about them and jinx it. :) Gonna wait until the end of the month and make sure I'm still going strong!

The Reward

2011-01-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

For filling up three Good Girl Sticker Charts, Hayley got to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Grandma Heidi, Grandpa Bob, and Russell decided they wanted to come with us.

Hayley posed with Chuck,

And then we found one of those machines that takes a picture and then sketches it:

It was really fun!

At least we thought so.

The guys may beg to differ.

December Faves

2011-01-01T21:25:00.003-07:00

Favorite Food: Butter and jam sandwich, heated up.
Favorite Treat: Christmas Candy
Favorite Friend(s): Cousins Peyton and Zekie
Favorite Book: Princess Look and Find
Favorite Movie/Show: Sponge Bob (Ugh.)
Favorite Song: "Sunny Day" from Sesame Street.
Favorite Things to Do Inside: Play on her Leapster. And take showers.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Go see if her neighborhood friends can play.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he pokes her belly button.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Well, I don't like the lying thing she has going on lately.
Funny Things She Says: "Re-Tangled" for the new Tangled movie about Rapunzel.
"But you have four-wheel-drive!!" any time I say we can't go somewhere because it's too cold/snowy/slippery.

Favorite Food: Corndogs
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend: He's fascinated with anyone who is about his age or size.
Favorite Book: Circus Colors from Aunt Jan and Great Grandma Dame
Favorite Movie/Show: He was pretty into Hayley's Barbie movie. (?)
Favorite Things to do Inside: Ride his push-car he got for Christmas.

Favorite Things to Do Outside: Get in the car to go bye-bye.

Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she shares with him.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Touch or be near Hayley's Zhu Zhu Pets. He's scared of them.
New Things He Says/Does: Dance, which to him means turn around in circles with his arms up in the air.
And he chucks his binky when we are in the car, and then gets mad that it's gone.

New Year, New 'Do

2010-12-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Before:

The After:

The Inspiration:

Kind of weird how she had the whole eyes-closed, head-tilt thing going before I even found the Rapunzel picture online. I don't want to talk about how the only thing missing is the boy... Sorry if you haven't seen the movie yet and I just spoiled some of it for you.

It's a super-cute movie, kind of more old-school Disney. My favorite thing about it though was that it made Hayley more sure about her decision to get her hair cut. It had been quite the conundrum for her for the last few months: "But Mom, how can I be a princess if my hair is short? All the princesses have long hair." Thanks, Re-Tangled for clearing that up for Princess Hayley.

It's been much easier on the Queen and King around here who have to wash and comb the princess's hair.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-29T21:18:00.001-07:00

Christmas morning Hayley slept until 7:30. Even then, I'm not sure she remembered it was Christmas, because she crawled in next to me to do her usual morning cuddle. After we woke up Dad and Jackson, we headed to the Christmas Tree. Hayley got held up at her stocking.

I thought she'd go right for the Leapster that Santa got her that was laid out on the couch. Which I have no picture of, because once she saw it, she wouldn't look up from it. For anything. That is, until I reminded her that there were more presents for her under the tree, including a house and friend for her Zhu Zhu Pet from Santa on Christmas Eve.

Jackson took a while with his binky to warm up to the plan of getting up early on Christmas,

but eventually, he decided he liked it okay.

After a fun morning, we headed to the Dame Christmas Party, Jackson hung out with Grandpa Dame,

and Hayley hung out with Great-Grandma Dame.

Such fun times with great family and friends!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-28T20:59:00.006-07:00

After a fun time at the Bachman's (with no pictures, because, sadly, my camera battery died) I think Jackson may have had an agenda in mind for Christmas Eve at Aunt Wendi's. I think it went something like this:

"Mom, I'll play nice with everyone at the party, as long as I don't have to go near that Santa guy again. Deal?"

I figured that was only fair.

So Jackson cuddled up to Aunt Anke,

and wandered over to give my cousin Saskia a big hug, and a sloppy, slobbery kiss.
Which she loved, of course.

Hayley had no problem with Santa.

