The Perkins Place

A Post for Jodi

2012-01-27T16:20:00.006-07:00

My niece Jodi had her wisdom teeth taken out today. She said she would be home all weekend recuperating and that I'd better update my blog for her to read while in bed.

So Jod's, this post is for you!
Here are random pictures I found on my work computer. Don't ask!

This one isn't so scary. Anna was helping Abby on her computer. Kinda cute!

Not sure why I have a picture of my curls!

Really not sure why I have this! I think I was going to post it on my sister's Facebook page for some reason. Marsha! Marsha! Marsha! And look! Cindy Brandy has ringlets too!Think I saved this so I could use it as a motivation picture. Guess I need to do something with it if I'm going to get motivated!

Golf shorts I found at Uinta Golf while buying a present for my boss at Christmastime. No not a present TO my boss. A present FROM my boss to another executive.

Hey, shopping is shopping! I'll take it in any form!

Me taking a picture of my coworker Geoff, who's taking a picture of my boss Marc, who's taking a picture of his post-it notes.

Those Marketing people are a funny bunch of people!

Well Jodi, I hope you enjoyed this post! Love ya kiddo! Hope you have a quick recovery.

New Kid Pics

2012-01-27T16:06:00.006-07:00

I finally had pictures of the girls taken last November.
For the gal being really young who took them (high school), she did a pretty good job!

Here are a few of my favorite!

I love this picture of Abby. This is her "what can I get into now?" look.

She's so mischevious! By the time this picture was taken, I had totally bribed Anna with a new Polly Pocket.

Christmas Eve Dinner

2012-01-26T21:10:00.005-07:00

My sister Steph hosted Christmas Eve dinner at her house this year. As always she did a great job.

I think they like each other!

Funny thing about Larry, he is THE quietest guy around the family, yet Anna is so drawn to him. He kept her entertained the whole night! He's a good egg!

Christmas Eve Breakfast

2012-01-26T20:45:00.009-07:00

Yes it's January 26th and I'm just now posting about Christmas. I'm horrible at blogging lately!

We had the Kinnersley families over for Christmas Eve breakfast. It was nice to get everyone together to hang out. It's been too long!!

Love my girls! Wish I saw them more.

Big Chris always provides the entertainment!

Anna's First Dance Recital

2012-01-01T16:40:00.002-07:00

Anna danced in her first recital with her dance class this holiday. I think she did a great job! She definitely loved to be up on stage with her little friends!They showed us their tap, jazz and ballet skills!

2011-12-30T12:25:00.003-07:00

New blog to pass the time.

You have to start with the Snuggie texts!

http://itjustgetsstranger.blogspot.com/

The Unbelievable Happened.

2011-12-04T19:28:00.004-07:00

Can you believe that I did not take a SINGLE picture on Thanksgiving?

NO turkey shot. NO pie shot. NO shot of the kids sitting around the table. NO in-laws shot. NO proof that we let Jodi sit at the grown-ups table. NOTHING.

I took my camera to my mom's house.

Set it on the counter.

And did pick it up all night.

I know, I know! I'm so ashamed!

My daughter's a star!

2011-11-13T21:17:00.003-07:00

My cute neighbor Shari asked if I would let Anna be one of her models for the cute fabric designs she creates. I said yes without even hesitating!

This will be the pattern cover.

I've got to admit, Anna really liked being the center of attention during the photo shoot!

You can visit Shari's website here for the rest of the designs.
http://www.doohikeydesignstudio.com/

Look Who's 2!!

2011-11-13T20:44:00.007-07:00

Well she's already been in the terrible 2's for a while, but now I can officially call Abby my little 2yr old! Abby was telling everyone to STOP as we were singing Happy Birthday to her!Of course we had to get her a new baby.

She LOVES babies!!

Of course Grandma couldn't let Anna feel left out!
Autumn, Grandma & JodiUncle Will & Aunt Steph (Fuffy)Angie & Kaylee

Courtney KI made Abby give everyone goodbye hugs.

It was kinda cute!

(notice the baby she's dragging around!!)brate the BIG TWO!!

Trick or Treating

2011-11-08T10:48:00.004-07:00

Halloween was so much fun this year with the girls. Particularly Abby. She loved going from house to house and handing people her goodies bag. She smiled and giggled each time someone put candy in it.

Anna wanted to be Rapunzel and of course had to have the long hair. I originally bought her a wig from Smith's to wear, but it was kind of ratty and ugly. Think of the hair Samara had in the movie the Ring! So when my day care provided mentioned she had a friend selling a long, blond wig, I jumped at the chance to surprise Anna with it. And she was surprised! She loved the hair, even though it was hard to keep on her head Halloween night. But that's what happens when you're running so fast from door to door!!

Anna said "Jack Sparrow, my mom wants to take your picture!" We met up with Sariah and her kids and finished the night trick or treating with them. I have to give a shout out to Chris for decking the house out this year. We had a fog machine, crawling spider, scary men hanging from the trees and lights and much more. He loves Halloween!

Halloween Weekend

2011-11-08T10:37:00.008-07:00

Well we officially ended another summer with our last trip to Lagoon for the season. The girls really love going to Lagoon so we just had to take them to Frightmares.

