Sanders Saga

Big Boy

2012-01-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

My little Miles isn't so little anymore. He wants to do everything by himself. It's takes twice as long to do anything. He isn't fun to take shopping of any kind, or out to dinner. He gets out of bed many times when we first put him to bed, and unbuckles himself in the car while we are driving. I have to stop the car, get out and rebuckle him only to find him unbuckling himself once we get going again. There are a lot of threats like, "I'm going to call the police and they're going to take you to jail!" Or "when we get home, you're going to time out!" Nothing phases him. He can be a real stinker sometimes. A cute one though. The other night he comes to me and says, "Mom, when are we having dinner?" It's just a funny phrase coming out of a 2 year olds mouth. Here he is eating his pizza--all by himself too.

Gotta love that pot belly!

Projects

2012-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over I found myself a small bit of time to do a couple of projects. Audrey still occasionally plays with dolls, so i pulled the ikea doll bed out of the garage and gave it a makeover. It was just natural wood with no bedding. I painted green and made a soft little mattress for it. Isn't it the cutest thing ever?
I then made this wreath out of plumbers tubing! Just glued the plumbers tubing together and then used a little spray adhesive to glue the moss on and WA-LA!
Now all i have to do is re-finish my dining table and 6 chairs, a bench and 2 stools. Now you know why I'm avoiding that one.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

1 month late? Never too late I say. This year was the year of staying home, no company, just us. But then Owen's parents called a couple of days before Christmas and said they were coming. We were excited, because it's more fun to share the holidays with family. A couple of days before Christmas, I bought a trampoline. Owen has been protesting for years. "trampolines are so dangerous!" "One of the kids friends is going to sue us for damages!" Believe me, I've heard it all. The thing is, is that Owen doesn't have to be home with the kids ever! He works almost every Saturday leaving me with kids getting on each others nerves, spending way too much time in the house in front of the T.V., fighting and then getting on my nerves. It had to be done!!! Owen was not a happy camper when he put this together. In fact the kids tried to help, and he just got all huffy and told them to go away. But...once it was put together, I came downstairs to find a crazy, happy Owen jumping as high as he possibly could go having a glorious time! Now that we've had it for a month, I would say it was money well spent. The kids spend hours on this thing, and when their friends come over, this is where you will find them. So maybe when you go in our backyard it's kind of an eyesore, because it's like "hello 15 foot trampoline!" But we aren't going to be in this house much longer so it works for now. Even Owen's mom got into it. Here is Owen playing crack the egg with his mom and her getting some kind of injury.
Not me...Owen's mom!

For Christmas eve, we went and saw the Adventures of Tin Tin, and then came home and had Panera Bread soup and sandwiches and the kids decorated cookies for Santa.

The girls sang in several numbers in church. This year they were in one of the singing productions for the live nativity. So since most of the kids from the ward were in that singing group, they were able to sing in church. As a kid a dreaded it when Christmas was on a Sunday because we would have to go to church! I really enjoyed it this year and think there should be a Christmas service every year. It really enlightens you and helps you stay focased on the True Meaning! I felt very spiritually uplifed that day. The rest of the day was just relaxing and playing with toys. Here is Maggie playing with her Dr. and Dentist Playmobil sets. And Audrey playing with her Barbie Camper.

The Nutcracker

2012-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Susan and I decided to take our kids to the Nutcracker this year. This was a first for the girls so we were excited. Of course everything in Vegas is more expensive because you have to pay that extra money to hold the event at the Paris hotel. I'll just say that it was pricey. The kids seemed like they had a fun time, but I was disappointed in the performance. The ballet company wasn't that great. They elimanated scenes like the big woman who has all her little children come out from under her dress--that is my favorite part too. And all the little performances were done by 1 or 2 dancers. ANd the swan queen was just too tall. It bothered both of us. I've seen Utah's company and it is amazing. I give this one a 3 which is unfortunate that I payed so much to go. But the girls had never seen it and so they had nothing to compare it to and we did all have a good time.

Drew is 6!

2012-01-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Drew is my little buddy. We are like peas and carrots. He will do anything to please me and most nights I find him asleep on the floor next to my bed. You know waht they say about boys and their mamas! He is funny, smart and loves to play anything electronic. He can figure out a new game pretty quickly. He also loves Audreys friends especially Brooke with the freckles much to Audreys dismay. He is still allergic to milk, eggs, and nuts. boo! He has a tender heart and is very close to the spirit. There is something extra special about this kid! I love him!
Having a birthday 6 days before Christmas isn't fun. I found myself stressed and going through his presents and dividing them up --some for his birthday and some for Christmas. I think I'm going to start celebrating his Birthday in the summer or at least January so he doesn't get ripped off. We had all intentions of having a friend birthday party for him, but there was too much madness! So it will be in January. We went to Chuck-E-Cheese in the morning--his favorite, not mine. We had his favorite chicken roll ups for dinner and then we went and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks--his favorite not mine. topped the night off with sorbet for dessert.

Here is Drew as the old Grandpa in his kindergarten play The Gingerbread Man. If you enlarge it, he's actually wearing specs!

All I want for Christmas is my 2 toenails

2012-01-01T10:06:00.001-08:00

Gross I know. Owen made a funny the other day and asked me if I wanted my 2 toenails for Christmas. After I got my pedi, I saw that they were both purple. I'm thinking this is because all of the running I was doing for Ragnar. Then one day they fell off. This picture makes me realize how ugly feet really are.

Garth Baby!

2011-11-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks Cathie and Staci for an amazing evening! We went to see a 1030 show of Garth Brooks at the Wynn. Let just say that I had 3 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours, plus I ran about 12 miles. There was still enough energy for Garth though! He was so amazing. He was all acoustic. Just him and his guitar. We were right in the middle about 20 rows up and the minute he started to sing, I was like , "oh my gosh, it's Garth!" He was amazing and the best performances were of course The Dance and Friends in Low Places! This was a once in a lifetime experience! I couldn't have spent it with 2 better friends! Thanks for sharing it with me!

Ragnar at it's finest

2011-11-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

I just got done running Ragnar Relay. What is Ragnar? 12 of your friends all pile into 2 vans and run 188 miles through the Nevada desert. Crazy? Well, maybe a little. We finished in like 32 hours and placed 11 in our division as an all female team and around 240th overall. there were about 480 teams that ran, so I think we did pretty well. Our team was the RED HOT PHILLY PEPPERS. everyone on our team had lived in Philly as students. I knew 10 of them. My van was Megan, Jordan, Jamie, Kim, me, and Alyssa. I knew all of them. I ran 3 legs all beween 3.9 and 4.5 miles. My first leg was around 3p.m and it was all uphill and about 90 degrees. I had a rough time because I didn't bring water with me and the only water station they had set up was about 1/4 mile fromthe exchange point. I suffered from a little heat exhaustion and didn't think I would even be able to finish my other 2 legs. I got physically sick! I had to lay down for an hour or so and the tent and felt sick for another 4 hours or so afterwards. It was bad. Luckily by the time my next leg started at 2 am I was ok and was able to run it. It was actually a really fun leg --out in the middle of nowhere at 2 am with a head lamp on. Plus it wasn't 90 degrees. Then I had 2 hours of sleep in the fetal position in the front seat of the van. My last leg was about 2 pm the following day and it was another hot day, but not as bad. I have never done well in heat. I hate living in Vegas because it's so hot. So to run in it was a bit difficult for me. But I had such an amazing experience and would totally do it again. I think my team made it for me. Being with people that I haven't seen in 4 years was so awesome. Dental school was such a great time in my life, I wish we could just go back sometimes. I was so sad when the race was all over because everyone went home, and I went through withdrawls. I really miss my Philly friends! And if you ever want to do another, count me in! I really had an amazing time! Pre-fuel carb loadup at Cheesecake the night before the race
Our Van! Go RHPP!
Our totally hot team right after we finished the crossing line
Me!
Me again!
Alyssa and I watching Jordan finish our last leg.
Me getting ready to run my 2am run. It was actually cold!
This was some crazy underwear man running
Our team van pic
The back of our van

Megan and I watching Kim finish her leg. We were freezing!
eating dinner after our first leg. I did not feel well in this picture!
Tamar brought her girls up that weekend and so my girls got to hang out with Emma and Abbi for 2 days! They were in heaven! These girls were little friends in Philly.
Audrey and Emma with their first preschool teacher Miss Jamie. She was the best!

Halloween creations

2011-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

I went a little overboard for the kids classes this year. 30 Mummy juiceboxes for Drew's class and 1 vegetable man for Maggies class. Never again! ok, maybe not never.

Our Spooky Weekend!

2011-11-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Halloween Weekend was a rather busy one! between carving pumpins, class goodies that I went way over board for, and Audrey's Nevada poster that was due on Nov 1, it was was a crazy one and we're glad it's over! On Sunday we carved pumpkins which I'm sorry, but next year we do 1 pumpkin. The kids can't carve their own pumpkin! What were we thinking? Owen carved 4 pumpkins that night! I'm not much of an artist so he got the brunt of the deal.
Audrey as a witch.....again!
Drew as a Jedi
Maggie as a Vampire baby aka Renesmee. Although she doesn't know who Renesmee is, I thought it was appropriate. At first she was a baby, and then being the kid that she is--never wanting to be just cute, she has to be something gorey and scary, so it turned into a vampire baby. When she went trick-or-treating, though, people thought she was an abused baby.
Miles after eating a few suckers!

The Bellagio

2011-11-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

The kids had a couple of days off of school, so I took them down to the strip since we hadn't been for a while. Honestly, I hate the strip! There were naked lady pics all over the ground, and everyone was drunk at 3 p.m. and everyone was blowing their smoke in our faces--not to mention it was so crowded! The only thing we do like is the atrium and the fountain show at the bellagio.

#1 Birthday Present

2011-11-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

yep, I'm moving up in the world.

Soccer!

2011-11-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Drew started soccer this year and has loved it. He is the only kid on his 5 kids team that doesn't wear cleats, butwe really wanted to see how much he loved it plus they don't keep score and it's only 3 on 3. He has already said that it's soccer in the spring and not baseball like last year. so I guess we'll get the kid some cleats!

found this little honey

2011-11-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Oh the joys of living in Vegas! Found this little guy in my garage. Oh, and found another one in my house the other day. I'm a little afraid of them since my friends little 5 year old spent 4 days in the peds ICU for a scorpion bite. He had some neuro issues, but is ok now. That scorpion just climbed up on his pillow and bit him in the middle of the night too! Scary!

smore time!

2011-11-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

We bought a fire pit in the summer thinking we'd roast marshmellows and have a nice campout in our own backyard. Sometimes I forget how dang hot it gets here in Vegas. What the heck was I thinking? The first time we built a fire at 9p.m in July I thought I was going to die! It is finally cool enough here to put some good use into it. We even had the missionaries over one night and they came and told ghost stories around the fire.

Cleaning Lady

2011-11-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, I discussed with Owen about how when he's done with school that I would want someone to come in and do my ddep cleaning--you know the stuff that gets ignored for weeks and then you finally get to it in utter disquest? You may not have this problem, but I do. i have 4 kids, one of whom is a 2 year old and reaks havoc on this house, a very busy husband that works 6 days a week, and the last thing he wants to do is clean, and 3 other kids that hate to clean. So, I try, but it's too much work for 1 person. So when I brought up the idea of having a cleaning lady, Owen said I would have to get a job to pay for her. What? What? So the other day I was talking to my friend Cherie and her husband. He finished his residency about 4 years ago, and the first thing he did when he graduated was hire a cleaning lady. He said through his residency, he would work 36 hours and then come home and have to spend 6 hours cleaning the house. He HATED it! He said he has more time to spend with the kids, he's happy and everyone else is happy. They gave me their ladies card and said it would be well worth it. I know it's well worth it, the problem is convincing Owen. I went home and told him about my discussion, and he immediatly agreed and said "when does she start?" Ha! I was surprised and so relieved. Yeah for me! Do you know this is a dream come true as I'm kind of a clean freak. Now, my kids are still going to have chores. There is always going to be picking up, dishes, laundry etc. But at least my toliets, floors, dusting, and all the rest of my deep cleaning will be done and then maybe I'll have time to do a craft or two like back in the olden days. Money well spent I say!

Vampire girl

2011-10-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Maggie is sporting double teeth on both sides of her mouth. I keep asking Owen if he thinks she should have the baby ones pulled. At first he said to give it time, they will fall out. Well, they haven't so when are we going to pull these babies out? "well, I'm just so busy, I don't think I can work her into my schedule." You think having him as their dentist is an advantage? Next week, Maggie has to go in after hours for this. She is not happy.

Labor Day goodness!

2011-10-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of living in Las Vegas-(-since there are so few of them) is that we are 4 hours from Long Beach Ca where Owens parents live. So we decided to have a weekend getaway to escape the heat here in Vegas. We always have to take a trip to the beach and collect shells, put our feet in the water, make sand castles and of course get wet! We had no intention of getting wet, so next time everyone is going in their suits even if we say "we aren't getting in the water." I'm sorry but a swim suit dries a heck of a lot faster than jeans. ALl I remember was 1. Maggie complained A LOT about being cold and wet. 2. Miles did not like the water, much too scary. 3. Audrey and Drew do not care and have no fear! Just happy to be alive and at the beach--that explains why they are my easiest children. 4. I just wanted a good family pic that noone wanted to cooperate with me on. 5. Owen is in his own world when we are there. He starts having visions of himself owning beachfront property so he can come to the beach everyday.

First Day of School

2011-09-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well, another school year has begun. We really thought we would be another state, but that just didn't happen. Soon, We hope.
First day of school the kids woke up super early. They were ready probably ready an hour before it actually started. I remember how happy Maggie was. She was singing Billy Curringtons song "Love Done Gone" all morning.
Maggie started 5th grade this year. King of the school right? Here in Vegas 6th grade is in Jr. High, so she could very well be in Jr. High next year if we stay..which we're not.
Maggie is starting the whole puberty talk. Before school, she started shaving her legs. They were pretty hairy, but I never said a word. It was all her doing and I gave her the lecture about how it was going to be a life committment. I think she's just beginning to be self concious about stuff like this. We found out that she already knew the birds and the bees when we gave her the rundown addition. Wasn't as painful as I was expecting. Today she came to me and said she wants to get a training bra because Gabby is always talking about hers. Oh, Mercy me. AM I ready for all this? nope.
Audrey started 3rd grade. She got lucky as usual and has all her 3 BFF's in her class this year. Audrey, Brooke, Lexi and the other Brooke. This could be trouble. She's a good kid so I'm not worried, just worried about her focasing since she is in her own world half the time. La te da te da and care free.