Because she knows the deal by now, and was very pleased to have Santa come through on one of her Christmas wishes for a Zhu Zhu Pet.

After the party, I tried to get a cute picture of the kids in their Christmas jammies.

I tried really hard.

But it didn't work out.

I gave up.

I'm pretty sure last year was a fluke.

Christmas Eve Eve

2010-12-24T12:42:00.003-07:00

Christmas Eve Eve we went to our annual holiday party at Grandma Heidi's house. It was a great time. The food was so yummy, and we were spoiled with presents, especially Jackson and Hayley. They always make out like bandits, since they are the only grandkids.

Grandma loved the Snowman Handprint Ornament that Hayley made for her.

And I was happy to have Jeremy be able to attend a Christmas party with us.

Maybe my favorite present so far though, has been this:

So sweet, especially since she wrote it by herself, and wrapped it up before giving it to me.

Love that Hayley, and love this holiday!

Christmas Crafting

2010-12-23T16:10:00.005-07:00

The Crafts:

Stuffed Gingerbread Men (and Tree)

Handprint Snowman Ornament

Candy Cane Heart

Twisted Candy Cane

The Cutest Crafter:

Still on the List:

Trace Hands Christmas Tree

Peppermint Ornament

Pom Pom Ornaments

And for Next Year:

Elf Ornament

Petal and Button Wreath

Memory Jar

Easy Nativity

Holly Jolly Wreath

I never thought it would happen, but I think I've been sucked in to the world of crafting.

P is for Preschool Program

2010-12-16T17:18:00.003-07:00

Today was Hayley's Christmas Preschool Program.

Due to getting there on time (not early) our seats, and therefore our ability to see Hayley, were not as optimal as I would have hoped.

She did know and sing all of the fun Christmas songs though, including S-A-N-T-A.

The highlight for us was her speaking part, which she had entirely memorized despite only having it be assigned two days before. I'm amazed how this girl is not the least bit intimidated by performing in front of a crowd.

(If you didn't quite catch that:
"D is for dollhouses, dump trucks, and drums.
Made in the workshop before Christmas comes.")

Another great program, plus a legit reason for me to take a day off of work!

Makin' a List

2010-12-13T21:47:00.001-07:00

I confess. I have a list of "fun things" for us to do during the month of December. Saturday we crossed three things off of our list:

First on the list was Breakfast with Santa.
Hayley was so excited to see her friend Sydnee,

but I think she was more excited to see the Main Man and his Mrs.

Jackson was much happier to stay with Grandma Heidi than to see Santa again.

Then we headed uptown to the Dicken's Festival with my dad.

It's been on hiatus from Salt Lake for about ten years, but was back by popular demand this year. I danced here every Christmas Season when I was younger, and it was fun to re-live some of the memories. Mostly, I couldn't believe how much bigger everything seemed when I was a child.

And to finish off the day, we headed to Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb. My mom was lucky enough to get free tickets from her work, and asked if we were interested.

Were we ever! So cute of a show. I think I liked it even better than Disney on Ice. And that's saying a lot. Even the little rugrat liked it. Even though this was as close as I got to a smile on camera. He's smiling behind his souvineer, I promise.

He's learned early that Grandma is a pushover for overpriced toys.
And we love her for it!

Nutcracker 2010

2010-12-11T22:17:00.006-07:00

Hayley did a great job performing as a little butterfly in The Nutcracker, despite totally going to a spot on the wrong side of the stage during the first performance. She figured it out though, and performed even more beautifully the second night.

This lady, Miss Margene, is amazing. She's Hayley's preschool and dance teacher. She is so sweet and patient with the kids, and truly loves each of them.

Hayley loves her too. She told me the other day that she wants to take Miss Margene to Kindergarten with her next year.

Did you catch that?

Kindergarten.

Next year.

Really, Baby Hales, where did the time go?

Butterfly Girl

2010-12-06T21:42:00.002-07:00

Hayley is performing in Miss Margene's Nutcracker Production this week. She's in the Butterfly Dance. All of you are more than welcome to attend. It's at Hunter High at 7:00 on Wednesday and Thursday. Both nights are the same show.