Here's hoping Anna sprouts a few inches between now and Memorial Day so she can ride some of the bigger kid rides! She's SO close!!

Denver Road Trip

2011-10-12T11:04:00.007-06:00

Chris and I took a little road trip to Colorado a fews weeks ago. We drove my bosses truck, along with his hunting gear, to Denver where he has a home (he was flying in from Atlanta and needed his stuff!) So we voluneteered to drive his truck out and then took a few days of vacation before flying home. I have never been to Denver so it was a fun little getaway.

Just me and Perk! The girls stayed home with Uncle Mike!

Who knew Colorado was so flat!
Scary sign at an even scarier trucker stop!I kind of like his sassy look here!
DENVER!

We hung out a lot on the Sixteenth Street Mall since we stayed at a hotel downtown.

There was lots of shopping and tons of restaurants.

I had to laugh when a girlfriend of mine asked "why on earth would you go to the zoo if you're not taking your kids?"

Chris and I really enjoy getting out and seeing this type of stuff. Plus the Hogle Zoo is pathetic, so anytime we get a chance to see a "real zoo", we're up for it.

And just like San Diego, the Denver Zoo puts Hogle to shame!

This is the back of the bathroom stall!

If this is the back, guess what's on the front?!We got to watch a 50yr old Hippo get his teeth cleaned.The next day we hit the Denver Aquarium. Before we left for the airport on Wednesday, we met up with my friend Skip who works right in downtown for lunch. I've known Skip for more than 10 years and his words "shit or get off the pot" were the words that really stuck with me when I was quitting smoking 9 years ago!

Love ya Skippy!

Alright. The REAL reason we went to Denver!

*smiling*

Welcome to Kindergarten!

2011-09-15T20:01:00.003-06:00

Well it has happened. My little girl has grown up and started school.

Okay, okay it's only Kindergarten, but it's a big deal!

Miss Shelley The first day was actually orientation.
So we got to take a tour of the school, fill out papers and get her acquainted with the classroom, students and her new teacher.

(Don't ask what on earth was going with my hair...it's one of those days where you wake up, get ready and leave the housing thinking "I look good!" Then you see a picture of yourself from that day and think "OH. MY. What WAS I thinking??"

Proud Parents!
The kids and story timeTHEN a week later we went back and kindergarten OFFICIALLY started!!I'm so happy that all of her little friends are in the same class. Originally she was in AM, but due to carpooling issues, I requested she be moved to PM.

Anna and her BFF's, Ashlyn & Lauren

Anna LOVES Kindergarten.

She's in the Spanish Immersion program, so half the day is taught in Spanish, and the other half in English. She comes home every day with new words.

She goes around saying "Hola!" to everyone and her and her little friends leave each other by saying "Adios Amigos!"

The Perfect Pair

2011-09-13T14:23:00.003-06:00

I was a little worried at first that the 3 year age difference between Anna and Abby would be so big that they wouldn't be close growing up. But then again, my older sisters were a year apart and they fought like cats and dogs (still do!)

I think they are a perfect fit for each other.

The big FIVE (part 2)

2011-08-23T21:25:00.008-06:00

Anna wanted a Dora and Diego cakeGrandma HoldingAbs loved the frosting

PRESENT TIME!!!
Nina and Virginia came up for her partyI look at this picture of Big Chris sitting on the lawn with all the kids and sing "one of these kids is not like the other, one of these kids is doing his own thing..." Yep. I went down the slide in my clothes.
It was kinda fun!

Autumn-time

Virginia & Anna

Going down the slide

Josh. You're TOO cool!

Birthday present from Mom & Dad

The gang
Sabrina, Alex, Kaylee, Haylee, Lauren, Ashlyn, Anna & Virginia

Avva & Alle

Ms. V & Nina

Might I add Virginia you are look really gooooood!

Angie & Courtney K

Grandma & Autumn-time

Thanks everyone who came to Anna's party and helped make turning 5 such a hit!!

Birthday Party (1 of 2)

2011-08-23T13:50:00.008-06:00

The BIG DAY has arrived!!
Anna turned FIVE!!

Chris surprised Anna with a bouncy house/water slide combo for her birthday party. She was so excited for it! All she could say was "Thank you Dad, thank you!"

Waiting for her friends

Some of the PART-AY
Haylee, Ashlyn, Avva, Lauren, Alle & Anna

Angie & Big Chris
(with Nina petting Bear!)

Not quite sure what happened to your shirt there Ang!!

Abs hanging out in the poolAshlyn and the birthday girl

And after EVERYONE left, Chris and I had fun on the slide too!

...I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to post a picture of me in my bathing suit so Perk's picture is all you get!

Later in the evening Uncle Mike stopped by to visit with Anna.
As always, he spoiled her rotten!

She loves him!

More pics to come...

Birthday Celebration Part 1

2011-08-16T16:19:00.003-06:00

Somehow my child got in ingrained in her head that birthday's in the Perkins home are not just a day celebration, but rather a WEEK LONG festival, full of activities and catering to your every whim.