Drew started kindergarten this year saints be praised. We decided half day afternoon. Full day was $330 a month! Morning started at 7:50. Drew is not a morning person so that was a no go. An added bonus is that Miles naps in the afternoon so it's a win win for me. My afternoons are filled with veging on the couch watching Days of Our lives. Well, I wish, it's pretty much catch up time, but at least it's in peace. Since Drew turned 5 last December, he is one of the older kids in his class. His preschool teacher last year was on him with reading last year too. So he is very much ahead which makes it easier for me. I'm grateful because there are kids in his class that don't evern recognize the #1. I still have to reward Wii time for homework though. The wii is his first love. Isn't he a cutie? I love this little boy of mine!
And then there's Little Miles. He insisted on wearing his backpack to drop off and pick up.--everytime. Now the kids just meet me at the corner so we don't have to get out of the car. No more backpack. It was pretty cute the way he said it too.

The 2 little buddies

ANd a shout out to the Packit! These little lunch bags are a dream come true. You put them in the freezer the night before, and they keep everything cold for 12 hours. No more warm chocolate milk or cheese.

A little Shabby Chic

2011-08-20T16:47:00.001-07:00

a few pics here.
First, I finally finished the desk that I've been working on and off again for months now. At first I thought turquoise was going to be brilliant. But then is was like "HELLO TURQUOISE!" It was a bit much. So then it went to a white top with turquoise sides. Didn't like that. Then it went back to all turquoise and that was too much. So I settled with a white accent drawer with a cute little knob to match. I think it turned out cute, and I may distress it a little, but it's going to be the girls study desk and I'm sure they'll distress it plenty.
Before

Meets after

Here is my coffee filter wreath. I painted it grey and everyone thought it was morbid. I thought it was classy. I love it! And i think it looks great hanging on my mirror. If you want to know how to make one of these babies, just let me know. Super easy, and Super time consuming, but worth every minute!
And last but not least...the girls dresser transformation! We bought this ikea dresser in Philly our last year of Dental school, so we've had it for 5 years or so. I think the cross country move to a toll on it because it's never been the same. In fact, for the last 9 months or so, it has completely fallen apart! Owen has pieced it together once, but when it broke again, he said no more. I really didn't want to buy a new dresser then, so I begged him to fix it again. He said once he was done with school, he would fix it. So,it's been a month and a half out of school now and it's still not fixed--go figure. So a couple of days ago I went and bought a new one and it arrived today! Yeah! I put the old one on CL for free and it was gone within an hour. Audrey didn't want us to just put it on the street, she wanted it to go to a good home, and this lady that picked it up was super excited! This cute little shabby chic dresser has beadboard on the sides. This is actually our first big purchase out of school. Now to get that leather sectional I had my eye on.
From pathetic and useless

to functional and adorable!

Maggies Performance

2011-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Maggie's dream is to be an actress. She loves to write plays, and then direct them. This summer she wrote this whole script and had all the neighbor kids in my moms neighborhood act it out. They were practicing everyday. This is serious business. She has asked me to get her an agent many times. Are we ready for all of this? Baby steps, baby steps.
My Mom directs a performance for the Provo Freedom festival every year called "Cries of Freedom". It is composed up singing and dancing all along the spirit of Freedom. Maggie has been begging Gammie to be in the show ever since she stared it, but the rule has always been you have to be 14 years old. My mom decided to create a part for Maggie and so we put her on an airplane all be herself shorty after school got out and sent her to Grandmas so she could practice. She had the time of her life and did an awesome job. Next week she starts her acting classes, and today she is trying out for Charlotte's Web.
She's in the green apron

She's the one holding the baby who was in the show too.

Whoa I'm behind! Here we go!

2011-07-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Drew graduated preschool this year! He is reading! All set for kindergarten--am I ready to send him off? Yes! Love the guy, but man, he is ready! He has always been my little buddy. He and I are like peas and carrots. This last year has been a little challenge because he turned 5 in December and ever since then has been a little bored being home with mom. Time for some new adventures, and he will just do half day kindergarten, so I can have him for 1 more year.
Here is his class
Tru, Lydia, Cole, Drew, Preston and Bryson
Here he is with Ms. Rebecca. But for a long time he called her Ms. Ba-Becca
This is he and Bryson --his little buddy that he calls the boy with the shaggy hair.

On Memorial Day we took a little hike up to Mt. Charleston. Being up in the mountains made me realize how much I don't like the anti beauty of Las Vegas. I love green, and mountains. Now if it wasn't for the people who set up camp next to us blasting their mariochi band music and playing soccer. It took away from my "get away from everyday life" moment.

On June 3rd, Mules turned 2! We invited a few friends over for a swim party. It was a nice day even thought a little crazy with a bunch of toddlers running around. Miles was such a good boy. he didn't hit anyone! And when they all sang Happy Birthday to him, he clapped which we were happy about since that morning his family woke him up singing to him and he didn't like all that attention and got really mad!

Owen graduated form his Pediatric Dental Residency! Yeah! This has been a long time coming! We are so proud of Owen! He will be very successful because he his such a easy going person, and so good with children. He is currently working here in Vegas at 3 different offices until we figure out where we wnat to live. Here hs is with his diplomma and all the other residents he graduated with. Oh, and he passed he=is boards too! That's an added bonus!

Miles was sporting the mullet so we had to finally cut the curls off. His nursery leader Ashton does hair so she had him come in to do the deed. Here he is before and after. Honestly you can't tell that he had a mullet in this pic, but HE DID!

The Toddler Miracle Diet--This is hilarious!

2011-06-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Miles is so not into eating right now. In fact, he barely eats. We're always tring to get him to eat something and his reply is "I don't want to!" Don't worry we are not starving him. He must not be on a growth spurt right now. Some of he regular eatings are rocks, sand and toothpaste. Not kidding. He even has a fractured front tooth to prove that rocks are his favorite snack. It reminded me of an article that the pediatrician I used to work for handed out to parents when they were worried about their child not eating. I must share. Be prepared, if you have a toddler this will hit home for you.
The Toddler Miracle Diet
Americans are always on the lookout for a new diet. The trouble with
most diets is that you don't get enough to eat (the starvation diet),
or you don't get enough variation (the liquid diet), or you go broke
(the all-meat diet).

Consequently, people tend to cheat on their diets, or quit after 3
days, or go right back to stuffing their faces after it is all over.
Is there nothing you can do but give up and tell your friends you have
a gland problem? Or is there a slim (groan) hope?

Well, now there's the new Toddler Miracle Diet!

Over the years you may have noticed, as I have, that most
two-year-olds are trim. It came to me one day over a cup of black
coffee and a carrot that perhaps their diet is the reason. After
consultation with pediatricians, X-ray technicians, and distraught
moms, I was able to formulate this new diet. It is inexpensive,
offering great variety and sufficient quantity. Before embarking on
this diet, however, be sure to check with your doctor... otherwise you
might have to see him afterward. Good luck!

DAY ONE
-------
Breakfast
One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly.
Eat 2 bites of egg, using your fingers; dump the rest on the
floor.
Take 1 bite of toast, then smear the jelly over your face and
clothes.

Lunch
Four crayons (any color), a handful of potato chips, and a
glass of milk (3 sips only, then spill the rest).

Dinner
A dry stick, two pennies and a nickel.

Bedtime Snack
Toast piece of bread and toss it on the kitchen floor.

DAY TWO
-------
Breakfast
Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it. Drink half
bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye.

Lunch
Half a tube of "Pulsating Pink" lipstick and a handful of
Purina Dog Chow (any flavor). One ice cube, if desired.

Afternoon Snack
Lick an all-day sucker until sticky, take outside, drop in
dirt. Retrieve and continue slurping until it is clean again.
Then bring inside and drop on the rug.

Dinner
A rock or an uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left
nostril. Pour iced tea over mashed potatoes; eat with a spoon.

DAY THREE
---------
Breakfast
Two pancakes with plenty of syrup, eat with fingers, rub in
hair. Glass of milk: drink half, stuff pancakes in glass.
After breakfast, pick up yesterday's sucker from rug, lick off
fuzz, and put it on the cushion of your best chair.

Lunch
Three matches, peanut-butter and jelly sandwich. Spit several
bites onto the floor. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up.

Dinner
Dish of ice cream, handful of potato chips.

FINAL DAY
---------
Breakfast
A quarter-tube of toothpaste (any flavor), bit of soap, an
olive. Pour a glass of milk over bowl of cornflakes, add a
half-cup of sugar. Once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed
cereal to dog.

Lunch
Eat crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that
sucker and finish eating it.

Dinner
A glass of spaghetti and chocolate milk. Leave meatball on
plate. Stick of mascara for dessert.

up on my soapbox

2011-05-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday night we went to the girls school carnival. We were waiting for Maggie's turn to sing Karoke on stage with her friends. As we were waiting, a 3rd maybe 4th grade girl gets on stage and sings "I kissed a girl" by Katie Perry. I don't listen to this song, nor will I ever let my kids listen to it, but I have listened to it all the way through, so I'm very aware with what the song is all about. If you don't know, take it from me, it is not appropriate for a elementary child to be singing karoke to at a school function. Now, I was already upset that at the Summerlin easter egg hunt, they had a DJ and he had the nerve to play S & M by Rhianna. Another terrible song that is very inappropriate for children. So I was pretty fed up, and went up to the lady in charge of the karoke.--she was hired out, so she wasn't part of the PTA or anything. I said,"this song is totally inappropriate for a child to be singing or listening to!" She agreed with me, and said "I know, but that's what kids are listening to these days." I said, "not my kids! In fact, if this song ever comes on the radio, it is immediatly shut off!" THen I said, "do you know what this song is about?" I then explained it to her, and she said, "well that's what she wanted to sing and I asked her if her mother said it was ok and she said it was, so we have to let them sing it." I said, No you don't! I don't see any mothers signing wavers saying that it's ok for their children to be singing naughty songs." Then I said, "someone has to stand up for morals here, and you are the adult in charge and you have control over what songs are in your computer, and if you agree with me then this song should be removed or not allowed to be played at an elementary school function. She just kept agreeing with me, but I think I took her off guard. I said I was going to complain to the principle about it, and she said I should. She kept agreeing with me, but I don't think anyone has ever approached her about this before.
Now I don't want to be the mom that spoils all the fun for everyone else because I complained about something. e.g. Whomever complained about "God" being used in Schools and so now half the schools in the US won't to the pledge of Allegience. I'm not saying take the karoke away, I'm saying please play appropriate songs for children. There are plenty of fun hip hop, rock, songs that don't involve sex. So.....Owen says I need to be the PTA pres, I say no way. But I am going to write a letter to the Karoke company, and the Summerlin council regarding to type of music they play at family functions. Maybe a 3 year old wouldn't care, but I have a 10, and 8 year old who understand lyrics, and I don't want that kind of influence on them thank you very much! Now I'll get off my soapbox!

We're still in Vegas!

2011-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

SO....these days, all I get from most people is "have you guys decided where you are moving to yet?" The answer is NO! Owen will grad in less than 2 months and no we don't have definite plans yet. We do have plan B though, and that is to stay in Vegas working for Absolute Dental--(Owen has been moonlighting for them through his residency)--until we find the fit we're looking for. I'm ok with it. Is it the ideal situation? No. But it works. It's good money, and it gives us a chance to explore a little more, and not settle for something we don't want. Owen on the other hand keeps pushing me to move to Yakima, but I hope he knows that deep down I wouldn't be happy there.
So, for now, we're here, we like it here, we're close to family, and maybe next year we'll take the big plunge and move to NC, or Georgia like we've talked about. By next year, he'll have been out of dental school 5 years and then he can get licensing in those states. Stay in Vegas permanantly? Never say Never right? But...we'll see.
Here are few past months happenings and then an update on each person.
Drew just finished t-ball which he loved! He did awesome too! He is still in tae-kwon-do though and loves his teacher Mr. Pino.

The kids went to this rediculous easter egg hunt that Summerlin hosted. That had a hunt for each age group. They basically dumped a rediculous amount of crap on the baseball field and then it was a free for all. My kids came home with so much crap that I told them I was going to write the Easter Bunny and tell him not to come this year. Thank goodness they had other activities there like a petting zoo, but I don't think we'll be going next year. What ever happened to hunting for hidden easter eggs? They threw stuff like cheese and crackers and fruit roll ups and hula hoops. To me, it was way too much for the kids--they don't need all that and Maggie even had her basket knocked over and some kids came and grabbed all her candy. Heck the older kids came with pillow cases! Greedy if you ask me! Miles petting the goat

Can you believe all this junk food?

WE went to Utah for Spring Break. Owen had to study for boards so it was just me and the gang. It was rainy and cold almost the whole time we were there, but we still had fun hanging out with Gammie and Maria and her kids. It's always fun to go home and go back to all those familiar places we used to go to. My kids enjoy it too since they lived there for a year. Took the kids with Maria to Classic Rollerskating. I hadn't been there since I skated in 5th grade with Adam Dayton to Careless Whisper!

ALways have to go to our favorite resturant Brick Oven!
It was a cold day at the zoo, but that meant the animals were active--can you believe how close this gorilla got to us?
We went to JCW's with Maria and her kids. I still can't believe Training Table was taken over by JCW's. training table will always be a childhood memory.

Kids in their Easter get up

Maggie is squinting in this picture. She had a red teary eyew which was VERY sensitive to light for over a month. We took her to the Dr. and they said it was just allergies. We finally took her to the opthamologist and she had a foreign body. She is better now, but she thought she had some kind of alien in her eye--I guess that's how a 10 year old percieves it when you tell her she has a foreign body in her eye.

A very windy and unusually cold Mothers Day. Woke up to everyone wanting to shower me with gifts, and then it turned into someone got their feeling hurt, kids were fighting about who got to sit where on the bed while I opened presents and then very irreverent children during Sacrament Meeting. And Miles was in the foyer! I'm talking about the 3 older ones! Who expects a perfect Mothers Day anyways?