Tickets are $4.00, although I think she's pretty priceless!

Jackson's New "Friend"

2010-12-05T10:59:00.007-07:00

Last night we headed to the Holiday Festival at the Kearns Olympic Oval. I should have been clued in by the fact that it was free, and by the lack of parking spaces, because it was a madhouse. However, after holding Hayley off at the Festival of Trees earlier that day, I couldn't deny her another visit with Santa, so we braved the almost hour-long line. Jackson did not think it was worth the wait.

He was pissed.

No other words to describe it.

Totally reminded me of this:

Go ahead and call me a mean parent for kind of liking the Crying Santa Pictures.
The lady in back of me in line did.

After the Santa episode, I let Hayley play in the bouncy houses for awhile.

Until some little kid puked in one of them, and I decided to call it a night.
Because nothing says time to go home like vomit.

Patty Cake

2010-12-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Couldn't help but post this.

November Faves

2010-12-01T11:50:00.002-07:00

Favorite Food(s): Zefronk Treat: Hot dog bun, banana, PB&J
Favorite Treat: Granola bars
Favorite Friend(s): Marissa ("Arissa" if you ask her), and cousin Ella who we saw at Thanksgiving and hadn't seen in a while.
Favorite Book: Franklin the Turtle Books
Favorite Movie/Show: Toy Story 3 and Tom and Jerry
Favorite Song(s): Turkey Dinner and Five Fat Turkeys
Favorite Thing to Do Inside: Play with Jackson.
(Which lots of times means she wants to play while he watches from his crib so he can't "mess things up.")
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Play in the snow.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: That sometimes he kisses her.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Time Outs.
Funny Things She Says: "Mo-hog" for mohawk.
"Holy heck, what's that?!" after seeing the dirty slush that had dripped off of the car in the garage.
"Well, it still feels a little bit like crap" when asked how her tummy felt after she had the 24 hour stomach flu.
While looking at hems of my pants after I'd been outside in the snow "Ew, gross Mom! Did you pee?!"
After falling off the couch "I hit on both sides of my head! I think my nose is in my brain!"

Favorite Food(s): Toast with jam
Favorite Treat(s): Tootsie Rolls
Favorite Friend: Hayley, but he's starting to hold his own with the cousins.
Favorite Book: See-Through Safari
Favorite Movie/Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Favorite Things to do Inside: Play under his crib, or get into whatever Hayley is playing with.

Favorite Things to Do Outside: Touch the snow with one finger.

Favorite Thing about Hayley: Playing in the bathtub with her.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Throw up. He caught the stomach bug too.
New Things He Says/Does: No new words, but if either Jeremy or I are gone, he'll say Dada or Mama until we open the door to the garage and show him that Dad or Mom's car is gone.

Fall Friends and Crafts

2010-11-28T10:59:00.003-07:00

I love Thanksgiving. All the friends, family and good food, without the stresses that sometimes come with Christmas. Thanksgiving afternoon Hayley and I headed to Aunt Marilyn's. (Or "Aunt Millions" as she calls her, which is fitting considering her amazing home.) Jackson stayed home to take the nap he was not interested in on Thanksgiving morning. Jeremy spent the morning making potatoes for the party at his parent's that night.

We missed our boys, but it was fun to have a more low key Thanksgiving meal, where afterward I could plan my route for Black Friday and Hayley could play with cousin Ella. These two are hitting it off more and more. I wish Ella's family didn't live to far away in Las Vegas. Glad that Hayley took it upon herself to get out my camera and ask someone (not sure who, but thanks!) to take their picture.

Then we went home and picked up the boys before heading up to the Bachman's. It was such a yummy, fun time for all, including Jackson. I'm glad he stayed home earlier to get that nap in. No pictures of the event, but I did get some of the Thanksgiving craft that I did with Hayley a few days earlier.

So easy and so fun!
Predictably, I omitted the sewing portion.
And opted for craft glue instead of the glue gun, to make it more kid friendly.