Now where could she have gotten such an idea?

DON'T LOOK AT ME!

This is 100% pure Chris Perkins right there. Even at 37 he thinks his birthday lasts a full week. So of course children learn from their parents and...

...Que CHUCK E CHEESE!

The week leading up to Anna's birthday all she could talk about was going to Chuck E Cheese. I've never taken her, so how on earth she got the idea in her head that it was a fun place to go to, I'll never know. Wait. She saw a commercial for it. Just like those stupid Fuzzy Noodle pipe cleaners she HAD to have last Christmas, she sees C.E.C. on TV and for 3 days nonstop on the commute to and from work, she breaks me down. Little by little.

It's an odd thing how a 4yr old can wear you down like that. The next thing I knew I was sitting in the parking lot of C.E.C!

So deciding that I was not going to sit there alone as my children ran wild like something out of the Lord of the Flies, I called for reinforcement. Their Dad?? Oh, no! I was calling in reinforcement for ME! Emotional Reinforcement! VIRGINIA!!

Couldn't miss getting Abby in the Jeep. It runs in the family.

It IS a Jeep thing!

Courtney K turns ONE!

2011-08-16T16:13:00.003-06:00

Little Court, the youngest of the girls, turned the big O.N.E. a fews ago.

She was SO EXCITED about her cake!!

Happy Birthday Courtney K!

Look who's turning 5!!

2011-08-02T14:32:00.003-06:00

Wow! I cannot believe in just a few short days my little girl will be turning 5!

When on earth did she grow up?
Where did the last 5 years go?

This one is Kindergarten bound on August 22!
I cannot believe I'm going to have a child in elementary.
She should still be my little girl, not some elementary student.
School shopping and homework and field trips!
Already?

Whew, I feel old.
She's ready.
She's SO ready.

All of her neighborhood friends are starting Kindergarten this year too.
Lauren and Ashlyn and about 5 others!
She's so excited.

She's still my baby.

Random Pictures

2011-07-31T20:20:00.005-06:00

Making brownies. Who needs a spoon?Making her countdown ring for her birthday AND first day of Kindergarten!
Every morning she runs downstairs and takes a ring off, then counts out loud to how many more days until her 5th birthday!!
Dog days of SummerHanging in the pool with Ashlyn
Playing in the park

Reading about spiders, cockroaches and everything else that CREEPS mom out!
Anna reading her favorite book to Abby
I've been running each night about for about 45+ minutes. It's not a lot, but I'm building up my distance and time. I take Bear on the run, then drop her off and pick up Holly for a once more around the block (if she makes it, that dog is loosing her umph!) and Anna usually rides her bike along side us.

Avenue's House

2011-07-31T19:33:00.009-06:00

After Gramps funeral we went to lunch at Scott and Kent's house.

Once again they took an old home in the avenues and restored it. I cannot find the before pics, but here are the afters!

I don't remember the whole story of the home, but the main level was only used as a garage in the early 1900's.

This is from the backOn the stairs they put in an electric stair climber for Kent.
Scott let Anna try it out. Master bathroomMaster bedroomMain living areaThat's Scott to the left
View into the kitchen from living areaKitchen
(my FAVORITE of the rooms)

Anna LOVED the little finchesSitting room
I wish I could have taken a better picture of how they built the bathroom.

If you look at the old homes in the avenue, a lot of them have the round corner areas.

This round room was turned into a bathroom.

I did manage to get a picture of something other than just the house.

Chris and his brother Mike.

For those of you who don't know, Scott is an interior designer and LOVES antiques and restoring old homes. He still has the home in Spring City he built even though G&G Perkins sold theirs (due to their health).

He installed the electronic chair on the stairs for Kent, who is battling Lou Gehrig's disease.

You Will Be Missed Gramps!

2011-07-31T19:29:00.001-06:00

William Earl Perkins
1928 ~ 2011

Born June 2, 1928 in Missouri, Bill passed away July 12, 2011 from respiratory failure.

He served in the Navy during World War II. He married Joyce Jacobson on May 8, 1948 in Elko Nevada. They raised four sons. Bill was a glazier by trade and worked hard all of his life. He taught his sons all he knew about building, mechanics, and life. He loved to tinker on all kinds of cars and trucks. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and spent many summers and hunting seasons with his family at their cabin. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by: his wife Joyce; sons Larry (Tina) and Kent; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by sons Kevin and Barry. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011, 2:30 p.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road. A viewing will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Mortuary

Kamp Kinnersley

2011-07-23T22:25:00.007-06:00

We went to Kamp Kinnersley's up in Malad, ID over the 4th of July weekend.

And now, in NO particular order....PICTURES!

Watching fireworks

I pointed out a HUGE bird moth I found and Anna and Avva decided to capture it and "play" with it.

Ang & Jason (Cabo next year for your birthday right Jas???) Abby and Chris - sound asleepCody posing, or something!

My girlsChris can have these guys!Anna and Otis

Abby LOVED the swing!We are going to have SIX TEENAGERS all at once!!Mastering the hula hoop!Cute little family

It was a fun weekend hanging out with all the Kinnersley's. We haven't been up with them in a while so it was nice to catch up and let the kids play.