Update:
Holly--still crazy as ever! I've been trying to lose weight and was doing awesome until Miles got a verbal warning from the gym that if he hits, pulls hair, or bites again, he'll be suspended for 30 days. Mortified, I've decided not to even risk it and try to work with him at home so he doesn't get permanently expelled. Can you believe this? I seriously don't know what to do with this kid. I know everyone tells me it's a phase, but we can't even have playdates, or make new friends at the park because he beats up on everyone who's smaller than him. So.....for now, he doesn't go, which means I don't work out like I used to. Occasionally, Owen will be home and I go, but I'm too tired by the evening, and not an early morning riser. But...I have to be. So that's my goal now--go to bed early, and wake up and go to the gym before Owen goes to work. I used to do it all the time when I live in Philly, so there's no reason I can't get going again. My problem is that I'm a night owl. Always have been . I like to stay up late and have quiet time to myself. I know if I go to bed, then I'll wake up and the madness will start all over again. I have to though. I miss working out so much!!! I miss body pump and running. come back to me please! We all know around this house that when mama doesn't work out, she aint happy!
Owen so professional!
---Trying to finish up grad work.--big paper coming up that's due, and just took boards which he was studying non-stop for. Going to NYC in a couple of weeks for the pedo conference where he'll be presenting his poster at.(you suck!) SO, SO jealous! Got to get me some NYC soon! I was going to go with him, but I want to have fun, not get dragged around to boring conferences all day. Soon, I hope. Last day of residency is June 30!
Maggie--Finishing up 4th grade this year. Loves, loves, loves her teacher Ms. Ponte! Star student, and always aiming to please. Student council this whole year and was selected for a candidate for the National Honor Society next year, but was VERY disappointed that she didn't get it. Only 2 from each 4th grade class were selected.
Audrey--cute as a button and easy going. Loves school and wakes up before anyone in this house! Loves her teacher Mr. Huff and is excited that he's moving to 3rd grade next year and wants him again! Who knew that she would like a man teacher? Owen just recently pinned her down to take out one of her teeth that was starting to look infected. We gave her ample time to get it out on her own, but she didn't comply and so don't mess with the dad that's a pedodontist! She was fuming mad and locked herself in her room for a while--but then got over it. Audrey and her friend Haley
Drew---Getting bored of being home with mom all day. Tempted to put him in full day kindergarten next year. It seems like everyone is, but it's an extra 325 a month, and I'm not sure I'm ready to have him gone all the time. He is my little buddy, and he and Miles are starting to play well together. But he's ready! He is reading a lot already.--books we're talking, not just words.
Miles--well, we all know what he's doing(read above) but I have to say, he's a little sweetheart too. He kisses all the time--I'm thinking I get about 25 kisses a day from this kid. He is starting to talk a lot and I love how he putters around the house making little motor boat sounds. He answers with a "what?" when called by name, and makes a slurping sound when he wants something tasty to eat. But....the last 3 weeks of church, we have been late. Why? he got into something RED 5 minutes before we were to leave for church. I think it was red crystal lite for 2 weeks and then red toothpaste last week. And it is everywhere! especially on him! oh, and last week it was also the whole tube of cream all over his body, in his hair and on the floor. oh, I'm so done with toddlers!
Here he is trying to plant a kiss on me. THis is a normal site at our home. He just gives random kisses. So loveable!

Can I back track a little?

2011-04-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! I used to blog ALL THE TIME! I never seem to make the time anymore. I watch way too much tv and so I've decided that I need a wireless laptop so i can be on the computer and watch tv at the same time. Some good multi-tasking I say.
Valentines is never a big deal at our home. I do try to make the kids a valentine and give them a little candy, and something cute to go with it. Audrey couldn't believe that OWen and I were leaving for Reno on Valentines day. She thought we were bailing out on the hoilday and I quickly reminded her that us celebrating Valentines alone was perfect!

Owen and I drove 7 LONG hours to Reno to check out a practice. The drive from Vegas to Reno has got to be the longest drive ever! There is nothing except for 3 sleepy towns and I mean sleepy! I couldn't believe people existed here! The largest town was TOnopah and well this old motel sums up this city.
Reno was...well, lets just say I didn't get the warm and fuzzy vibes while I was there. Instead I was disappointed, and I even cried at the Fuddruckers. We left a day early and I think Owen was frusterated with me after that trip cause I made such a quick judgement about it. What can I say? It just wasn't where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
Part 2--like Father like Son.
Drew has taken on Owen's green thumb. Here he is perfecting the art of bonsai! I think Owen was in heaven to see that his boy was interested in plants.

Part 3-Basketball
Maggie played on a city league this year. Her team was the lakers and she was 1 of 6 girls in the whole league. I would defenitly say she's was the most improved player. It was pretty painful in the beginning, but she caught on, and got so much better. She even scored a basket in one of the last games. Overall, she had a lot of fun and I'm glad that there are no more Saturday games since we are now in baseball season for Drew and are at the field every Sat morning.

Part 4--Miles
This kid is a busy body! He is into everything he shouldn't be into.--especially the computer button--turn on, turn off, turn on etc.--same thing with the printer. The gate doesn't work, he can tear it down. We have to keep all doors closed, or he will destroy the other kids rooms. And heaven for bid that he gets in the bathroom! He will destroy the carpet with green toothpaste and pink body wash in about 5 minutes. He gets in trouble at the gym day care and church nursery for hitting. He is a bully. I've seen him on many occasions just walk up to random children and wak them across the face for no reason. I swear we don't abuse him. He rarely gets a spankin. I think it's his survival mode at home being the youngest of 4. He loves to go on bike rides, and eat with his fireman hat on. That is when he eats. He rarely eats. ANd he loves to play in the sink. Anything water and he is there. He is the kissist child ever! He kisses me about 50 times a day--just randomly too. on the leg, the arm and the face, but his favorite is on the lips! Nothing says a good smooch like an almost 2 year old smackin you on the lips with a snotty nose! We love him! Last night we took the kids to see a movie and we left Miles with a sitter. Owen felt so bad neglecting him. It just isn't the same without Miles. Except at a movie--i would be the one wrestling with him--not OWen.

Part 4--Audrey
Smarty pants Audrey has recieved several awards this year. This was for the Principles award. Her teacher even sent me an email that said that she really deserved it! She is most of the time pretty pleasant and easy going. I'm sooooooo glad my kids are doing well in school.
Part 5--Drew
He just stared playing T-ball and loves it! I haven't taken any pics yet, but he was required to get a cup. He had the giggles about that one. He is READING! He is doing great! He can read Hop on Pop all by himself and is about to start GO DOg Go. He will be so ready for kindergarten. He is still my little sweetheart. He has a thing for me, and most of the time will do anything to make me happy. He is a great cleaner! Here he is at his preschool fieldtrip to petland with one of the birds on his shoulder.
Part 6--Disneyland
As it says above on the Valentine that we took the kids to Disneyland. And like we all haven't seen enough pics of Disney to last us a lifetime right? Well, too bad, it's my blog so I'm posting pics. But just a couple. We are lucky to have Owens parents live so close to Disney. They watched Miles for us on the first day while we went to California Adventure, and then we took him to the Land on the 2nd day. I think 2 parks 2 days in a row would have been too much for miles. Owen and I felt like yuppies without him. We had no stroller for the first time ever! It was actually kind of nice cause we just went from ride to ride. But theres something to be said about taking your sweet 22 month old on It's a small world. Priceless!

Part 7--Maggie turns 10!
Maggie celebrated her 10th birthday on March 9th! Can you believe it? 10 years? That is nuts! We said no parties this year, but we did kidnapp her from school and took her to lunch--just her. Owen met us down on the strip at Serendipity. It was a nice warm day and I think she enjoyed the fact that is was just her. She had a BLT and Owen and I shared our favorite turkey and Brie sandwich. Of course with the best sweet potatoe fries ever. Do you know what is Maggies favorite thing to eat? Sweet Potatoes with brown suger! And of course fried oreo sundae for dessert! Holy crap! The calories! That night we opened presents and had cupcakes. We love our Maggie! She is a beautiful, creative girl! Still as bossy as ever and is always writing plays, stories and trying to organize shows to perform. Still wants to be an actress when she grows up.

Above are some paper flowers I made to decorate the room for her birthday.
Last part ---Washington/Oregon
Here we are at some gorgeous falls near Seattle the day we flew in. I can't remember the name of them casue I was still drugged from taking 2 dramamine right before we flew. I was passed out all day--Owen couldn't revive me. But I do remember the falls were amazing!
Owen and I went to Yakima Washington for a job interview with the indian health service cor. It actually isn't a bad deal considering the loan repayment and extra ammenties you get with the job. The problem is living in Yakima. I guess I have just lived in too many big cities, that going to a small town would be difficult for me. I had a really hard time seeing myself there. It was pretty and all, but I guess I didn't get that warm fuzzy feeling there either. I think if our kids were younger, then it would be doable for a couple of years, but to get a lot of our loans payed back, we'd have to give 6 years and that would still leave us with 100k to pay. Maggie would be 16 by the time we were done, and I don't see myself packing up then. I think Yakima would end up being our home for--ever. And I just don't see that nor do I want that. I feel like we could do just as well somewhere we really want to be. (Still awaiting job situation in Denver) So we drove to the Oregon coast with the rest of our time and Man, I was so tempted to suck up the rain just so I could live there. Owen and I immediatly fell in love. That place is amazinly gorgeous! But....it did rain, and rain, and rain. That is why it is so gorgeous! i think it would be a great vacation spot. We stayed in Lincoln beach and our room overlooked the ocean. We were literally feet from the water. If there was a tsunami, we would be toast. At night we'd look out our window, and it was somewhat frighteneing to see the dark water that lay in front of us. The next day we drove all the way up the ORegon coast to Seattle to fly home. So, so beautiful! OWen was in heaven and said the beaches buried SOCALS beaches in a heartbeat. He was sold and was ready to pack up and move to one of these small beach towns. The best was Arcadia beach. ANd i was disappointed with Astoria. Thought it would be amazing like I remember from the movie "Kindergarten Cop", but it was kind of old and rundown. I think we'll vacation there in July or August though. March was a bit chilly.
This was the view from our room

This sign was encouraging after what just happened in Japan. Right?
This was right after a sneaker wave came and soaked me from the shins down. Little stinker wave.
Arcadia Beach

The light at the end of the tunnel

2011-03-05T23:16:00.001-08:00

Well, it's here. I can see the light. In 4 short months, Owen will graduate from his residency as a Pediatric Dentist. Something he has wanted since his 2nd year of dental school. It's hard to believe that we have finally made it. 13 1/2 years of marriage, 4 great kids, all of undergrad, all of dental school, a GPR, 1 year apart and 2 years of Pedo school. Soon....I will finally be able to buy my first home. One that I can paint the walls if I want to, instead of looking at the ol drab white color. One that I can dig up the backyard and have my own garden. And heck if we want a dog and a trampoline, we will get it because it will be ours! (sore spot right now since our current landlords won't let us have either because it will ruin the grass.)
So what's next for the Sanders? Well, you guessed it! We still don't know, as Owen and I are probably the most indecisive people out there. I think more me. Owen wants to work in an underprivlidged area and make peanuts, while I'm thinking lets go for the big bucks! I feel like I've put in my time, and really the only reason I agreed that OWen could do this program was because I knew the money would be better and we would be able to give our children things that we never had.--Not to mention retire early so we can go on missions. Owen--well he loves to work with kids, and this has been his dream for a long time. So he doesn't care. All he knows is that he doesn't want to work in some dental mill where they are in and out so fast that you can't remember who had what done, and then coming home so exhausted that he doesn't want to spend time with his own kids, he just wants to veg. (his current moonlighting job is like that and he doesn't enjoy it.)
So, maybe in 4 months we'll be packed up ready to go somewhere else. Maybe not. Maybe we won't have found that perfect place that doesn't exhist. I think I've had a vivid imagination about what life will be like when we're all done, so because we haven't found that dream place where there are mountains, small streams, a big house, lots of LDS kids to play with, make lots of money, and suburban near an ocean without grey winters--I know, I have high expectations and I know this place doesn't exist, but a girl can dream right?
For now, we went to Reno. Thumbs down. Owen gave me the silent treatment for a few days because he felt like I made a judgement of Reno in 2 hours and was ready to go home. It just didn't feel right
In 2 weeks we'll be off to Yakima WA. That's right--small town, grey winters, and I don't know what else, but I'm thinking theres not much there. But..I have a dear mission comp that lives there and loves it. It's a 2 year indian health cor for loan repayment.
He's also applied for one in Chatanooga TN.--You don't even want to know what's going through my head right now.
We still have Austin, and Colorado that are not ruled out yet either.
The good news is that if we haven't made our minds up by June, Owen can stay here in Vegas working for Absolute, so we'll still have a paycheck.
Looking back on the last 4 years has been interesting. Our first year out of dental school was rough. We lived in Allentown PA which was a gorgeous little town with so much outdoor beauty. It was a hard depressing year for me I think because I was expecting more than a very tight budget coming out of dental school. Especially since we had friends who worked for Comfort dental and were making a killing. I thought, "that should be me, but it's not." Everything that could have goine wrong did while we were there. Our car was stolen right out of our driveway, we had a sewage flood in our basement, we had the landlords from HELL, we had a fire, and we lived from paycheck to paycheck. But deep down, Owen really wanted to to pedo, and I don't think he would have gotten in unless he did this GPR.
After Allentown, Owen was offered a position for the pedo residency for the following year. knowing that he would be back in a school situation the following year we decided to live apart to pay off debt so we could go back to school. Owen could only practice in CA at the time, and there was no room to live with his parents, so I lived in Utah with the kids and my pregnant self, while Owen worked full time in CA and would visit everyother weekend. And I thought Allentown was depressing? That year living in the basment of my moms house with my 3 kids and being pregnant all alone was one of the hardest times of my life. But I knew that it had to be done so we could survive another 2 years.
So now in Vegas at UNLV life isn't too bad. Yes, Owen is busy. He just got finished being chief which took a lot of extra time. He has moonlighted every Saturday to compensate for the stab in the back UNLV gave us 4 weeks before the program began. "oh, and sorry we can't pay you that 45k each year you are here. you will get 35k for the 2 years and we will also need 60k in tuition. sorry for the change in plans." what do you do at that point? drop out? I don't think so. It's way too competitive to get in. So you suck it up and know that you will pay it off...... someday.
Saturdays are not easy days for me. I have the kids all day. FOr a while it was a lot of boredom, fights, messes and whining. But now they're in basball, basketball, and gymnastics. So our Saturdays consist of ME and ME only going to games and classes. at the end of the day, I've accomplished nothing at home,and somedays I feel sorry for myself that I don't have Owen to help me out--cause dragging Drew and especially Miles to all of this is more of the challenge than being gone all day. I enjoy cheering my kids on, I don't enjoy chasing Miles onto the basketball court because he's interfering with the game. Not to mention the many snacks and toys I have to pack up to keep him happy which usually doesn't help since he's so mischevious.
But, I can't complain the past 4 months, Owen usually has Fridays off. We bike with the kids to the park, go out to lunch and we'll even get a babysitter and go out by ourselves--we do that a lot.
I guess I can say that I survived! It was rough, but it will be worth it and I made it. These last 2 years have been better because I always manage to take time out for myself. I love my kids, but I have to have "me" time so I can function from day to day. I think it makes me a better mom. 4 kids can send you to the cleaners very quickly if you can't keep sane. So I always get my daily gym fix, whether it be during the day,or late at night. It's such a destresser. I have my bunco group once a month, and great friends. Love having Angie near by even though we don't see each other as often as I'd like. She's a great friend.
So more to come in the next couple of months I hope. Staying in Vegas isn't on the plan. As much as I LOVE the winters here, my ward, my kids friends, and the major ammenties here, I do not like the dreadful summers here, nor do I like desert life. 10 4 for now. update later.

25 things you don't know about me--pass it on!