Hayley was pretty proud of her Turkey Guy that she made all by herself. It was her idea to give him a wattle, wings, and little turkey feet. He made a really cute Thanksgiving hair bow!

We also did this shirt for Halloween.

Super easy and inexpensive crafts. Just wish my Black Friday would have been a little easier. Or a little less expensive. Yikes!

An Analogy

2010-11-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

BACK is to FRONT:

As LAST:
(As in last Halloween costume pictures.
Seeing as how it's almost Thanksgiving.)

Is to FIRST:

As in Hayley's first trip to Leatherby's.
Because few are as good ice cream as big as your head.
I think she approved.
Yes, she did end up using a spoon.
No, I did not let her eat all that by herself.

The Royal Treatment

2010-11-20T20:28:00.005-07:00

Last weekend Jeremy and I headed to Wendover to celebrate our anniversary of 7 1/2 years. Why the 1/2 you ask? Because our actual anniversary is May 9th, which is also the week of Jeremy's birthday, my mom's birthday, one of my sister's birthdays, and usually Mother's Day. (Yeah, that was not such a great job on planning our wedding date.) So we've been celebrating on the half years, and it's been working out a lot better.

Anyway, we got to Wendover and checked into our Mini-Suite, complete with jetted tub. Except we were disappointed to discover that the jets were not working. They sent someone up to look at it, but couldn't get it working and informed us that we would have to switch rooms. We were a little bummed, but no big deal, and we headed down to the front desk to get our new keys. We arrived at the new room, and opened the door to find this:

I didn't even know they had rooms this nice in Wendover! Turns out we'd been upgraded to the Presidential Suite. The sign on the back of the door said the regular rate on the room was $600.00 a night.

We paid $89.00. And the jets worked.

It was so nice to chill and relax, let life slow down a little, and remember just how much I love being married.

Later in the week, Hayley had a little royal treatment too. After seeing Hillcrest High's excellent production of Cinderella, we attended their Princess Tea Party. After picking up her autograph book and princess pen, and eating some excellent sugar cookies, Hayley posed for some pictures with the Fairy Godmother:

The Stepmother and Stepsisters:

And Cinderella and the Prince:

She also got to ride in the Princess Carriage from the play, while it was all lit up, and they had a professional photographer there to take pictures of all the little princesses, and then they are going to mail the pics out to us next week.

Such a fun time, and it was good practice with the characters.

Since we're headed to Disneyland again in March!!!

I'm Truly Thankful

2010-11-10T21:22:00.002-07:00

There have been some things that have happened to people lately. People I know. People I like. People I love.

Not good things. Things like losing a needed job. Or not knowing how much longer a long-time-had job will last.

This actually makes me think three things:

#1
I am amazed at the resiliency that I see in these people around me. I have to say, if I was in many of their positions, I would be Freaking. Out. Really, I don't think I would have that kind of faith to be able to say "Well, we'll just see how it goes" or "This may just be another opportunity" or "God just has a different plan for us." I'll tell you what, that's some faith. And it makes me love these people even more.

#2
I am so thankful for the fact that Jeremy and I both have jobs. Not just jobs, but secure jobs. Jobs that we actually like. And that both still have the opportunity to work overtime if we so choose. I am realizing what a luxury we really have in that. Extra money for Christmas? No problem, I'll sub. Jeremy will go in early for a few days. Plus, neither of our jobs are going away anytime soon. I think the entire world will have to really start falling apart for parents to stop sending their young children to school. And it seems that no matter how much flying could cost, there would always be higher-ups with enough money to want to board a plane.

#3
These situations also makes me kind of mad. No, maybe not mad, hurt. Sad. Because the people they happen to don't seem to deserve it. (Not that anyone ever deserves a hardship to be thrown upon them, but...) And helpless, because I feel like they are struggling, hurting, worried. And there's not much I can do about it.

Lots of love and thoughts and prayers tonight.

For all those people in these kinds of uncertain situations.

And if it's not you that is in the situation,
Maybe take the opportunity
To really count your blessings.