I have more, but I need to download them off my phone first. Good luck with that!

Summer Fun

2011-07-21T13:49:00.009-06:00

We finally got a chance to head to Lagoon as a family.

Can you believe Lagoon has been around for 125 years!

Jodi and Larry were going so I thought it would be fun to hang with them. I don't get to see my niece as much and I'd like. We also invited the fabulous Wheatley's to join us! I love to watch Jodi play with my girls! Anna thought she was the best and made Jodi take her on the rides when we first got there. And Abby of course loves Virginia, so it was a win-win situation for Chris and I to go on some rides ourselves.

Abby and Anna waiting for the big kids to finish their ride

Big kid ride!

Larry, Jodi & Abs
I love this girl!
Guess who got SOAKING WET??Yep!
Abby is big enough to ride some of the kiddie rides.

They actually let me take her on the mini puff roller coaster! She LOVED it!I laugh at this picture because some day Anna really will be driving Abby around in a car!

Lagoon-A-Beach

Unfortunately Anna is still too short to ride the tube rides, but I don't think she minds. She loves to play in the kid area so much that she spent the entire time going down the small slides they have there.

Abby is such a people watcher (wonder where she gets that from!!) that she was content just sitting with me (in the water in the kiddie section) watching Anna and all the other kids play.

Snack break with Dad!
And of course we can't forget the fountain in the front!

Camping at Echo

2011-07-11T09:53:00.006-06:00

Chris arranged for a weekend camp trip for his office staff, so this past weekend we headed up to Echo Lake. It was my first time there, both camping and being on the lake. The lake itself was nice. But the campground I nicknamed “Shitzville”. What should have been two camp spots we had reserved, felt like just one. RV’s were stacked next to each other like sardines. We were so close we couldn't even put the awning out on the RV. And the quality of people there… Well let’s just say it was like camping in a Walmart parking lot. We still made the best of it though.

Chris's buddy Pace has a boat and was nice enough to take us out on it.
Anna liked the tube.

In the early afternoon the lake was calm enough that the kids were able to swim off the "beach" without having too much lake junk in their way.

Coworkers

I don’t like to think I’m “high maintenance”, but I really have come to love RV parks and the amenities they provide. I think I’m going to stick to the higher standard RV camping I’m used to and leave the dirt spots for the hard core kids!

Celebrating 10 Years

2011-07-10T19:27:00.006-06:00

Chris and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the 6th. We've been together for 18 years now. For the night my niece Autumn came up to watch the girls and we went to dinner at Tepanyaki and then went to see the movie Bridesmaids.

About 2 years ago at Christmas time, Chris lost his wedding ring. So I surprised him with a new ring this year. The price of gold is outrageous right now, so I bought him a "holding" ring. You know, "here's a ring to hold you over until I feel like throwing a thousand bucks out for another ring!!" It's still a nice ring. Titanium and yellow gold.

As for me? I'm going to pick out a new mountain bike this weekend for my gift!!

Traditional: tin, aluminum

Modern: diamond

So a new ring and a bike? I think we followed the rules. Somewhat!

I love this man. He's my best friend, my biggest cheerleader and my sidekick. We've had our share of ups and downs, highs and lows, but at the end of the day it's just me and him. We've got each others backs. I couldn't have met a more perfect person to share the rest of my life with and raise a family with. He's THE best dad. He's tough when he needs to be, and soft when the girls need him. I love his imperfections and his strengths. To grow up with the life he did, and be the man he is today, well there is no doubt in my mind he has MANY guardian angels. I'm just glad they led him to me!

Oh and I totally kicked his butt at air hockey.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T17:13:00.002-06:00

Happy father's day to the best husband and daddy around!

We lost our Fatty

2011-06-19T16:45:00.002-06:00

It's been about a month since we lost saw our Fatty cat. I've had people tell me stories about how their cat went missing for months and one day just showed up. Call me a pessimist, but I've lost hope she'll return.

It's the oddest thing too. This is a cat who most days would never leave our bed. She was lazy and loved her beauty sleep.

She's gone outside before. In fact in the summer she loves to sunbathe in the garden, most times using it as her own personal liter box! But she always stayed in our backyard, or went into our neighbors backyard to the west. The only time she'd go in the front was if she heard us all out there and wanted to get back in the house.

She's never strayed before. Always kept close and really, has no survival skills (she's declawed and again, lazy from all the sleeping!)

I think she got left outside one night (not too uncommon) and when it started raining for 6 days straight she probably took cover. But where?

Anna and I made up fliers and posted them around the neighborhood. We posted her on KSL's lost & found and I've checked the Davis Animal Shelter twice.

There was one time we thought we saw her, 2 doors down, but it turns out she has a twin with white on its feet. My heart raced and then stopped all within 2 minutes.

We've had Fatty since we built our first home. She's 10 yrs old and came from a rescue center. She has by far been THE BEST CAT ever! I've never had ANY issues with her, other than the fur she leaves behind on Chris's shirts when I do laundry and forget to put it away. We could always find her sleeping on his clean shirts. She had THE loudest, oddest sounding PURRRRR and what we can only describe as a 64yr old smokers voice meow. She was unique!