2011-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is a tag I got from someone and I tag anyone who even blogs anymore or anyone who reads my blog--I know it is few. ahem..Maria, Laura, Melinda, Cathie, Mary, Tamar, Lynette, Alyssa, Michelle. ANd you have to do it, or I'll kick your butt! It's a picture tag--go to flickr to get some pics!
1. When I was 20, I waited tables at Brick Oven Restuarant in Provo Utah.--The worlds best pizza!
2. I love to sing, and I love to dance! Too bad I suck at both of them.
3. I actually really enjoy exercising.--I get a rush out of it. Unfortunately, I love to eat too, which is why I'm so fat.
4. My favorite song to run to is "Read my Mind" by the Killers.
5. I prefer sugary candy over Chocolate and pasteries--especially anything gummy
6. Right now I'm dreaming of traveling. I can't wait until I can take some cool vacations to Greece and somewhere tropical.--I have never vacationed outside of the U.S.
7. My first job was an EKG technician when I was 17. I was so lucky to get that job, and it got my foot in the door to many other jobs at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center--telemetry/IMC secretary, OR Secretary/Mother Baby Nurse and then Labor and Delivery nurse.
8.My mom wouldn't let me get my ears pierced, so when I was 18 I took a trip to Seattle with my friends and they took me over to the mall to get it done.My mom wasn't happy when I came home.
9. I LOVE ASPARAGUS!
10. When I was young I was a huge Wham fan! Wham, Bam, I am your man!
11. The lullaby I sing to my kids is "LA, LA LU" from Lady and the Tramp. My boys love it.
12. I have been watching Days of our Lives since I was 11.--my friend got me hooked. Don't get me wrong, I don't watch this EVERYDAY--well, now that I have DVR, I just record it and fast forward through alll the boring parts, so I'm not technically watching an hour long soap everyday.--glad we cleared that up!
13. my favorite Christmas song is Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella.
14. I lived at the "Riv" in Provo when I was in college. I made out with a lot of boys. It was a fun time!
15. I also jumped off the roof of the apartment complex into the pool. That was stupid, but I thought it was so fun and cool at the time.
16. I served a mission in the Harrisburg Pennsylvania mission. I also met Owen there. We served in the York Zone together. Can you find us?
17. My biggest pet peeve is when people eat with their mouths open.
18. My celebrity crush right now is Bradley Cooper! Baby! Check out those eyes! Did you know he's from Fort Washington PA?
19. I want to have one more baby, but just can't get myself to that point again--I can barely keep up with the 4 I have.

20. If I could live in another era, it would be the 40's. I love big band music.
21. I would call myself indecisive, and a procrastinator.--which is probably why we haven't decided on where we want to live. I think Owen is the same way.
22. When I was 5, I stuck my hand in between the escalator handrail at ZCMI in Orem Utah. My mom dropped my little brother whom she was holding to try and pull my hand out. Luckily all i got was a bad pinch and not an amputation.
23. I Love Lionel Richie's love songs.
24. I played soccer at Timpview High school and was on the very first soccer team for UVCC--now called UVU. We got our butts kicked by BYU
25. I am a huge multi-tasker! I can brush my teeth, text and pee all at the same time!

Next...continuing on from catch up

2011-01-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

I Didn't get the blogging all done in one day, so I'm finishing it up now.
Owen's parents came for Christmas and surprised the kids by taking them to the mall on Christmas Eve Day to Build a Bear. They have been wanting to do this for a long time! They were super stoked when Oma and Opa let them pick out their own animal and an outfit for them.Here is Miles washing his dog after being filled.

Next....Christmas Morning was wonderful! Does this pic of Miles speak the magic of Christmas or what?
I gave Owen a remote control helicopter, and it has been buzzing through the house nonstop.
The kids asked for Baseball equipment this year, so they each got a mit, and we got a 2 bats and a batting tee. Now all we need is to have a few more kids and we'll hve our own team

And Finally...My mom and my brother and his 4 kids came to our home for New years! Vegas just happened to be going through a serious cold spell while they were here. But we still managed to have fun playing games, the Wii, movies, and even a chilly hike to Red Rock. The day they were supposed to go home which was the same day my kids had to go back to school, we woke up to quite a bit of snow! So....I let the kids stay home. How often to they get to see their cousins, and how often does it snow in Vegas? Rarely! Miles and Angela loved wearing the 3D glasses
Angela preferred to wear hers upside down.
Cousins hiking to RedRock

Can you believe it? Snow in Vegas???

MAJOR CATCH-UP!

2011-01-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Here it goes..gotta document this stuff, or the little details will be forgotten!
The CHristmas season started out making Gingerbread Houses. One year I did it from scratch and it was a disaster! And c'mon, I have 4 kids, who has time to make them from scratch? Plus I think it was fun that the kids all got to make their own. I found these cute little German style houses at Trader Joes and they were a hit!

Had tho throw this one in--Sorry Maggie, but there are AlWAYS tears!
Next...is Gary!
Who is Gary? Well our pet snail of course! He came home on a plant back in June and I thought he was the perfect pet. Doesn't shed, doesn't cry and barely makes a mess. Only a little slime here and there when he would leave his plate. Which leads me to the next part. He would disappear for a long time and we thought he had died. Then a couple of months later, there he is! I think he had crawled under the table and was hanging out there for a while. he did this twice. The kids would be really excited when they would see him again. "Gary's Back!" (of course you know where we got his name from.) Well, about a month ago when things started to get a little colder, I found Gary in a few pieces on the floor. I don't know if it was too cold, or if Miles had gotten to him. RIP Gary.

Here is a pic of my sweet boys having lunch together. I let Miles eat at the table instead of his highchair which he enjoyed--it hasn't happened since though since he is such a messy Marvin.

Next... the girls both made all A honor roll. Maggie also recieved the "THinking out of the Box" award. Her teacher says she's always challenging her.

Audrey and Lexi
Audrey with her
2nd grade teacher Mr.Huff
Next...
This year we bought our Christmas Tree at Costco for $40. This was seriously the nicest live tree we have ever had. This thing was still very much alive when we took it down, and it was so beautiful! I just had to capture this pic of us at Costco. Owen thought because we bought our tree there, that it was going to be 12 feet tall--you get more for your money!
Next...Owen had a Christmas party with the other pedo residents. I don't know their last names but basically what I hear at home are Todd, Matt, jared, Shelly Michelle and then Drama, Drama, Drama. I think Owen is ready to be done.

The kids are always so anxious to decorate the tree. And they always have to wait for Mom to put the lights on and sometimes that takes a couple of days. Maybe someday when I don't have an 18 month old, I will have more time. And they ALWAYS fight over who gets to put the star on top. They love it because Owen holds them up really high. He says when he holds Maggie that he sometimes feels like he's in a freak show because she's getting so tall. There were tears this year because we drew names and Audrey was chosen. So...Document this that Audrey hung the star in 2010. She does not get to do it for 4 more years! I don't think i even took a pic because there was so much Drama!

A few pics of my decorated house.
I made this cute magnetic/cork board for all my Christmas cards. It was full by the end of the season. I love my friends!

Next is Clarence. He is the elf on the shelf who is delivered on the door step to the kids. Maggie is skeptical and so is Audrey. Drew on the other hand....he thinks its cool that he is in a different location everyday when he wakes up.
Next...Neighbor treats. Made these cute treat plates by gluing a sundae dish onto the bottom of a plate and tying a cute bow around it. This year I made Chocolate mint cookies, Caramel pretzels, and Pumpkin and chocolate rolls. Yummy!

Next....Drew's 5th Birthday! Man, I'm really feeling bad that I didn't take more pics. It's hard having a birthday so close to Christams. I think I'm going to start celebrating it at the beginning of the month so he's not overshadowed. He was quite disappointed that his Birthday was on a Sunday and insisted that he didn't have to go to church because it was his day to do whatever he wanted. Luckily the Bishop had a special Christmas program and sent us home after 1 hour of church! Hotdog! Out of Drew's request, we went to Chuck-E Cheese the night before and he had the time of his life! For his birthday he got a new wii game which he already told me he doesn't like, and a few other things that I can't remember. Man, I need to get it together. I made him a special cake with no milk or eggs and then let him lick the beaters which he thought was most delicious! Later that night, he vomited and went to bed super early because he got strep.(All 4 of them had it within a 2 week span at different times and this was all 2 weeks before Christmas.) So, his birthday day wasn't the best, but I think Chuck e cheese made up for that. I love this kid of mine who LOVES the wii more than life itself.

I took the kids to see Santa at the mall on the 23rd. what a freakin joke! THe line was 3 hours long. What the crap was I thinking? Luckily that night we went to Ethel M's chocolate and saw their cactus light display and Santa was there! the wait was 15 minutes and he was the NICEST Santa with the NICEST elves.

Finally!

2011-01-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I was having a very difficult time uploading my pics to the computer. Fixed now , so now I have serious blogging to do.....ok, soon, but now I need to go mop the floors while Miles is sleeping. But soon..hopefully.

Welcome to my Saturdays

2010-11-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

Most people LOVE Saturdays. It's a day to hang out with Dad, have fun, and most of all, no school. We are a bit different here at the Sanders Household. I DETEST Saturdays! Why you ask? Since we have been in this residency, Owen has been moonlighting on Saturdays to help compensate for the money UNLV decided last minute not to pay us. So a days work is much needed to feed our family since Owen is in his program everyday during the week.
Each Saturday it's pretty much the same routine. It starts with teasing by Maggie, crying by Audrey, and whining by Drew. No sleeping in either. Even after I beg the kids to quietly go downstairs and watch cartoons so I can sleep until Miles wakes up-which can sometimes be 8-8:30 if it's quiet. The problem is that it never happens. I'm always suddenly woken up by someone screaming or crying. So much for that.
But the real story begins today when I assingned the kids their jobs. They get some kind of satisfaction out of completing the job and then crossing it off the list. So I must write it down, or it won't get done. They get 3 jobs and then they are free for the day. Wii time, a friend over etc. Drew is usually a pretty good cleaner and he really gets in and does it quickly so he can have his Wii time since that is what his whole world revolves around. But....today he was extra whiny, and would not stop complaining about how he wanted different jobs. The whining went on for about 30 minutes and I just ignored him. I did tell him that I was worried about him not getting any presents this year because he's on the naughty list. He didn't care. He went to his room and got in bed and whined and complained some more. So by now, I'm done!I finally had to put him in time out in the bathroom which is where it always is. He wouldn't comply, so I said if you don't sit down, you'll go to the garage. 1..2..3..alright mister, you're going to the garage. Then the screaming begins. They don't like the garage because I lock them in there. After locking him in I went about my business and did the dishes all the while listening to Drew bang on the door while yelling and screaming. After about 10 min. it was quiet, so I decided to check on him. I opened the garage, and well.....he peed all over the floor--not a little puddle either, it was a fire hose! He said he had to go and I wouldn't open the door and well you gotta do what you gotta do!~ Well...if you would have stayed in the bathroom from the beginning, you would have had a place to pee. I threw him the roll of paper towels and told him to clean it up. 10 min later, I went inside to check on him, and he was in the car going through my purse eating all my gum. Now I was fuming! Lets just say it got ugly! He eventually cleaned it up, but I had to go out with pine-sol and the hose to really get it up, or it would have been sticky--which meant another job for Mom. Was it my fault he peed in the garage? I'm going to say no. These kids like to push our buttons don't they? Someday, Drew will read this and realize that he was a little bugger sometimes. He's a good kid. I think today he was extra tired because he doesn't sleep through the night anymore because of the floating heads he sees in his room at night. But that's a whole nother story. All I can say is 7 more months and then hopefully I'll have Owen back home with me on Saturdays.

Boo To You!

2010-10-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

Halloween 2010. Here are my little monsters!
Miles the cowboy!
Drew is crazy obsessed with Indiana Jones! He loves all the movies and the Wii lego game. So it was no surprise that this is what he wanted to be this year.
Audrey the scary vampire!
I think she looks so scary she could be in Twilight!
Maggie's always got to be something scary and gruesome! Lets see..mummy, skeleton, Vampire, and this year is is a dead pirate. I've tried the ballerina/cheerleader idea, but it will never be a go for this scary-lovin girl.

15 years ago today

2010-10-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

October 18, 1995. It was a beautiful fall morning in Provo, Utah. The weather was warm. The leaves were bright yellow and orange. There was a feeling of excitement in the air! This was the day I entered the MTC as I was about to embark in one of the most challenging, amazing, and spiritual experiences of my life. 3 weeks in the MTC to prepare for my mission to the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission. I was excited, and ready. Little did I know what was to come....amazing spiritual experiences, a threesome companionship, and an awesome zone to share the journey with. This was right after my arrival. Waiting in my room for my companions to show up.

My Comps Sister (can't remember her name) she went to Spokane, WA. and Sister Varley who went to Charleston, SC.
My Zone--I was the only one from my zone who went to PA--the elders went to Canada, Alabama, Florida and Washington DC.

Keep out!

2010-10-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

ALl kids banned from my room! Especially Miles! Unless you want to cuddle in bed of course, but otherwise--KEEP OUT!
THe amount of toys I collect on a daily basis from my room is rediculous! Why do they insist on bringing toys into my room? hmmm...because it's clean and they need a nice wide open space to play on? I've had it though! ANd the biggest problem we have is 1. Miles gets into the bathroom garbage.(see previous nasty post) 2. Miles gets into the toliet. 3. Miles turns the computer on and off over and over again. --one of these days it's going to be broken. 4. Miles turns the printer on and off over and over again. 5. When I'm getting ready, Miles manages to open the drawers and dump all my stuff out like hundreds of Q-tips. I really want my room to be a nice quiet place for me to come and relax and it's impossible with all the toys they bring in, so it had to come this.
SOrry guys! Unfortunately, the big kids just climb over, but at least it keeps Mr. trouble out, even if he's not happy about it!

36 in review

2010-10-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, I turned 36 on the 30th! What an old woman I'm becoming--here is a recap of my day.
1. Awakened by my kids with singing, lots of handmade cards, and tons of hugs and kisses. ( I think they're more excited about my birthday than I am.)
2. Read my candybar poster realizing that I'm going to have a hard time losing weight if I have this thing around. Must share!

3. Opened my new willow tree figurine that the kids picked out. It's the same one they broke about 2 months ago, so now it's replaced.
4. Went to Body Sculp that kicked my butt!
5. Picked up lunch from Panera for Drew and I and broght it home--enjoyed the overcast day we're having--still very hot though.
6. ate milky way from candy bar poster--good thing I worked my can off at body sculp for that! Worth it?
7. Lots of Birthday calls from Mom, Dad, Marga, Robyn Susan and Cari.
8. Lots of Facebook wishes.
9. No cleaning today!
10. No cooking today!
11. Quick and easy throw in the oven chicken cordon bleu
12. Cheesecake for dessert! Yum!
13. CLinque Happy from Owen--my favorite! And 3 pairs of new shoes! Thanks!
14. When putting Audrey to bed --telling her thanks for wishing me a Happy Birthday so many times today--literally it was in the 30's!
15. Ended the night with a backrub from Owen while we watched 30 Rock and the Office.
Great day with a Great year to come! Tomorrow it will be lunch with Owen at Serendipity with no kids!