There are so many things to be thankful for.

October Faves

2010-11-06T14:50:00.006-06:00

Favorite Food(s): Eggs and Cinnamon Toast
Favorite Treat: Fruit snacks
Favorite Friend(s): Kaiya and Aisley
Favorite Book: There's a Wocket in my Pocket
Favorite Movie/Show: The Parent Trap
Favorite Song: Pumpkin, Pumpkin
Favorite Thing to Do Inside: Ask to go outside and play with friends.
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Jump on Kaiya and Aisley's tramp.
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he holds her hand.
(Without trying to bite her fingers.)
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Be called inside from playing with her friends.
Funny Things She Says: "Mom, I'm so glad you growed us a baby!"
"Wanna know a gross secret? I like to kiss boys on the lips!"
Oh, boy.

Favorite Food(s): Corn and Mini Corndogs
Favorite Treat(s): Goldfish and Graham Crackers
Favorite Friend: Um, pretty much anyone who gave him Halloween candy.
Favorite Book: Mickey Mouse Haunted Clubhouse
Favorite Movie/Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Favorite Things to do Inside: Find the cabinets that don't have child locks.
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Go to the zoo to see the monkeys.

Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she plays peek-a-boo with him.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: He gets so frustrated when he wants to do something by himself, but can't. Like eating with a spoon. And he hates having his diaper changed.
New Things He Says: Still lots of "mama" and "grandma." Also "see it" and "hi."

Monster Bash

2010-11-01T22:37:00.000-06:00

One of the highlights of our Halloween Holiday is always Aunt Kimi's Halloween Party. This year's party was as fun as ever. It started out with Mummy Pizzas and Frankenstein Marshmallows, which everyone enjoyed.

Then on to some group photos. Why do we even try to get a good shot of seven kids, five and under? So you can see their costumes of course! Hayley is a Zebra Princess, Peyton is Phineas, Zeke is Buzz Lightyear, Isaac is Thomas the Train, Caleb is a Ghost, Ryker is Ferb, and Jackson is a Zebra.

By the time we got to trick or treating, it was pouring outside. So we left Jackson to play with Grandma and Grandpa Bachman, and headed out to brave the storm. Hayley's such a die hard. Really, like she needed more candy?

By the time we were done, my little zebras were at their limits. Hayley's cheeks were cold, and Jackson was just done.

Thanks Kimi for such a fun par-tay!

The Stash O' Candy

2010-10-31T23:48:00.000-06:00

For the Halloween season this year, my Aunt Jan got a bunch of goodies for the kids, including this for Hayley:

and this for Jackson:

She came and dropped them off during our crazy day last Saturday. We were bummed that we missed her, and wanted to tell her thanks in person, so we made some cookies and Hayley made a card, and we went to Aunt Jan's to visit. While there, she mentioned the Trick or Treating event that they have at her work. Knowing that the weather wasn't supposed to be optimal this weekend, I kind of invited myself and my kids to come and trick or treat at her work. Rude to invite myself? Maybe. But worth it? Heck yes!

Friday after I was done with an early out day at work, we headed uptown. Hayley was amazed by all the pirate loot as she got off the elevator. Little did she know there was more (a lot more!) where that came from!

We moved on to the Decorate Your Own Treat Bag station. Hayley could have probably stayed there for an hour with all the bags, paper, glue, markers, and stickers.

Then it was time for some heavy duty trick or treating. Four floors of offices. Indoors. With no cars, no darkness, and no rain. It was wonderful, enjoyable, and we left with so much yummy candy! Thanks to Aunt Jan for letting us come.

Oh, and Jackson had what I think was his first real taste of candy. He would not let go of the dum-dum in the picture above. I'm pretty sure this is how he felt about it:

See that reach? Like, "What else ya got, Mom?"
Trouble, I tell you.
But dang cute trouble.
Both of 'em.

Preschool Program for a Princess

2010-10-30T23:05:00.005-06:00

When I pulled out Hayley's old Zebra costume for Jackson to wear this year, Hayley decided she wanted to match him. (Sweet, huh?) Enter the Zebra Princess costume...