She's been through 2 moves with us and has always adapted greatly.

We sure miss her. I can't even think of getting another cat at this time. You simply cannot replace Fatty.

I earned my Mother's Day!!

2011-05-10T13:59:00.004-06:00

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone! I’m glad this one is passed too. Having TWO sick kids is not my idea of a relaxing Sunday day!

I’ve always been thankful for how healthy my girls have been. I swear sometimes it’s like I get done talking to one friend about how sick her kids are, and other calls telling me the same thing.

When Anna was a baby she did have her annual bout with Rotovirus, but other than that it’s just been a little cold here or there. Nothing too major.

Well that has all come to blow up in my face! For the past 3 weeks at daycare, the kids have all passed the same nasty cold back and forth. And not just the common cold with buggies and sore throats, oh no! This cold came with a roaring cough AND horrible chest congestion. Our poor Nina got the brunt of it and lost her voice for a good 2-3 days! Her grandson came down with Croup and since Abby’s cough was so bad, I had her tested for it. Luckily hers was just a chest cold! There were nights I had the humidifier on full blast, Abby was loaded with nighttime cough medicine and I lay in bed, sleeping between her coughing fits. A few times she would cough so hard, she’d force herself to throw up. Then she’d just stand there looking at me as if to say “WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?” Anna didn’t get it quite as bad as Abby.

So the colds are letting up, the coughing is going down and last week Anna suddenly comes down with a low grade fever for about 4 days. Now if you know Anna, you know she’s FULL of energy. The kid could play from sun up to sun down with no breaks in between. The fever really slowed her down.

And the timing for sick kids could not have been any worse. Chris has just transferred to the Layton branch and I was going to be attending our company meetings at Snowbird Resort for three days.

Wednesday morning I drop the girls off to my neighbor who was pinch-hitting for me for daycare. Now this is her first time EVER meeting my girls and we show up and Anna looks like a homeless kid! I’ve learned to pick my battles with my 4yr old, and coordinating the pinks on her outfits is not a battle I’m going to war over. I inform her about how Abby is getting OVER her cold and I’m 99.9% certain she is not contagious or anything. It’s just that residual cough that won’t go away. I also mention that Anna has dry lips and has two small bumps on her bottom lip, so I’ve packed some chapstick for her to use.

I head up to Snowbird, attend my meetings and I’m enjoying my “adults only” time.

Thursday rolls around and I call Chris. Abby had come down with Rotovirus and he is home with a sick baby. He briefly mentions something about Anna’s lips and I again mention the chapstick.

So Friday comes, I send a text “How are the girls?” Let me just say my husband is not the best at texting. In fact he RARELY texts me back, so I assume since he hasn’t replied that means he’s busy at work and the girls are fine.

NOPE!

Abby now has diarrhea and Anna has developed some type of infection on her lips, nose and chin. When I came home Friday it literally looked like she had been in some type of accident. Her lips were blistered and bloody and her chin and nose had sores all over them. Her poor little mouth was so sore she could barely eat anything without it hurting. She just cried and cried when I held her.

I relieve Chris of his doctor duties so he can head to work for a few hours since he’s now missed 2 days, and I scoop up the kids and we head to Urgent Care.

Yep, I'm THAT mom who takes pictures of her sick kid in the doctors office. This was actually after I was able to clean her lips up a bit. They were puffy and her gums were swollen too.

Abby + rotovirus = the B.R.A.T. diet. The Dr. did check her lungs and said they sound great, the cough is almost completely gone now.

Anna on the other hand not only has a funky bacteria infection on her lips, but she has STAPH. Now I have no idea what STAPH is. I’ve heard of it, but never actually dealt with it. We’re sent home with 2 prescriptions and a request to come back Monday for a follow up and told to keep her confined for 48 hours. IT’S CONTAGIOUS! Great! So not only did I take her into a NEW home to be babysat on Wed, but she was playing with her friends just the day before!! We hunker down for the weekend, Tivo in hand and the fridge stocked with popsicles!

Because Chris missed almost 2 full days of work he now has to work on Saturday so I wasn’t able to attend the Race for the Cure walk. I felt so bad I couldn’t be there to support Angie, but it’s not like you can get volunteers to babysit TWO sick kids!

As for my actual Mother’s Day, it was quite nice and relaxing. Chris made crepes for breakfast, and meatloaf and artichokes for dinner. Oh and I can’t forget the roses Anna told him to buy and the CHOCOLATE CAKE he made! He took care of everything in the house and I was able to relax and unwind. The kids were both feeling better by Sunday, but we were still in lockdown mode so we couldn’t go visit my mom or Grandma Perkins.

Monday rolls around and I get in to see regular family physician. He confirms the STAPH diagnosis and bacteria infection on her lips, but said it also appears to be cold sores on her lips.

Then the puzzle pieces start to come together.