Which is more disgusting?

2010-09-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Which is more disgusting? A. sucking on a one of your moms used tampon applicators. or B. sucking on a used floss pick found on the floor at Office Max?
Can't decide? well..unfortunately, these 2 things were both done by Miles and I thought I was going to lose it! The floss pick has to be the worst for me considering I don't know who's dirty mouth it's been in. The tampon on the other hand well...at least his mouth has been in that vicinity once before. But nontheless, I guess we need to keep our eye on this one a little bit more. (the tampon incidence was because I was at the store and Owen was supposed to be watching him--when I came home, Owen was passed out on the couch and Miles was roaming freely. I went upstairs and my bathroom garbage was everywhere. I know..grose!

School Dayz & a few other Happenings

2010-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

ok, so the kids have been in school for 3 weeks now, I guess I should post pics. I'm such a lazy butt.

Audrey 2nd grade--this girl was so excited to wear these little leopard shoes. She was a little hesitant to be in Mr. Huff's class (the man issue)+ her 2 BFF's Brooke and Brooke are in another class. But she actually loves her teacher and he is supposed to be the best, and I can already tell that he is. Plus, Lexi is in there, and she is her other BFF.

Maggie 4th grade. We had to pull her out of her scary teachers class on the first day of school because he was the most disorganized man ever!. She is now in Ms. Ponte's class--the lady with the tattoos. She loves her and she selected Mags to be on the student council--this is huge since she was the only girl selected from her class. She also made Drama club which she is totally stoked about.
look at those ginormous feet!

My little Buddy Drew started his 2nd year of preschool--he has a new teacher this year, and so far so good! He's getting to that bored stage and I'm not sure 2 day/half days are going to cut it for him.

flip flops to preschool? Vegas baby--we won't be pulling out the warmer clothes until at least November, if not December.

Here is Miles after I dropped Drew off on his first day--finally, mom all to myself!

The week before school started, the kids and I went to Long Beach to visit Owen's parents. Owen was in NYC at a conference (loser!) CA was having a heat wave while I was there, so it wasn't as relaxing as I was expecting. We did escape to the beach a few times to cool off though.

They lovew collecting shells
Maggie had some obsession with the kelp

We visited cousins in SImi Valley too. Here the kids are making lemonade together after gathering 50+ lemons from their lemon tree.
The kids love their Opa and Oma!

Miles insisted on Walking Zoe the dog
and of course Lex the cat is their favorite one to play with

Now that we're back into a routine, Miles enjoyes his ice cream cones
and swiffering the floors for me

So now I've had pink eye-AGAIN! I've had that stupid thing at least 15 times in my life. And now I am sick with a cold that's kicking my butt! I've missed 2 weeks of church, and I NEVER get sick!

take a look

2010-08-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Take a look to your right--what do you see? It's a school countdown clock with less than 24 hours to go. The day has finally come! It has been a long, busy summer, and frankly, I'm exhausted. We had a lot of fun in Utah for the month of July, and in California last week, but I did these trips all by my lonesome since Owen had school. 4 kids+ all day, every day= crazy mom! No more boredom, teasing, extreme messes, complaining about chores, constantly in the fridge wanting to eat, cooped up inside the house because it's too hot to go outside, and the question of the day, "mom, what are we going to do today?" I'm done! We had a fun summer with lots of action packed adventures, but I'm pooped! Back to schedules, no more sleeping in, packing lunches, lots of homework, big projects and dirty shoes (Vegas is a dirty place.) BRING..IT..ON!

July in review

2010-08-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2010-last day of school=first day i was about to pull my hair out. How do I entertain 4 children now? Too hot in Vegas to go to the park or even play in the backyard. Swim every other day for the whole month of June. Got old really fast! July 1st--go to Utah ---stay the WHOLE MONTH! It was great! Now I'm home, and wishing I was back, but actually the summer has flown by. At first I thought I'd never survive those first few days out of school. Now, I'm actaully enjoying having the kids home. No schedules, no homework, no major school projects. Just chillin and playing. Ask me in a couple of days though if I still feel the same way--now we're cooped up again in the house until we go to Cali in a couple of weeks. We had sooooooo much fun in Utah--we played hard. Here's a recap of July.
Yes, this is my home town. Isn't it gorgeous?
A tradition for years is to go to the Balloon festival where they launch 20+ hot air balloons. We got up at the crack of dawn to hit this. Well worth it!

Then off to the 4th of July Provo Parade--another tradition.

Tin foil dinners and smores up the canyon with our friends Mark and Tracy, and then fireworks

Rode the ski lift at Sundance to the top and hiked to Stewart Falls with Maggie's friend Renee and my nephew Chris

Philly girls reunion Me, Melinda, Deb, and Stacy at Olive Garden in AF. Love these girls!
Dinner with my cousin Dan and then somehow he coaxed my kids into helping him wash his car.

Lots and Lots of play time in the backyard at my moms house
Day trip to all the church stuff in SLCDrew pretending to be a missionary (his idea)
hung out with cousin CHris for 3 weeks. Funny kid. talks A LOT!
Picnic day and playing in the river with My friend Maria and her kids Gavin, Kesly and Jenna and of course Jake the dog.

Ate here at our fav restaurant several times
and here of course(even though we have one in Vegas) And of course here 3 times --missing this one in Vegas went bowling at BYU Twice went swimming here and here twice
adn Lindon pool too (couldn't find a pic, and I never take my camera to the pool)
went to the dinosaur park in Ogden
Audrey lost her front tooth FINALLY! HUng out with our good friends Cari and Emily for a couple of days at the pool, bowling, and Jump on it

Hiked with Maria and her kids to my favorite spot up the Grotto
Then up to Payson lake where we were totally unprepared. FOrgot suits and saw everyone having such a fun time in the lake that we just let our kids strip down to their skibbies and they had the time of their lives even if we were totally ghetto.

Finished my last evening off at Marias for hot dogs, corn on the cob and watermelon and reminissing of mission days (Maria was my trainer)
So....now my kids can't say "I had the most boring summer and I didn't do anything!" Here is proof that July was a blast!

Maggie's a ROCK STAR!

2010-06-20T23:13:00.001-07:00

Maggie just finished Rock Band Camp this past week. She started out on the drums, but thought they were too hard, so she was put on vocals and keyboard. Their band was called "The Glitter Girls" Most of the kids at this camp have never touched a musical instrument. I was pretty impressed with all the girls abilities to pick up on an instrument so fast. They even wrote the music and lyrics for their song. I thought Mags did great, and she had such a fun time. We think she's probably old enough to start piano lessons. Here is her video from her performance at Sam Ash music store yesterday.

7 spankins for this kid!

2010-06-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday to my sweet Audrey (June 9th)
7 things you should know about Audrey
1. She used to be shy and quiet, now she's turning into a wild little jokester
2. She can read a book a day
3. She still thinks cheese is the greatest thing ever
4. She's obsessed with cats, and loves to crawl around on the floor pretending like she's one
5. She's a great friend--all her friends LOVE her!
6. She's VERY Sensitive! (she's always watching me to see if I'm crying in movies, but deep down, she's crying too.)
7. She is so lucky!--She wins games without even trying. (Maggie can't stand this.)
ok 1 more--she's so cute when she sings--you have to hear it, but it's very high pitched
If you don't know this kid, you better get to know her, because she is the coolest!
Birthday Recap
1. woke up super early to open presents--cat stuff, webkinz, clothes, claires gift card, and here she is with her new watch.
2.invited her friend Brooke to go to Petland (my kids current obsession--yes, it's only a petstore, but the store wants you to take the animals out to play with them.-we go there often to get our animal fix.)
3. 3 hours at the pool with her friend Brooke--forgot my camera
4. Cafe Rio takeout
5. Red Velvet Bundt cake
6. Shrek!
Man, it was a busy day!
Part II
Spa birthday party
Super excited for her party to start we made these cute beaded necklaces

We played the remember the items on the tray game
Hmm..I'm thinking, and I can't remember
Opening presents
Yummy Chocolate eclair cake
finger sandwiches with fruit cups with tiny umbrellas, and raspberry lemonade
Spa pedi's for everyone!~this is the only pic I got since I was busy massaging feet and painting toenails
Lexi, Brooke, Janell, Audrey and Brooke

My 1st Birthday!

2010-06-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

My name is Miles. Today I turned 1! I think I'm pretty cool too. I can stand by myself, I have 2 teeth on the bottom, and 4 coming in on the top. I love to be outside. My favorite thing to do is to sit in puddles in my nice clean clothes, and eat every single rock in my backyard. Do you know how many rocks I have in my backyard? Can you say "Desert Landscape?" I still don't sleep through the night.
(he-he) I love my mommy more than anyone, and cry when she walks in the room or away from me. I climb stairs, and just figured out how to come down them. I still suck my thumb. I can say uh-o, and Dad, and am staring to do my little jibberish talk. I weigh 23 pounds and finally get to sit forward in the car. I'm really naughty in church, and you'll find me in the halls rather than in class. I have a really annoying high pitched scream that I do whenever I'm tired, bored, or don't get what I want.--it has to be that way when you're competing with 3 other kids! My family thinks I'm the cutest thing ever!
Happy Birthday to my sweet Miles! I can hardly believe that you are 1!
I got a sand and water table
But then I ate the sand, and mom decided to put the sand away for about a year or two.

Guess what I got today?

2010-06-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

After a gazillion ear infections, and way too many antibiotics, I did it...I got tubes!

Memorial Day fun!

2010-06-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was 95 degrees. We bought an inflateable pool from Costco since our Landlords won't let us have anything bigger, and we have to try and survive the summer somehow! This pool isn't too bad actually, and it even has a slide. Owen was in there for 2 hours--he's such a big kid! He was playing playmobil in the pool--now you know why he's a pedodontist--he can relate on a whole different level! We made snake water balloons for the kids and they carried their snakes around their necks and even named them--that is until they popped!

A visit from friends

2010-06-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Our good friends the Griffitts finished dental school and stopped in to visit with us and the Claytons on their way to Cali to start an Oral Surgery program. The Griffitts started dental school when we started our last year. It's hard to believe that they are done and we've been done for 3 years. Emma, Maggie and Audrey were good little buddies and pretty much picked up where they left off. We had dinner at the Claytons, and then went to Yogurtland where they pretty much took over the place with their loud voices. Between them, and my little tired Miles, I had to get up and go--hopefully Yogurtland will allow us back!

Drew's Grad from 1st year of preschool

2010-06-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

Drew finished up his 1st year of preschool with Mrs. Kayla. He had a great year! He loved her little girls Portlin, Dutch and True. He always talked about them the most. Some days we had a hard time getting him to school--he is very attached to me, and doesn't like to leave me. We had to do threats, bribes and punishments many times just to get him to school. So hopefully next year will go better.

Here he is with his good buddy Milo.

Late Mothers day photo

2010-06-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Trying to get everyone to cooperate for the pic was rediculous and I even found myself yelling at the kids to smile--yelling on mothers day of all days--but it's hard to get the "perfect photo" I sure do love these monkeys!

Smarty Pants

2010-05-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Maggie and Audrey did awesome this year in school! We are so proud of them! I officially have bragging rights, so here you go!

Maggie recieved the Principals award (honor roll all 3 terms) and an award for Social Studies
Here she is with her classmates after recieving her award

Audrey was also on the Honor Roll all year (her teacher even told me that she could skip to 3rd grade next year) She was student of the month for April also! They don't have an official ceremony for 1st graders, so here she is with her student of the month certificate.
Maggie also excelled in Drama. She's quite the little actress. Here she is with her buddy Emma after a play they performed called "Merlins Library". Maggie was Junie B. Jones, and Emma was Hermoine from Harry Potter.

Hey! Guess What?

2010-05-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

I'm 11 months old!

Colorado Va-ca

2010-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Owen and I took a little reconnaissance trip to Colorado since I've had Colorado on my mind since we started dental school. I had to check it out and see if it's the place for us when we move and settle next year. Overall, it's a great place. Yes, it snowed one day and was a little chilly (hard to get used to after living in Vegas) but it really is a beautiful place(not as pretty as Utah though). I think I especially like the Denver area-- there is more to do. I always had Colorado Springs on my mind--which was nice, but I think I'm more of a suburbia kind of girl. I need shopping and things to entertain me and the kids with. Denver area seemed to have everything I needed. We had a great time seeing old friends from dental school and their gorgeous homes! Here are a few pics of the trip--yes, Miles was the only one who got to go. Owen's mom graciously came and played mom while we were away. Maggie thought it was completely unfair that Miles got to go and she didn't--I reminded her that Miles was FREE!
First stop..Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

This place was GORGEOUS! A very relaxing walk!

The Springs

Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs

This was Miles pretty much the whole time in the car--not fun to travel with this guy!
But happy when he could get out and stretch his legs a bit
Dinner with the Carlstons. Callie and I have kept in touch over the years and she is such a great friend! And her new home is Gorgeous! I completely forgot to take a pic of everyone that was there so Annie Craven and Deb Cannon were there but had left already. Here is Callie, and her cute little Kate.
We stayed in Boulder with our friends the Cannons. Their home is gorgeous also! Deb and I have remained good friends since dental school also. We had some good laughs with Mark and Deb. I love these people! Man, do I look tired or what in this pic?
Owen Loved the Cannons dog Bella the Mastiff. He would have taken her home if they would have aloud horses on the airplane. She was a really sweet dog-.
Miles and I on Pearl street in Boulder--it had just snowed that morning.

Rupert

2010-04-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

k, this was so funny to me. You probably won't even appreciate it unless you actually watch "Survivor." So tonight we're sitting on the couch watching Survivor. Usually the kids are in bed by now, but Owen felt the urge to go to Yogurtland tonight, so they were finishing their yogurts as I was watching it. Maggie says to me, "Who is that?" I say, "it's Rupert." She replies with, "did they find him on the island?" I busted a gut!

Serious Catch up

2010-04-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Laziness, lost my camera, crazy busy..all my excuses for not blogging. So, I have a new camera which I love, and a Friday night with nothing to do--here it goes....
Maggie turned 9 on the 9th of March--she said turning nine on the ninth was something she's been waiting for her whole life! Ha! She celebrated by inviting 4 of her closest friends to see "diary of a wimpy kid" (which is the coolest 3rd grade book series.-Maggie read all the books in 3 days.) Afterwards, they went to Yogurtland for yummy yogurt and were wild and crazy!! It...was a crazy night!
Here they are--Laura, Maggie, Emma, Quincy, Lily, and Audrey.

Maggie gave her Oral Report on Amelia Earhart. She had to dress up as her and memorize her 3 page biography. She got an A! She was one in 3 kids that had her whole report memorized.
Trouble! That's Miles middle name right now. He managed to empty this cupboard 5 minutes after I cleaned.
The kids and I went to Utah for Spring Break last week. We went to the zoo.