(I think it's the dress that constitutes the "Princess" status.)

complete with a tail!
(She was all, "Now will you take a picture with my butt Mom? You know, to show my tail!)

I was so glad I took the morning off of work to go to Hayley's Preschool Program and Parade. The kids were darling, and Hayley was so excited, with a big grin all through the parade.

Then on to the program. Here are some highlights.

I'm a Mean Old Witch:

Pumpkin, Pumpkin:

and Row, Row, Row Your Boat, with a twist.

It's so much fun to watch her turn into her own little person, with her spunky, yet shy, and sassy yet sweet personality. For all the times when she's a total turd, there's so many more when she's my favorite little girl in the whole world!

The Witches and the Wedding

2010-10-23T21:27:00.005-06:00

When the Breakfast with the Witches at Gardner Village sold out before we could get tickets, we decided to go to the Witches Breakfast at the Fitness Center. Hayley wanted to wear her witch costume. I was surprised it still fit her, since she wore it for Halloween two years ago. Similar to our experience with the Pumpkin Princess at Cornbelly's, Hayley jumped right in, while Jackson was a little hesitant.

That was, until Stitches the Witch let him hold her broom, and Harry Potter let him hold the wand.

A fun family Saturday morning, complete with face painting.

At least until we had to wash it off an hour later to go to my step-brother Russell's baptism, then to pictures at the temple (in the pouring rain!) for Jeremy's brother Bryson and his new wife Destiny, and finally to their reception in the evening. A fun day, complete with two tuckered out kids, and two tired parents!

Congrats to Bryson and Destiny! So happy to have you two in our family!

Cornbelly's

2010-10-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

Last year we didn't make it out to Thanksgiving Point to do Cornbelly's, because, well, what can I say? The two-month-old may have cramped my style a little. We did go two years ago though, and it was super fun. We went in the middle of the day last time, and I remembered it was super hot. So this year we decided to go in the evening. We got to Thanksgiving Point and ate at the Deli in the Water Tower Plaza, which I highly recommend. Best chicken sandwich I've had in a while, and trust me I know my chicken sandwiches!

We walked over to Cornbelly's just in time for Pumpkin Princess Storytelling, and then she posed in her carriage for pictures.

Hayley loved it.

Jackson did not.

In fact, I'm pretty sure he was holding a grudge for the rest of the evening, because the rest of the pictures of him look like the ones below. Please meet Mr. Actually-No-Mom-I-Will-Not-Look-At-The-Camera-But-Thanks-Anyway.

Hayley, on the other hand, was having a great time, and had no shortage of smiles.

They had so many fun things for kids to do: a bounce house, playhouses, the giant rocking chair, the giant bouncy pillow, two trains, and a sandbox full of corn! (Hayley was still finding corn in all sorts of places after we got home... It was pretty funny!)

I think we'll keep up this Autumn tradition.

Because I still need some pictures with Jackson actually looking at the camera while he smiles. And I'm gonna need one of those chicken sandwiches at least once a year. Yes, it was that good.

Family Vacay

2010-10-17T15:55:00.002-06:00

It took a while, but my mom finally found a time to get the whole family up to the cabin.

Because really, what's better than brothers and sisters playing in the rocks,
(It was great for Jackson because he was too weirded out to crawl or walk on the rocks, so he would just stay in one place and play.)

uncles, aunts, cousins, and a campfire,

and some moose, some deer, and a trip to Mirror Lake?

Can't wait to go back in the Spring...
Or on a new snowmobile...
Whichever comes first!

Mad Skillz

2010-10-16T13:40:00.001-06:00

Note to Self: Don't leave the camera where the four-year-old can get it.

She did alright with aiming once she turned the camera around the right way.

Nifty Fifty

2010-10-14T23:16:00.000-06:00

Haven't gotten tagged in a long time, and I think they are kind of fun, so...