About 3 weeks ago I had a bout with cold sores. The severe change in temperatures always does it to me (that’s what I get for living in Utah during Spring. Winter one day! Summer the next!) So here I had just gotten over mine, and *BOOM*, Anna gets a low grade fever, then *BOOM*, she gets a breakout on her lips. She’s NEVER had them before; usually she’ll set me off by using my lip gloss. So our doctor mentions that usually the first episode of cold sores is THE worst in kids, which would explain the “I just got in a narley accident” look she’s been sporting all week.

I was so hoping that Anna would not have to deal with cold sores. The Holding forehead, fine. Perkins split teeth, fine. But cold sores? UGH!! Luckily my kid is a quick healer and they appear to be going away pretty fast.

So once again we walk out of the doctor’s office with 2 more prescriptions to help prevent cold sores the next time around. It was also recommended to add Lysine to my daily vitamin intake; it’s supposed to help prevent them from even starting up. You can bet your butt I headed straight to the store and bought that right away!!

Anna is healing great and wondering when she can start to play with her friends again. I think after I make a few “I’m sorry if my kid got your kid sick” phone calls, she just might be invited for playdates again!!

On a funny note: Yesterday night I did notice a small “sore” on Abby’s bottom lip. I just about dropped to my knees to plead that she wasn’t getting the sores/STAPH. Then this morning Nina informs me that Abby bit her lip yesterday. WHEW!! WHAT A RELIEF!

I tell you what…I’m one tired mama!!

Moab Part III (Videos)

2011-05-01T17:30:00.004-06:00

Video of the line up and parade on Big Saturday

Video of Chris's Jeep

The great thing about Moab this year, was testing the Jeep out with all the upgrades we made last fall. His lockers worked great and no problems with the 4wheel drive. Money WELL spent!!

Moab Easter Jeep Safari Part II

2011-05-01T17:06:00.010-06:00

TRAIL TWO:
Poison Spider

For big Saturday we did the Poison Spider trail. The weather wasn't as nice, a little rainy in the morning, but it was still a fun day.

The line up on Main Street. It's one of the things I love the best about Big Saturday. Seeing all those Jeeps lined up and watching the parade take off.

Josh on the "Waterfall"

The thing I love about this trail is that there were so many obstacles and you come back down the way you went up. I will say the trail leaders were a little selfish in their time and not really "wanting" everyone to try the big obstacles, but overall we made the best of what we had and had a fun time.

"The Wedgie" Looking out of Moab on the top of the trail.
Beautiful lookout

Little Arch seen from the top of the trail
There are more Jeeping pictures, however MY camera battery died and so I took the rest of the trail pictures on Virginia's camera. That's a hint to you V to download and get me a CD!!

I remember when I was growing up and we'd travel in the motor home, my dad always drove and my mom sat beside him. All the kids were in the back. I love driving in the RV with Chris. I get to pass down my memories of family trips with my girls. There was a lot of waiting around on the trails this year. People break down, people get stuck, they stop for lunch and have pow-wows, but we've come to expect that with the safari's. My first safari was in 1993 and this year marked my 7th event. We will definitely check the trail guides next year and that may influence what trails we run, but I have a feeling Big Saturday will always be part of our agenda as long as I have a say!!

Overall we had a GREAT trip. So happy that Josh & Virginia and Bryan and Krista were able to come down with us. Oh yes, and Autumn too!!

Moab Easter Jeep Safari Part I

2011-05-01T16:35:00.012-06:00

We headed down to Moab for the Annual Jeep Safari. Chris actually went down a few days before the rest of us. He needed a few days of R&R and was able to secure us a great camp spot at Ken's Lake for the motor home & tents.

Autumn and I went down on Thursday and we immediately headed to Slick Rock to do some hiking. Josh & Virginia and Bryan & Krista came Thursday night.

Hiking Slick Rock

Autumn & Bear

FRIDAY TRAIL: Kane Creek
On Friday we all ran the Kane Creek Trail.

So we're maybe 15 minutes into our trail and suddenly we realize Bryan and Krista are no longer behind us. Apparently the trail was just too boring for the Carlson clan, so they decided to add some excitement!

Actually it all came down to Bryan simply not paying attention to the actual width of the trail and he slid to the right. Poor Krista had to take the kids out the drivers side and was so embarrassed. Hey, at least your husband didn't sink the Jeep in the creek like mine did YEARS ago!!

There is one really hairy area on Kane Creek that always takes the most time. It's mountain on the right, big scary ledge on the left. It's the one area that actually scares me the most when Jeeping. Luckily the trail guide was pretty good and getting people over the obstacle and everyone came out safe.

Autumn was the QUIETEST 15 year old I've ever known! I'm pretty sure she just enjoyed being on vacation, away from regular life, and being pampered by her aunt and uncle! We took her a "Thank You" for all the babysitting she's done for us.

Chris and "the scary spot"

My girl Virginia.
Duckface to you too!!

All showered up and looking good!

Some progress is better than no progress. Right?

2011-04-16T21:13:00.003-06:00

This basement finish is that project that never ends. Of course we really only have the weekends to work on it, and by the time the weekend comes Chris doesn't want to do any more work. I get it. But it's a HOME PROJECT! You work on it when you're home!! So with the big Sherman Williams sale, I decided to buy all the paint we needed to finish the basement and got to work on the playroom. It's a great purple color Anna picked out!