Went to the Air Force museum on a seriously windy day

Went to the Treehouse Museum

Had an enjoyable evening catching up with my friend Laura and her new sweet baby Eleanor

Had an April Fools dinner with my friend Maria and her kids. She prepared meatballs in a cupcake paper-and dyed mashed potatoes pink to look like the frosting. Jello in cups to pose as punch, and to top it off little baby ice cream cones for dessert. My kids thought it was a hit and had an awesome time!

This little ball of Sweetness turned 10 months on the 3rd.

Easter Sunday
Dying eggs

Spring is here in Vegas(has been for a while.) But we're really enjoying the outdoors and eating on the patio.

Blog schmog

2010-03-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough year in the blogging world. It seems like everyone who used to blog now prefers facebook. I find myself slowly falling into the trap. I have blogged a whoppin 5 times this year. I realize it's only March, but in 2008, I blogged 93 times!!!! For obvious reasons--I have a 9 month old, a third grader who has a MAJOR project everytime I turn around, a very busy husband, a bigger house than I've ever had thus leading to more cleaning, a 4 year old who wants me to play Super Mario Brothers with him all the time. (i don't mind, I actually love the game + he thinks I'm the coolest because I can clear all the boards.), Living in Vegas--the weather has been fabulous for months now, 3 ward callings and to top it off, I lost my camera. But...I am going to try and redeem myself--got a new camera yesterday, and will try to post more. But..it will probably only be for myself, as I think noone reads my blog anymore anyways. So...to all my blogging friends out there--could you please get back on the blogging train? I love to snoop in your lives, and plus I need someone to appreciate mine! Ha!

Miles --9 Months

2010-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

My little Miles is 9 months old today. That is a whole pregnancy! Man how the time flies! Yesterday he crawled up 20 stairs all by himself. He is a very determined little boy and is always crawling over everything to get what he wants. He has 2 little teeth on the bottom and is ALWAYS smiling. He gets so many compliments wherever we go on how cute he is. We call this his frog picture. What baby smiles with their mouth closed? This was atually a one time occasion, but I thought it was cute. Most of the time it's all gums! oh, and he loves to blow raspberries. Last night after giving him a spoonful of sweet potatoes, he decided to blow one on me and all over my white sweatshirt. Oh, how i love this kid!

My new wheels-wahoo!!!

2010-02-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

Ode to my black Mazda
You have cost me so much money
Why did you have to be a lemon?
Oh, how I loathe you Auto Strada!!!
Parts here, parts there
adding to but a small kings ransom.
5 years has passed
Time to move on to bigger and better
We love you our new 2008 Sienna that seats 8 with auto doors and DVD!

Martin Luther I mean Michael Jackson tribute

2010-02-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, this school my kids go to is a little strange. I haven't been excited about the activities that they've put on, --at least the academics have been good, but they extra cirricular has been weak. So, Maggie was so excited for her Martin Luther King Jr. tribute program. She even was chosen to be one of the dancers and even had a special Michael Jackson glove. Why Michael jackson? Well, the program started out all about Martin Luther King Jr., but that only lasted minutes. Most of the program was a dedication to Michael Jackson. The kids danced to "Smooth Criminal," --appropriate, I know. ANd then they had this huge power point on Michael with all his music. I left thinking was that a tribute to Michael Jackson we just saw? It really was strange. Here is a photo of her so proud though!

Here she is in all her glory!

A visit from friends

2010-02-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

Audrey, Emily, Maggie, Andrew and Drew at Old Nevada
Too much excitement on the train at Old Nevada
Emily and Audrey are the best of friends. They even look alike--why do you have to live so far away?

glow in the dark minature golfing
My good friend Cari and her 2 kids came for a visit from NC. Andrew and Emily are the same age as Maggie and Audrey and they are good friends even though we live miles apart. We always try to plan a trip to see each other often. Here are a few pics of some of the activities that we did. Unfortunately, Andrew got the pukes, so we weren't able to go out on the town, but we still had a wonderful time and hope to see each other soon!

we had the nasty at our house!

2010-01-16T23:43:00.001-08:00

So, this is a late post, but I was reminiscing about my New Years weekend tonight as my good friends were here visiting from NC. We had a babysitter all lined up so the adults could go partay on the strip. But...1/2 hour before we were supposed to leave, my friends son got the pukes in the Costco parking lot, then in our driveway, then upstairs in Drew's room, and then it was all downhill from there.
So it reminded me of my New Years weekend in Long Beach with Owen's family. We went to Seal Beach to eat at Ruby's diner at the end of the pier. First it was Drew puking all over the pier. Then again in the restaurant, then again, and then again. Then I took him out. 5 minutes later, here comes Audrey puking in front of the Cash register, then outside the restaurant, and then again. $30 tip later, (that was a lot of goods they had to clean up.) we leave. go home, then ME! Don't you just love throwing up? Oh, the pain! The next day, my brother in law and then my niece. Yep, 5 vomiting souls in 1 house at 1 time--unforgettable! Oh, did I mention the diarrhea that came along with it? Good times!

Piece of CRAAAAAAAAP!

2009-12-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I loathe my Mazda MPV mini van. Hated it 1 month after we brought it home and had to put 1000 big ones into it. ANd since then, thousands of dollars more, 2 hit and runs and 1 accident in ALlentown where the guy hit me, and when the cops showed up, they arrested him for armed robbery that he did the night before. Needless to say, I didn't get any insurance money for that one, and so my bumber has been tweeked since. So...when we drove to Utah for Christmas it was not a comfortable ride. We have really outgrown this car, but i was trying to make it last until next year when Owen graduates and I can get my Land Cruiser. (payback for all the school he's put me through.) So, we are now in Long Beach for the New year, and right as we were about to leave, the transmission went out and it would cost 2300 bones to fix it. The car isn't even worth that! So, we rented a car, and now we have to figure out what to do car wise for me. I don't think I'm getting my Land Cruiser.

Four!!!

2009-12-19T23:21:00.000-08:00

Drew when he was a wee one--yes, this is Drew,not Miles--I know my children are clones.
My little Drew celebrated his 4th birthday today! We started it off with the ward Christmas breakfast (one of the many disadvantages of having your birthday right before Christmas I guess.) Then we went to Lowes to do the weekly building project which the kids really enjoy doing on Saturdays. We went home and he opened his presents--among his favorites were his soccer ball and soccer net as to which he spent the remainder of the afternoon playing soccer in the backyard. (yes, it was in the 60's today!-Gotta love Vegas!) He also got one of those multi-cereal packs with all the sugar cereal.--you know, those little guys with froot loops, honey smacks, cocoa krispies and frosted flakes-that was a coveted gift! Then by his choice, we went to Mcdonalds for a happy meal and to play in the playland.(His favorite) and then to see "The Frog Prince".
It's hard to believe he is growing up so fast. Here are a few things about Drew that you gotta love.
1. He is the sweetest boy-so sensitive and he is my buddy and hopefully forever!
2. He is mister talkey talk.--The questions never stop!
3. He LOVES Little Miles and is always giving out kisses to him.
4. He really is the cutest thing ever with the cutest personality. -He was tagged by a talent scout not too long ago--she wants him to come in and do commercials for Macys.
5. He's really into Dinasour Train, Kryto the Superdog, and Calliou. He also loves a good bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and loves his Oreos. And he knows all 50 states in alphabetical order.
We love you Dewey! Happy 4th to you!

6 month Miles-stones

2009-12-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today my little Miles is 6 months old. What a little Ham he is. Isn't he cute? He is defenitly the baby, and the hardest baby I've had.
#1 He refuses to take a bink--all 3 of my others have religiously until we have to call the binky fairy to come get it--but not Miles, he has tried 12 different types, and prefers the boob and sometimes the thumb.
2. He is a horrible sleeper--although he slept through the night 5 times in a row last week, which was a first and a miracle in itself, he has been the lightest and shortest sleeper.
3. He gags on baby food--the only thing he likes is a piece of banana or watermelon in his mesh feeder. Rice cereal and baby bananas and applesauce are for the birds.
4. He loves to be kissed and hugged.
5. He loves to take baths.
6. He adores Drew.
7. He's wearing 6-12 month clothes--but more closely 9-12 month. (he weighs 20 lbs easy!)
8. Mode of transportation--rolling.
9. Almost sitting by himself.
10. Spitting image of Maggie when she was a baby.
11. Nicknamed Milo and Melos by Owen and Drew calls him "Little Miles"
We sure do love our little Miles!

12 year celebration at the Venitian

2009-11-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

Owen and I had our 1 week late celebration of our 12 years of marriage at the Venitian Hotel last night. (our actual anniversary was on the 6th, but Owen was OOT)
I have never been a fan of the whole Vegas scene, but I'm starting to discover some fun things to do at the different hotels. Our first adventure was a romantic gondola ride through the canals as our gondola driver sang italian opera to us.
kissing under the bridge for good luck
Then we went and had NY Deli sandwiches and chocolate cake--i didn't get a pic of that, but it was sure tasty! After dinner we did the unthinkable, and went to Madame Tussade's Wax Museum. We got some bang up pics and everyone looked very real--except Michael Jackson and it really felt like they were staring at you. I NEVER thought I'd ever go to a wax museum with Owen--so not his thing,but we actually had a really good time taking funny pics with all of them. When we got home I showed the kids the pics of all the movie stars we met, but it didn't fool Maggie--she said,"mom, your standing next to a bunch of plastic people." smart girl. Happy 12 to us!
Owen and Hef
me and my man!
good times with Cameron
Dental exam for Mr. Roker
Hey baby!

slightly embarrasing, but pretty dang funny!

2009-11-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to blog about this, but it's turned into the standing joke between Owen and I. A couple of weeks ago, Owen and i had our bedroom door locked. Yes, there is now a visual. OF course there is always someone banging on the door, and this time it was Maggie. She said, "what are you guys doing in there? Are you kissing naked and touching hair?" We about died laughing! Ok, so you know, we have NEVER been caught in the act, and for all I know, Maggie doesn't know about that stuff. So, when is it time to have the birds and the bees talk? They always say to get to your kids before they hear it at school. Could she have possibly already heard about it? She is in 3rd grade, but man, I think she's still way too young to hear about this stuff! I'm soooooo not ready for all this growing up stuff!

Drew's allergy update

2009-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

If you care to read--i know it's long--Most everyone knows that my little Drew has multiple food allergies. He was first diagnosed at 11 months old, but they believe that he had them since birth. His list is long from milk, eggs, soy, nuts of all kinds and sesame. About a year and a half ago, he outgrew wheat and barley opening the door for good ol bread and cheerios. He has seen 4 different allergists now and this new one here in Vegas said on our first visit that there was a strong possibility that he may not be allergic to anything. He didn't believe the multiple skin tests he had and couldn't believe that he had never had a blood test which i guess is more accurate. I wasn't going to get my hopes up, because deep down I knew he really was allergic to all that stuff. After his blood test, we found out that yes, we were right, and that his peanut was off the charts. I guess normal levels are around 0.3 and he was 65. Most of the nuts were high, and his milk was 25 but his egg was 3. So, I was saddened for him..to think that he will probably never outgrow his peanut allergy and be able to taste the most delicious thing on the planet "reeses peanut butter cups"
Today we decided to do an egg challenge since his levels were pretty low.(we do this at the allergist office in case of emergency) The bad part is that i had to feed him straight eggs. The smell alone isn't very enticing. He had 3 bites of scrambeled eggs and then barfed all over the floor.--which then proceeded to a rash on his face. Well, so much for that! We gave him benadryl, and predisone, and in 2 weeks we will do a baked goods egg challenge which is basically like a cake or cookies with eggs. His allergist seems to think that he should be fine on this one. We shall see. For now, we'll stick to the usual..oatmeal, fruits and veggies. Drew is really a good sport with this thing--i guess it's because it's all he's known and so he's used to it. He never fights me on foods when he can't have them--he knows that they'll give him a stomach ache and it just isn't worth it.

I'm all Halloweened OUT!!!

2009-11-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

This past week has been nuts o crazy! I'm so glad Halloween is over! Now all i have to do is figure out how I'm going to get rid of all that Halloween candy my kids got--there is NO WAY they are eating all of that! But, it is their most prized possession--they carry their bags around wherever they go, and they keep dumping it out, and counting, sorting it into catagories, and trading.
last Tuesday started out with Drew's party at school. He picked out his costume--he is a MEAN tiger.
Maggie had her school party on Wednesday--Maggie is all about blood and guts, so we had to do scary again(last year she was a skeleton, and the year before she was a vampire)--lets just say we wrapped her 4 different times, but she sure did get lots of compliments!
Audrey had her party on Thursday--we had a costume battle this year. She really wanted to be the vampire that Maggie was in 1st grade--except for they said no wigs or make up at school, plus the dress was a little big on her--I told her she would show up in an oversized black dress, and noone would know what she was--she comprimised with Dorothy-
And little Miles was my little superbaby! Isn't he the cutest!
I made these cute lollipop cookies for Maggies class and the school bake walk
We had the ward Trunk or treat, the school trunk or treat/carnival, and then to top it off, we went to Utah this weekend because the kids didn't have school on Friday or Monday(Nevada day-whatever that is) and we went to my moms ward trunk or treat and then went neighborhood trick or treating and saw this Joseph Smith pumpkin on one of the doorsteps
So, now we're home and the decorations are coming down and man am I glad! I told the kids next year it's going to be one trick or treating we do not need to do everything--they disagree.

Co-op? Pure Brilliance!

2009-10-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

What is Co-op? Well, when I got to Vegas, the women in the ward asked me if I wanted to be in Co-op. Here's how it works: Everyone starts out with 30 tickets--half are 1 hour and half are 1/2 hour. Each day there are 2 different people signed up to baby-sit. one from 9-12, and 1 from 12-3. The person who is baby-sitting can decide how many she wants to baby-sit that day. You have the option to take your kids to her house for that time period. For every child you take over and for each hour that they are there, you give the babysitter a ticket. For example, if I took Drew to Shauna's house from 12-3, I would owe her 3 tickets. IF I took both my kids, i would owen her 6 tickets. And maybe i would only need her for 2 hours so then i would owe her 4. During this time frame, the babysitter feeds a good snack provided by her to the child so when mom comes to pick up, they don't have to go home and feed them.
This is true brilliance! Why did we not do this in Philly? No money needed, just equal trades. We have a 4 month calendar and there is someone everyday in the morning and afternoon. SO if you have a Dr.'s appt, or want to volunteer in your child's classroom, or maybe you want to go to the store --alone!!! OR maybe you just want some ME time and you go home and take a nap.--I've used it to clean my house before and i got it done sooo much faster! ANd if you're ever running out of tickets, you can just eamil everyone to see if someone doesn't want their shift because you need tickets! This really would have been a life saver in Philly! All those wic appointments and trips to the medicaid office--man this totally would have saved me!