1. What time did you get up this morning? Ugh. Which time? 2:00? 5:00? 7:00?

2. How do you like your steak? Medium-Well

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Toy Story 3 in 3-D. Loved it!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Here. All my family is here. If I could take them with me, then maybe Hawaii.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Scones and homemade apricot jam.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Hmmm, overall I think Mexican.

8. What foods do you dislike? Fish. And super spicy things.

9. Favorite Places to eat? Chili's, Olive Garden, Sizzler.

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch, although I'm coming around to Italian.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? A Honda CRV.

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, hoodies, sneakers. So glad it's hoodie season finally!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Florida, New York, France, Italy. And Disneyland EVERY chance I get!

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Usually half full but I do have my empty days.

15. Where would you want to retire? I don't really know/care... That seems so far away!

16. Favorite time of day? From about 8:00 to 11:00 pm. 8:00 I get to lay down with Hayley and cuddle, 8:30 I get some "Me Time," 10:00 Jeremy gets home, and about 11:00 Jackson gets his "Sleepy Time" bottle and cuddle time with Mom.

17. Where were you born? Salt Lake City, Utah.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Women's gymnastics.

22. Bird watcher? What?? Uh...no. Weird.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night Owl. For sure.

24. Do you have any pets? No. Kids are enough.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Um, geez, loaded question! My school may be going traditional next year... Oh, wait! Jeremy is going to start working day shift in February! That's exciting!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? I really didn't know. The choices overwhelmed me. In high school I wanted to be a Speech Pathologist. I love teaching, but I still think about going back to school sometimes for it. Maybe someday.

33. Favorite pizza toppings? Anything but anchovies. I'm not picky and I love pizza!

34. Favorite flower? Tulips. It's the Dutch Girl in me. Daisies are good too.

35. Favorite ice cream? Raspberry Cheesequake Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Or Mint Chocolate Chip.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-Fil-A. Yum!

43. What was your favorite vacation? Disneyland.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Dinner: Jeremy and Jackson. Lunch: Melanie F.

45. What are you listening to right now? Jackson's babble as he plays, and an old re-run of Grey's Anatomy that's on in the background. I miss George and Burke. Izzy not so much, but I do miss her long hair.

46. What is your favorite color? Yellow. But to wear, black. I'm a firm believer that a girl can never have too many black shirts.

47. How many tattoos do you have? None.

48. How many piercings? Eight. I know, you never would have thought, right? Five in my left ear, and three in my right. It was the Wild Child in me. I only wear earrings in the first set of holes these days though.

49. Favorite Childhood Toy? There's so many. Cabbage Patch, Pound Puppies, My Little Ponies.

50. Coffee drinker? Yes, occasionally.

Keepin' It Real

2010-10-07T13:24:00.003-06:00

I've been off track for the last week and a half. It's been so nice to be able to sleep in, clean and organize around the house, read a few books, go to the gym pretty much every day, lunch with friends, and spend more time with Jeremy and these little munchkins...

But there's also been some of this:

Jeremy thinks that it's having both parents home all day for so many days in a row that is throwing her off, and she just wants attention from both of us, even if it's negative attention, but seriously?! Some of her bestest naughtiness yet has happened in the past week and a half. I've lost track of the number of time outs. It makes it rough on me, partly because she's inherited this little quirk from Jeremy that when she is in trouble, she laughs. So I don't know if she is listening to me or taking me seriously until the tears start.

And then I feel bad, because I realize that I've raised my voice at her. Usually over something stupid like that she's cut a necklace apart with scissors, or that she's spilled a package of M&M's, or that she's bugging Jackson in the car. Except that it's not just that. Because it's like the fifth necklace that she's cut apart, and every time we have the conversation that scissors only cut paper. And because I've just told her as I hand her the candy to please be very careful not to spill. And because it's like the millionth time that she's bugging Jackson in the car.

Please, please tell me this is normal. Please tell me that all moms yell sometimes. Please tell me that sometimes you are frustrated with your kids. Remind that she is four and that this phase will pass.

And help me realize that when it does pass, that surprisingly I will miss it.

At least she listened to the part when I said that scissors don't cut hair ever again, right?