Anna loved that she got to help paint HER playroom.

Next up: finishing the playroom closet and door!

Spring Means Kids!

2011-04-16T21:08:00.003-06:00

Spring means lots of kids playing in the backyard!

Anna wouldn't have it any other way!!

Read. Follow. Pray

2011-04-01T15:12:00.002-06:00

I was recently introduced to a new blog. David Chalk’s Cancer Chronicles. This guy is witty, strong and well, just plain brave. Cancer sucks ass. I know that because I watched my dad battle Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I watched my girlfriend Angie lose her mom to breast cancer. It’s a nasty, nasty illness and no one deserves to have to go through it. This is David’s third round with lung cancer. He has a great sense of humor and I wish him all the best.

Read. Follow. Pray.

Not Really A Rat Race

2011-03-28T15:49:00.003-06:00

After being unemployed for 8 months, I recently went back to work. After many months of searching and what seemed like hundreds of resumes being sent out, I went to work for a company called Varsity Contractors, Inc. I must say I feel right at home here. It’s a large company but has a small company feel. I am the Executive Assistant for the CEO, VP of Sales and VP of Marketing. You couldn't ask for a more diverse group of personalities. I love it.

The first in-person interview I had was with the two VP’s. One of the guys reminds me so much of my dad, his mannerisms in particular. He’s older like my dad and I know this sounds so weird, but his arms look a lot like my dads. The age spots on his face resemble those on my dad. The way he leaned way back in his chair and rocked, peering through his glasses as if he wore bifocals or something. It’s my dad to a “T”. I felt quite comfortable when I interviewed as you could imagine. I told my sister I was so tempted just to go up and hug him. One big hug for my dad! “Hi, I would love to work for your company. Now can I have a hug? You remind me of my dad.”

The funny thing about this job is that when I first read the ad, I passed on it. I thought it sounded like they were asking for someone who had no family obligations, could work 60 hours a week and knew everything about anything. That was on Monday. On Tuesday I was surfing employment sites again and ran across the listing once more. This time, I listened to that tiny voice in my head that said “go ahead, just apply”. About 3 days later I was called for a phone interview. Then a few more in-person interviews followed. The whole process took about a month and at times the delay in not hearing/knowing silently crushed me. How could I get through FOUR (yes FOUR; 1 phone, 2 in person and one “hey come back and let’s test your skills and then ask you a few more questions) interviews. By the 4th interview I felt like I should have just brought my desk plant with me!

I work with an amazing group of people. Dedicated, smart, and just genuinely nice. I’m so grateful that I found this job and that it found me! To have to leave my girls after being home with them for 8 months, well you couldn't go to a nicer company. And the girls went back to "our Nina", so I felt so much more comfortable with the idea of working again.

As for Mary Kay, I still sale it and I’m always offering new products and tips to women, but I just didn't fall in love with doing all the bookings and holding constant parties like I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the products and if asked to hold a skin care party I totally would, but I just don’t feel like that’s the direction my life is suppose to take at this time. It’s amazing the answers you get when you ask for guidance and direction from God. Not everyone will understand that decision. And you know what? That’s okay, because at the end of the day my choice is between me and Heavenly Father.

Would I rather be at home with my girls? You betcha! But Chris and I have big goals and dreams for our family and for the time being I need to be working. And I'm actually okay with that. It’s a sacrifice I’m totally willing to make to provide a better, more stable life for my girls. And I’m really enjoying my new position. I feel like when you really enjoy what you do, it’s totally worth it.

Oh and did I mention I have my own office? Yes after years and years of being part of a cubicle farm I have an actual office with a HUGE window and 2 glass French doors. What’s not to love about that?

Jodi

2011-03-26T19:47:00.002-06:00

I was 13 when my first niece Jodi was born. I took her as the little sister I never had. My sister Steph was a teenage mom and still living at home when she got pregnant. Shortly after she broke it off with the dad and was on her own. So we as a family all helped to raise Jodi. I couldn't be more proud of my sister actually. Pregnant at 17 but she still managed to attend school regularly and graduate on time, she even held a part time job to help support her daughter. I don't ever remember a time when Steph wasn't 100% responsible for this little person. Sure my parents were there to help out, but my sister was always the mom first and took that role very serious. Even at just 17.

I don't think I could be more proud of my niece Jodi. She is currently attending college at SLCC and has a huge interest in the psychology field. She's smart. Super smart. And so darn organized. Seriously, ask her about her colored pens she carries around so she can record things in her little notebook. Okay, maybe that's a little more OCD than organized, but this kid is on top of things! She's crazy smart with her money. I've never met a more responsible 20-something. She's been with her boyfriend Larry for something like 5 years now. They met in high school and have been attached at the hip ever since.

I'm proud of this kid. In reality she might be just my niece, but in my heart I'll always think of her as my little sister.

Love ya kiddo!!

A little visit from Oregon

2011-03-05T11:16:00.002-07:00

My friend Shea came into town to visit from Oregon. I have to say that even though we hadn't seen each other in about 4 1/2 years, we just connect as if it were yesterday.