Tough Love

2009-10-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

As I sit here typing, it is 12:35 a.m., and I'm waiting for little Miles to fall asleep. He's been crying for almost an hour. He has been the HARDEST baby of mine to sleep through the night. He has only slept through the night twice. Yes, that's right--2 times in his 4 month existance. Which means, that I have not had good REM sleep in months--you have to count the months that i was up peeing when I was pregnant. My first 3 were champs. Slept through the night at 2 months--no sweat!--seriously, it was a piece of cake. Where have I gone wrong? This kid is the lightest sleeper, and when he sleeps, his one eye is half way open. The minute you lay him down, he starts shaking his head side to side to the point that he had rubbed the back of his head raw and it started bleeding the other day. He just can't settle.--So, I really think it is all my fault though. I, because of serious exhaustion over the last 4 months, don't feel like letting him cry himself to sleep. Every night around 2a.m., he cries, I go get him and put him in bed with Owen and I. Big mistake I know. I'm just too dang tired to feed him and put him back to bed. He usually falls asleep with his face pasted up against my boob.--I also realize that this is not safe either. So, tonight I'm not getting him. It is totally a comfort thing and he needs to learn to comfort himself. I can't go on like this anymore--I'm really starting to get grouchy. Shhhhh..I think he is asleep--it's a miracle. But...I bet you he's awake and crying in 1 hour.--Cross your fingers!--nope, I was wrong, he's still crying--i better go reassure him that I still love him and haven't abandoned him.

It was a classic!

2009-10-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

I'm an Office fan, and Jim and Pams wedding was a classic. I even had to go check out youtube to see the real deal. Love the show!

35

2009-10-02T17:32:00.001-07:00

Well, it's official, I'm half way to age 70. I've been out of highschool for 17 years, and married with children for 12 of those years. Man, the time goes by fast, and we're still in school--what is up with that???
Owen's parents and his brother and wife came up from Cali for the weekend. Owen cooked me an awesome dinner of Filet mignon with truffle sauce, baby white potatoes and green beans with pinenuts. If Owen has ever cooked for you, you know he's dang awesome! We topped it off with a delicious pineapple upsidedown cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.mmmm, my fav! It was great to have family help celebrate my 35 years. Owen's mom gave me a Barefoot COntessa cookbook and an awesome chopper from Williams n Sonoma, and some cashola. Owen gave me a gym membership, new gym clothes and and itunes gift card--I've been really hinting that it is time to hit the gym and get all this baby Phat off!-now there are no more excuses.
On my actual b-day which was the 30th for all of you who need to put it on your calendar to remember next year because you forgot this year. Since my b-day was on a Wednesday, Owen had to work and the girls went to shcool. So, my inlaws watched the boys while I shopped and had a pedicure. Olive Garden for dinner finished off the evening. Great B-day! Thanks Family!

just had to throw this one in of Miles cracking up at himself in the mirror.

The little man starts preschool

2009-09-13T09:19:00.001-07:00

Could this be? Yes, my guy started preschool this week. He has been talking about it since last year, and was all ready to go when the girls started school. He was quite disappointed when he had to wait 2 extra weeks to start. But, the morning of, he was up early and all dressed. We had a hard time finding him a school that would work for the both of us. There wasn't anything close by, and it just wasn't worth the commute for me. There are several women in our ward that teach out of their homes, but unfortunately, they have terrier dogs which apparantly Drew is allergic to. We found Mrs. Kayla in another ward just up the street for me. She too has a dog, but he doesn't seem to bother Drew. So, now after several encounters with terriers, we know that it isn't the dog for us. And now I have 3 in school--man am I feeling old!

Cool Sneaks (thanks Lynette for the referral-Drew loves them!)

This was actually the 1st pic I took of Drew--shows his personality!
With his teacher Mrs. Kayla

I heart Recycling!

2009-09-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Just got our bins, and I'm so excited! Excited about recycling you say? Absolutely!--And, my bins were free!

School Dayz, Miles and a few randoms

2009-09-04T22:06:00.001-07:00

The girls started school 2 weeks ago, and I'm just getting around to posting it. This is life with 4 kids now--a little nuts I guess. Between holding Miles all day--he likes to be held, and the overbearing amount of homework they give 3rd graders, i just can't keep up I guess.
The girls like school. (The name of their school is Bonner Elementary--can you believe it? I'm sure you can just hear my husband, "Yeah dude, I go to Boner, i mean Bonner." It's quite unfortunate.) It's nice to have them engaged in something to keep them out of my hair. Summer break was just was too long--don't gst me wrong, I love my kids, it was just a very busy, and exhausting summer with the move, a new baby, and starting a new career.
Maggie is in the 3rd grade, and Audrey started 1st. This is her first year that she has been gone full day, and I do miss making her peanut butter sandwiches after she comes home from school and Drew misses his afternoon playmate. Drew will start preschool next week though and can hardly wait. Then it will be just me and the babe--what will I do all day? oh, hold him! Ha!

Meanwhile, My little Miles just had his 3 month birthday.--Time really does go by fast--you're sad to let go of the newborn stage, but it's so exhausting that you really don't care that much anymore and are ready to feel normal.
1. Miles is allergic to milk, so I am on a dairy free diet.--don't get me started.
2. He has slept through the night twice.--really working on that one.
3. He won't take a binky--all my kids have been binky addicts and he just gags on it.--i keep trying to convince him that it could be his best friend-and
my savior.
4. He is a very light sleeper, so at our house it echos a lot and is generally noisy from all the fighting between #1 and #2--so he has 5-10 min power naps.--now you know why I've slacked on the blogging!
5. Owen calls him Milo, or Melos--long e. Now we have a Dewey and a Milo
Just started smiling --what a little ham he is!

Looking very surprised

The kids are always in his face, but he LOVES it!

Passed out after church

Tasty little hands!
Here are a few interesting things I've learned since living here in Vegas.
1. I guess I live in the mountains somewhat, because everytime I leave, or drive into Summerlin, I have to pop my ears.
2. I have gotten lost way too many times in my own development-why? Every house looks the same--there is no "turn left at the little blue house on the corner." They all have the same rooftops, the same pasty colored stucko, and the same landscape. I even sometimes don't know which is my own house!--Just open the garage door and then you'll know it's yours, or it's across the street from the fire hydrant.--these are things I tell myself in my mind.
3. It's still too hot here for me. I'm sorry, but we've been here a month and a half, and it's been over 100 everyday. For the love people!

Update--our weekend

2009-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

We are alive in Vegas--finally all together again! It has been an adjustment climate wise that is--the heat is a bit overbearing, but people say that it does get better. ALl I can say is it better because my kids are tired of being cooped up in the house because it is too hot to play outside. Next week school starts--YEAH!!!--did I say that outloud?
The kids will mis thier next door neighbor good buddies who they played with EVERY SINGLE DAY this summer--Laurel, Ben, Megan and Jacob.

The day we left Utah, Miles was blessed by Owen.

M

He looks like he's waving in this pic, but I think he's tipping.
Miles is now 2 1/2 months and talking, smiling and looking so old. He's still a tank.

Owen had Thursday and Friday off ( if you've forgotten why we're in vegas-Owen just stared a 2 year pediatric dental residency at UNLV.--23 months to go--did I say that outloud too?) So we desereted the desert and headed to SOCAL. only 4 hours to his parents house. On Friday we took the kids to Knotts Berry farm--our free entertainment thanks to Owen's dad who always has tickets laying around. Maggie amazes me at how big she's getting. She rode all the big coasters and loved them. I still can't believe how tall she is and how old she's getting. She went on The supreme scream with me--they take you 300+ feet in the air and then drop you. She loved it--and I screamed the whole way down and wondered why I did that one!

On Saturday, Owen took me over to his old office and drilled my tooth that has been bothering me for months.--then had lunch with all his dentist friends which he misses greatly. Lets just say going back to school is not that glorious!--We then took the kids to Sunset beach and the kids really enjoyed the waves crashing into them.- An exhausting afternoon at the beach.
Miles first trip to the Ocean--taking a 2 month old to the beach really isn't very fun!

-Owen's cousin came down from Lake Elizabeth with her new baby who is 1 month younger than Miles--and a lot smaller, and we had dinner at the soup Plantation.

Owen, Miles and Lotus--thank goodness we don't have twins!

Then Sunday morning, our plans were to go to church, but we woke up to a dead cat and had to have a funeral. Owen even made him a headstone with a drummel. Wallace, you will be greatly missed.
Owen and his brother mane all of their animals with a last name--I think Penleg has something to do with the mama kitty getting her leg cought in a door. Wallace was around 20 when he passed.
After an awesome BBQ salmon dinner made by the master chef Owen, we headed back to Vegas--I have a feeling we will be making a lot of these trips.

Sweet Miles

2009-07-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

I just love this sweet little babe of mine. Weighing 14 lb 2 oz at 6 weeks is pretty healthy if I say so myself!

good food and good friends

2009-07-10T15:03:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I almost forgot to post this pic of an awesome lunch date I had a couple of weeks ago! My dear friends from Philly all happened to be in town on the same day, so we had an awesome lunch at my favorite restaurant The Cheesecake Factory, and an awesome visit with good friends. I haven't seen Deb or Alyssa since they moved from Philly 3 years ago, so it was great to play catch up. From Left to Right Me and Miles, Stacy Mitchell, Deb Cannon, Lynette Wilkins, and Alyssa Albrechtsen

Miles is 5 weeks!

2009-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my sweet little Miles is 5 weeks old. The time has flown by and he has gotten so much bigger. I'm going to miss this stage, but I must say it's wearing on me a bit. I think when i move to Vegas in 2 weeks to be with Owen again, it may be a little easier. I'm exhausted trying to juggle 4 kids by myself, and having a newborn does confine you to one spot--that is the couch for me--I am ALWAYS on the couch nursing. It never ends. I should enjoy the fact that I am forced to rest and snuggle with him, but it is hard when you have 3 demanding children at your feet. We have really loved having Miles in our home, and his little personality is starting to come out with little smiles here and there. We sure do love this little guy!

I just love these little feet of his!

Back to the Books!--Are we nuts or what???

2009-07-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Times up! Back to school for Owen. He started his Pediatric dental residency on the 1st. 2 years to go and THEN we will officially be done--can't wait!
Had to break down and get him some new wheels to get to and fro--of course a Ford Focas isn't exactly what he had in mind, but then I reminded him that this whole back to school thing was his idea and if anyones getting some sweet wheels, that would be me-- in 2 years that is.
The Saturday before the 4th, the kids participated in the annual childrens parade down center street. They decorated their bikes and rode them down the street with the rest of Provo city--this was an event that i did as a kid--except that it wasn't as crowded.--This city I live in is getting a little out of control!

Happy 4th!

2009-07-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Better late than never!--Life is crazy for me!
Drew enjoyed waving to all the parade entries
The Provo Parade has always been a family tradition for us. We love it, even if we have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve us a spot to watch it.
Another tradition is the Balloon festival at Fox Field--it's so fun to watch them fill up 20 or so balloons and then watch them take off. Unfortunately, it's become way too crowded--this city isn't big enough for everyone that wants to live here.

How could I not post about the death of Michael Jackson. I was telling my kids about how huge he was. Maggie said, "you mean he was fat?" I chuckled. On demand we found a special section dedicated to Michael and you could sing all his songs karoke, and then you could watch all of his music videos--the kids wanted to watch Thriller over and over again, and Drew especially loved the "Bad" video. After it was over, he was dancing through the house saying over and over "I'm Bad!"

yeah, yeah, I'm guilty!

2009-06-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

So, I'm guilty of being sucked into this show. I started watching it last year I believe...alone. I couldn't persuade anyone to watch it with me as my mom and Owen can't stand to watch it. But I enjoyed it and often felt sorry for Jon and the way Kate would yell at him and boss him around and make him look stupid most of the time. But I can't help but feel so, so sad for their family now that they are splitting up. I don't think anyone knows exactly why, but my speculation is that the parents got caught up in their own selfish lives. They were making bucks off the show, taking vacations which I'm sure they didn't have to pay for, and I'm sure they get a ton of freebies--and have you seen their new house? Kate was doing book tours, and Jon said that just because he was married didn't mean that he couldn't hang out with friends--even girls. (Can you tell I've been slightly obsessed with the show lately?) Sorry, but it really does put things into perspective and makes me so glad that the gospel teaches us that family comes first. I'm sure that their intentions were to put the kids first, but something along the line with the show put their kids second. If it were me, I would call it quits on the show to protect the kids. It will be interesting to see what happens next and if their ratings drop and TLC cans them--no longer Jon and Kate plus eight--it will be Kate --life of a single mom raising 8 kids!

2 weeks old

2009-06-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

My little Miles is 2 weeks old today. Time does go by so fast that it almost seems like forever ago that he was born. We named him Miles Hendrik. Owen last minute didn't like Blake for a middle name, and his great great grandfather's name was Hendrik. We considered naming Miles Henry so I guess that it was ok with me. Today he went to the Dr. and is looking and doing well. He wasn't quite up to birth weight weighing 9 lbs 7 oz, but since he was such a tank, the Dr. wasn't too worried. His newborn pics make him look so honken! He was so swollen, and he really isn't that big--he looks like a normal baby to me.

Guess who had a Birthday?

2009-06-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the studliest man ever! I only wish we were together today--next year will be better!

Look who's 6!

2009-06-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Happy sixth Birthday to my beautiful little Audrey!

Audrey was supposed to have a water party at the house with friends, and a slip and slide and water balloons and all sorts of fun stuff. I made out the invites the day before I delivered, and forgot to mail them out. Good thing, because I don't know what the heck I was thinking!!! Having a birthday party 1 week after giving birth. Plus it was rainy and cold, so there is no way it would have happened. I asked Audrey if she would take a rain check. It turned out nice because Owen was here and so we went out to eat, went bowling and she got a cool camera that not only takes pics, but makes movies--if only Maggie would put it down for 5 minutes, then she could play with it. SHe also got a new game for her DS and lots of clothes. It turned out to be a nice birthday after all!

No more pregnancy club

2009-06-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

I guess it's time I get rid of my floating baby on my blog. He is almost 2 weeks old now--can you believe it? Miles already looks so much bigger and it's hard to believe how fast they change. Owen went back to California to work for his last 3 weeks before starting his residency. Lets just say I was a basketcase for days before he left. I really didn't want him to leave, he didn't want to leave, and I felt so bad that he would miss out on Miles first weeks of life. But I think I was more suffering from whacked out hormones from postpartum. I;m doing better now, and we're so excited to be back together as a family. We should be in Vegas with Owen shortly after the 4th of July if all goes to plan.
In the midst of my crying, I was telling Owen that I was kind of sad that I wasn't pregnant anymore. It's bitter sweet for me, because it's probably my last one, even though I think there is 1 more out there--Owen says no way, we're done! --with my bad labor experience it kind of freaked him out-he really thought I was going to die. He even started putting all our belongings away in the delivery room just in case they had to call a code and bring in the crash cart--i personally don't think i was that bad, but I think it traumatized him.
So I'm no longer in the club. Yes, I think when you are pregnant, you belong to this really cool club. You get more attention, random people talk to you, and you somehow bond with other expectant moms even if you don't know them. Not to mention your cute baby bump. And now, well I have an adorable newborn that is going to attract lots of attention, but I no longer have the cute baby bump and an excuse for being overweight. I actually have to get my butt to the gym and work off this flabby belly of mine. It's all good though. No more uncomfortable nights, no more heartburn, and I can actually bend over and pick stuff off the floor. I am excited for this new phase, but I can't help but feel somewhat sad that it's over--the whole experience of feeling him move and have hiccups inside me, and anticipating the delivery-which really is so exciting despite what you have to go through. I'm so glad he arrived safely and he's part of our family, I can't imagine life here without him!