September Faves

2010-10-01T15:24:00.002-06:00

Favorite Food(s): Bananas and Strawberries
Favorite Treat: Gummies
Favorite Friend: Sydney
Favorite Book: If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Favorite Movie/Show: Spongebob Squarepants
Favorite Song: My Hands are Starting to Wiggle
Favorite Thing to Do Inside: Dance to music with Jackson
Favorite Thing to Do Outside: Play tag with friends
Favorite Thing About Jackson: When he gives kisses
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Have her hair washed
Funny Things She Says: "Today at preschool, we painted. But they didn't have paintbrushes, they just had sponges on sticks."
"Bee-pods" (beehives)

Favorite Food: Mandarin Oranges
Favorite Treat: Frozen Yogurt
Favorite Friend: Grandma Heidi
Favorite Book: Baby Signs
Favorite Movie/Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Favorite Things to do Inside: Walk!!!
Favorite Things to Do Outside: Go for walks. (Walking, not in the stroller.)

Favorite Thing about Hayley: When she comes in his room after nap,
because that means Mom is fixing the bottle.
Least Favorite Thing to Do: Still, with the teething.
And being told no. He'll put his head down on the ground and just cry.
Things He Says: Mostly "Mama" but also buh buh (bottle), night night, grandma, love you.
And he'll lift his hands for up, and point at things he wants.

Shot, Stats, Stroller

2010-09-29T15:13:00.004-06:00

Jackson had his 12 month check-up today. (We're a little behind since I like to take him in while I'm off track so Jeremy and I can both go.) He was such a sport. Was a good kid all through his appointment, and checked out great. And just a little whimper during his shot. Honestly, he may have thought that the shot had nothing on the teething pain he's been having lately. He's working on another molar. (It's the swollen purple lump you can see in this picture.)

The Stats:
Weight: 23.4 lbs (45th percentile)
Height: 31 inches (67th percentile)
Head: 19.7 cm (99th percentile...
Hoping that just means he's smart...)

And a Funny from Jeremy:
While trying to fanagle the wiggly, squiggly, nose-diving son, Jeremy had this great idea:
"They should make like a carrier carseat for bigger kids. Only with straps, and wheels, and a handle so you could push it."
Me: (after looking at him to make sure he was serious) "Like a stroller?"
Him: "Oh. Yeah. Like a stroller."
Seriously husband, you crack me up. Mostly because he's so dang smart, but sometimes he comes out with things like that and I'm like, "What the what?"
What a fun, funny guy for a husband, and for a daddy to this cute little boy!

This, This, and This

2010-09-20T21:41:00.003-06:00

This Discovery:
Don't know quite what it means about my day when it takes me until right before bed to realize that my underwear have been inside out all day long.

This Conversation:
Hayley: "Mom, where's Baby Alive?"
Me: "In the bag."
Hayley: "I don't want her to be in the bag. I want to hold her."
Me: "Because she's your baby?"
Hayley: "No, because she's my nemesis!"
Nice.

This Story:
(Warning: Potty humor involved. Also if you love corn, you may not want to read this.)
This is a true story that happened to me when I was a teenager. I was in a stall in a public bathroom, and the lady next to me was... well... grunting. I finished up and was washing my hands when I heard the old lady voice say this, "Corn?! When did I eat corn?!" Never have I left a bathroom so fast. And possibly I have never laughed so hard.

Just a random little bit of this, little bit of that.

Farewell Summer

2010-09-19T20:28:00.000-06:00

I'd been meaning to take the kids to the Splash Pad in Herriman this summer, but it hadn't happened yet. So when Hayley wanted to go swimming, but I didn't want to go to all the work of getting all of us ready to go swimming, she and I decided that the Splash Pad would be a good last minute compromise.

While Hayley jumped right in,

Jackson wasn't so sure!

It's a good thing we went when we did, because there was a sign posted that the last day to play would be September 19th. I understand why. After the sun went down, it got cold in a hurry!

So farewell to the Splash Pad. And to Summer. See you next year!