Here He is!

2009-06-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, we had a little boy! Born Wednesday June 3, 2009 at 5:30p.m. weighing a whopping 9lb 12 0z and 21 inches long! He's a keeper and yes, I'm smitten! It was so fun not to find out what we were having and i would do it again. Last minute I had an inkling that it may be a boy, but Chinese Lunar said girl--ha! You're wrong this time! He reminds me a lot of Maggie, and I can see some Drew in him. He is the sweetest and we are thrilled he is here! Name...well he did come home as baby boy Sanders, but we do have to call the Birth certificate office tomorrow to make it official. So for now he is Miles Blake, but there is a chance we may change our minds and he will be something different tomorrow, but I've been calling him Miles. We were going to name Audrey Miles until she popped out as a girl. So, needless to say, he's not Jaynie or Kate--Those were my girls names.
Briefly, we had a rough delivery. The anesthesiologist had a difficult time placing my epidural, so he went in at a higher space which caused me to have numbness up to my chest. I was having a difficult time breathing, and my blood pressure dropped pretty low and I just didn't feel good. Owen actually thought I was leaving the earth and it really freaked him out--actually, I felt that way at the time too. After recieving 2 doses of ephedrine, and having them shut my spidural off, I was improving. But then later, I wasn't feeling so numb anymore and had to turn it back on the withstand the contractions. Luckily, I did ok this time around, but he wasn't tolerating the contractions. I had monitors coming out of everywhere, and i thought I was headed for a C-section. When I was complete, he was having a rough time engaging in the birth canal and we found that he was transverse--his head was not face down, it was turned to the side. After my Dr. tried to pull him down manually, we ended up with forceps which was extremely painful and I'm still recovering from that aspect. After he was born, he had some respiratory problems -(they said due to trauma during the delivery, or the fact that he was such a big boy.) They took him to the NICU later that night and had to intubate him and give hime surfactin. He was only there for a few hours though and we came home the next day. Now he is yellow and we are on the billi lights. Yeah! He loves that too.
I'm so greatful that I had a wonderful Dr. who I trusted to take care of me and my baby. I honestly don't think I would be in the position I am in now if he wasn't there. So, it wasn't what I expected my 4th time around. I feel like I just had my first, not my 4th. But he is here and we love him and can't imagine our lives without him.

Some more pics

2009-06-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Drew in front of the house with the welcome home Baby Boy balloons.
Going home with 4 kids? Wow!
The kids outside the nursery window watching his first bath.
Dr. Thorpe my awesome Dr.--he has delivered 3 of my children.
My last day as a prego lady--so, so ready!

D day tomorrow

2009-06-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was having mixed feelings about being induced a week early. My Dr. freaked me out a bit about "well you know if the Pitocin doesn't do anything and we break your water, and still nothing, then you know we're stuck and have to do a c-section." So in my mind of course I'm thinking the worst, and rethinking my idea about being induced for the sake of Owen actually being in town for the delivery and waiting it out 1-2 more weeks to make myself more favorable. The last thing I want is a C-section for failure to progress--especially since I've never had a c-section--lets not start on #4.
Now that the day is almost here, I've never felt so ready. I'm quite useless and uncomfortable. It is definitely time and I have high hopes that things will go just fine. So weird though, I was induced a week early with Audrey and had her 5 hours later. Induced 1 day early with Drew and sat there all day with Pit running and didn't feel anything. Water broke after about 8 hours and he was born and hour later. So I really don't know what to expect. --Hopefully this baby will slip right out since I'm already a 3 and 50%. (I was a finger tip with the others.) Needless to say, I will miss feeling this kid move inside me, I have really enjoyed that part of the pregnancy--the rest can just go away!
I talked with a friend yesterday who wasn't very tactful in her words to me. I told her I was being induced, and she said "Alright, enjoy your baby with the underdeveloped, small squishy head because you didn't let it cook long enough." Who says that? Especially to a friend and especially to someone who is about to give birth. What does she know--I was the L& D nurse not her, and I think my babe is plenty cooked thank you very much!

Kids grow up so fast!

2009-05-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Audrey had her last day of kindergarten last week. She had a great kindergarten experience, and it's hard to believe that next year she will be gone all day in first grade.
On her last day, the kids dressed in red, white, and blue and had a square dance. Audrey wasn't thrilled with the idea that she had to dance with a boy.
Audrey made 3 little buddy friends--the triplets! --Zoe, Callie, and Emmy-she will miss them! yes, those are giant mountains in the back--isn't Utah beautiful?
We were more than happy with her teachers this year Mrs. Bigelow, and Mrs. Baird
This is Audrey on her first day of Preschool in Philly a couple of years ago. Wasn't she a little cutie? Man how she's changed!

Good-bye my old pack and play--sore spot!

2009-05-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is my pack and play that I purchased right after we had Drew. It is in awesome condition, and was going to be perfect for the new baby to nest in for the first couple of months. Unfortunately, it was in California, so I had Owen bring it up. Prior to bringing it, he set it outside for a few days. Needless to say I wasn't a happy camper when he delivered it to me smelling like cat urine. Yes, the cats peed all over it. I'm still having a hard time getting over the fact that I had to buy a new one. Those things are not cheap. I scrubbed, soaked, and sprayed with all sorts of chemicals including ammonia and vinegar. I just couldn't get it all out, and i'm so sensitive to smells, there is no way I would be able to take it. So, now we have a new one that isn't as nice as the first, and this one was hauled away.

Oblek!

2009-05-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

What is this stuff?? I saw this on my friend Tracy's blog,and we just had to try it. It is made up of glue, water and laundry soap. It isn't sticky, or messy. My kids really had a lot of fun rolling in out, making shapes and stretching it. It's a great alternative to play-doh whick I hate with a passion.-The only thing I'll do next time is put less food coloring in. My hands were a wee bit green by the time I was finished. It has such a different texture, you just gotta try it.

Mix thoroughly
-1 1/2 cup very warm water
-2 cups Elmer's glue
-Food coloring

*In a separate bowl, mix thoroughly:
-1 1/3 cups very warm water
-2 level teaspoons Borax detergent

Mix the contents of the two bowls together kneading until it is fully combined. Discard any remaining liquid. Store in a Ziploc baggie.
I actaully halved this this recipe and it was more than enough for my kids. DOn't get frusterated when you first combine it and it doesn't look like it worked. The more you knead, the more it becomes the consistency that you want. Happy Oblek Making!

Mothers day present???

2009-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

My mom is a workaholic in the yard every summer. This year, we decided to gift her with a wheelbarrow. Unfortunately, my mom spent the day giving wheelbarrow rides to the kids which they LOVED, but I don't think that's how my mom intended on spending her mothers day--a little R & R? I don't think so!

Thank Goodness!

2009-05-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thank Goodness is all I have to say. Every year I say I'm not going to get sucked into American Idol, then I find myself completely hooked. All I can say is Thank Goodness I don't have to listen to Adam Lambert's voice on the radio. He is actually a great singer, but man when he'd hit those high notes, lets just say he belongs on broadway. I thought for sure he had it in the bucket, but i really think Kris has more talent. Sorry if you're an Adam fan--I wasn't.

Pregnancy woes

2009-05-21T13:11:00.001-07:00

I guess it's time to vent again, but today sometime I plan on posting pics and stuff other than about me and my pregnancy. 3 weeks until due date= misery! This has actually been a decent pregnancy compared to my last one, but, I'm so spent at this point. I'm tired of being tired mostly. Everyday around 11 am, I start to get extremely tired and have to have a 15 minute nap which actually turns into 2 hours.--thanks to my mom for always watching the kids for me. Tired of having to go to the bathroom every 2 hours--which is why I am probably tired because I'm not getting my REM sleep--i guess I need to get used to it because it's not going to end. Tired of leg cramps at night, and round ligament pain--ever had them?--they get worse with each pregnancy and man they hurt. Tired of not being able to bend over and pick stuff up--toes have become very useful lately. Tired of taking pepcid twice a day and still having heartburn. Tired of swollen ankles and feelings like "carrying around sandbags on my legs." Most of all, I'm just tired of not being a normal person--you really aren't normal at this point. Not to mention this is when I start to freak out about the baby being alive. This kid is soooo active. I love feeling it move--it's just such a neat experience. The other night I was lying in bed, and usually the kid is all over the place..but...nothing. I switched positions over and over and still nothing. So then I went for something sugary to wake it up. All I could find was an otter pop and so I ate that, and nothing. So, by now I'm freaking and about to head to the hospital, but then I thought I'd go for the O.J. -, but I really didn't want to because it gives me such bad heartburn. Well, eventually I felt some little movements, and was able to fall asleep around 3:30! Baby is back to being active, but man that scared me. I will not be at peace until it's out screamin at me, then I'll have a new set of problems like "is the baby breathing?" it never ends! so..I haven't been able to see my usual Dr. the last 2 visits. So this other one won't put me on the induction schedule because he says the head is too high. Well, I hate to tell you Dr., but that head is never going to drop until my water breaks. This is my 4th baby, and this is my typical pattern. What's not typical is that I'm 50% effaced, and almost a 3 and I contract quite a bit every night. He says, "we don't want to induce you too early because you don't want to end up with a C-section for failure to progress." Blah, Blah, blah--I hardly doubt that that will happen --this is my 4th, not my 1st Dr. so...I see my buddy Dr. Thorpe next Friday and hoping that induction will go on June 3. That will make me 39 weeks and he is scheduled to do deliveries that day. I'm really holding my breath at this point.

4 weeks to go--maybe 3!

2009-05-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

I went to see my Dr. today hoping to schedule an elective induction mainly because I really fear that Owen won't be here when I deliver. Now in the past, I am always thick and closed and not contracting and always induced. Maggie was 42 weeks! But, I have been contracting with this pregnancy and today I was a 2 and 50% effaced! I have NEVER done that. Now it does make me a little nervous knowing that I could pretty much go anytime, and heaven for bid that i am alone when this babe comes. My Dr. that I always see was out unexpected today, and today was D Day discussion. I know that he will induce me a week early because of my circumstances, and plus I know him well from when I used to do deliveries with him when I worked L & D, and he delivered Audrey and Maggie. So, today we didn't get to schedule anything. Sniff sniff. But, I really think I will be induced a week early around the 3rd of June. Cross your fingers!

My blog list

2009-05-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, why didn't I do this forever ago? (look on right column under the pics to see what I'm talking about) It did take a little time to type in everyones blog address, but now I don't have to check blogs that haven't been updated--I can just go to my blog list and see the most recently updated blogs and not waste my time. Genius I tell you!

Name schmame

2009-04-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked me what we are going to name this babe. I have NO CLUE! Obviously it makes it harder when you don't know what you are having and have to come up with boys and girls names. Every time I bring it up with Owen, it turns into a big joke. He can't get serious ever I swear! He usually makes fun of the names I've been thinking of to the point where I'm not liking the name anymore. Then he comes up with Orlando, Lafonda, and yes, Renesme. (He got hooked on Breaking Dawn when I made him listen to it all the way to vegas and back last week.)
When we had Drew, we had decided that it was just Drew several months before we had him. Then at the hospital, just as I am about to fill out the birth certificate, he throws a stink about how we should name him Andrew and call him Drew. Needless to say, I wasn't happy and decided that we had already made the decision and now is not the time to change our minds. I carried him, and endured the pregnancy from Hell, so he left with the name Drew.
When we had Audrey(didn't know what we were having, and really thought she was a boy, and were going to name him Miles.) Since she was born on Owen's mom's birthday, he felt some deep obligation to name her after his Mom (sophia) I really wanted Audrey and so he suggested Sophia be her middle name, which would leave her with the initals A.S.S. --just couldn't do that to her. Needless to say, she is Audrey because I gave in and let him choose her middle name(as long as it wasn't sophia) if I could name her that. (Curtis--yes, that's right, she has a boys middle name) It is actually his grandma's name. TO this day, he says, "why did you let me name her middle name?"
So, I have decided that he's usually not in his right mind and that I will be the one in the hospital room, and the one with the pen and birth certificate. I don't think Owen cares either way, As for the kids, well, they also have their own opinions and so they can name their kids whatever they want and I'll name mine what I want to . Sorry, is that harsh?

Maggie's pics

2009-04-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

It took me a while to get these pics scanned from Maggie's birthday and baptism, but still wanted to share because they turned out so cute. All I wanted was 1 shot taken so i could send out baptism announcements, and it was such a last minute thing that i needed digital and the pics that day.. Unfortunately, no one would have them ready for me that day and Kiddie Kandaids wanted $20 for 1 sheet. I needed several sheets. When we lived in Allentown, we would go to this place called Portrait Innovations--they do a fabulous job and they are affordable! --the downer is that they take 150 shots and so it leaves you with so many pics to choose from and it's just so hard to resist--i think that's their intention. So..I only wanted to spent $10 for the pics for her announcements, but ended up with some others that I couldn't resist and spent $50. Oh, well, you are only 8 once right?

Sugar Overload!

2009-04-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

I told my kids not to get up earlier than 8 this morning, and of course they were up at 7. Just too excited to see what the Easter Bunny had brought them. They quickly overloaded on candy and my the time Sacrament meeting came at 1:00, Drew was a bit onary and a bit hyper--I insisted on a nap this afternoon which was acutally successful. The kids all got scooters this year--I know, we're probably the last people on earth to get a razor scooter--they are so yesterday, but I think my kids will really enjoy them.
ANd the sugar rush begins!
The kids each got these cute little bunnies in cages.
My friend Cari and her little girl Emily were here this weekend, and so we jetted down to the city Easter egg hunt--and then after we went for breakfast and then walked center street in Provo where the kids could go from business to business with their Easter Baskets and get candy--basically trick or treating in April.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids in their Easter duds. I completly forgot to pick up Maggie's Easter Dress from the cleaners yesterday which I reminded myself over and over to do. She had worn it on her Birthday and drizzled pear juice all over it. But I had bought this dress for her a few weeks ago, and it turned out to be a good relpacement.

Maggie's Baptism

2009-04-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Maggie was baptized on March 28th. It was such a special day that she's been talking about for a long time. This girl is so smart and I felt like she was prepared for this day. It was so nice to have so many of my family members there to support her. I'm also so greatful that Owen was able to baptize her.