Shea and I first met in Kindergarten, but it wasn't until 5/6 grade that we really became friends. She is just one of those friends that is just always there for you. No judgement, no hesitations. Just 100% there for you. I always admired her for her strength. I don't ever remember a time where she let someone ever make her feel less that who she really was. She was smart in school. Oh my gosh I remember her just being so good at school. She moved away for college and ended up falling in love with Oregon and meeting her husband there.

Oh but what fun times we had! The first time I went on the Moab Jeep Safari was with Shea. We used to dance to INXS on my dad's video camera (totally still have the tapes for blackmail purposes!), we'd watch Stand By Me over and over again. She loved River Phoenix and Madonna and always had strong faith in God. I admired that because she never let anything compromise her faith.

Anna meeting Sami for the first time. She had her giggling so hard.

Such a cute little girl. Happy just like her mama!Anna and Braedon quickly became pals. In fact Shea and I have already arranged for them to go to Oregon State together and date through college. No pressure kids!

Sami Jean

At first I thought "how did Anna get Braedon to play dolls?" Then it hit me. They are playing dinosaurs who attack the doll house! Thank you Shea for coming up and visiting us. I had a great afternoon with you.

And thanks for 25 fabulous years of friendship, and many, many more to come!

A Big Day...For Mom!

2011-02-24T17:14:00.003-07:00

We registered Anna for kindergarten today. She was so excited. I cannot believe my little girl is going to be starting school next year.

This means backpacks, school shoes, homework, back-to-school nights, report cards, teacher conference and more.

Wow. Who's more excited? Me or Anna?

It's a toss up.

Only In Utah

2011-02-17T21:39:00.002-07:00

Can you go from spending the entire afternoon playing outside in 60° weather...

...to snow and 30° weather just two days later!

Super Bowl

2011-02-07T21:17:00.003-07:00

I had to giggle a bit as I drove home from my sisters on Sunday night, that the only group there to watch the Super Bowl...were a group of women!!

Steph hosted a little get together at her house, so my mom, Jodi, Anna and I all hung out, eating, chatting, eating and laughing at commercials. Oh and eating.

Best girls day out in a long time!

Anna telling Jodi her "5 little spiders and alligators" song.

ICE CREAM!!!

Thanks for having us over Steph!

Curly Sue

2011-01-31T21:01:00.002-07:00

Abby doesn't have much hair. In face she's almost 15 months old and is still sporting the old man's thinning look! However as the back of her hair grows, it's coming in curly! She gets these cute little rings and it feathers up. I'm really hoping her hair is like mine where I can wear it curly or easily straighten it.

The pictures aren't the best, but you can see her little curls.

And then there is Anna. She gets a little wave in it, but for the most part it's straight.

A Much Needed Family Day Out

2011-01-31T20:47:00.005-07:00

Every hour of the previous weekend was spent working on the basement. The kids were hold up upstairs by a gate and pretty much on their own. Okay not "on their own" per se, but they were left alone to entertain each other while we hung drywall. An occasional PB&J and chocolate milk seemed to keep them full long enough to get some work done!

Chris felt pretty guilty that he didn't get to spend any quality time with the girls, plus he was sick all week so he had very little interaction with them to begin with. So this last weekend he insisted that it be all about the kids.

Fresh cut pineapple and whipped cream for dessert!On Saturday we went to lunch at B.K. so the kids could play, then to Home Depot to price my JETTED BATHTUB and finally to Boondocks. I'd never been there before, it was actually pretty cool.

Anna kicking my butt at air hockeyAbby loved that she could run and play and climb where ever she wanted. This kid is a climber!!
Out of all the prizes to cash your tickets in on, she goes with the snake!
It was a nice weekend spent with the family.

The Basement Finish Continues

2011-01-30T20:00:00.002-07:00

We've actually done a bit more since these pictures, but that will be another post!!

Drywall is up! Do you know how hard it is to hang drywall on the ceiling with just 2 people? Even when you McGyver little doodad's to help hold the boards up, it's still hard. I'm one of those people where I don't have a problem calling a neighbor and saying "Hey, we're hanging 2 sheets of drywall, can we borrow your husband?" Because I know there will be a time where they will need help and I'd be glad to lend a hand. Many hands make light work right? Chris on the other hand has a hard time asking people for help. I quickly named off two people (a friend & one neighbor) that I know would not hesitate to help out, because they know we're always willing to help them if they ever need. He declined and insisted we do it. Either way, I'm glad it was just two sheets!!

This is how you keep kids out of the work space!!

Next up: MUDDING!!

Pay It Forward 2011 (blog stalkers wanted!)

2011-01-25T15:53:00.008-07:00

If you haven't visited Aunt Peg's Homemade Jewelry page, you need to!!

I'm participating in her 2011 Pay It Forward idea and this is what I was sent. How stinkin' cute is this charm necklace!

One side says Abigail, the other says Anna

Now I have to send 5 people something I've made. Which will be interesting as to what I come up with!!

If you want to be one of my 5, email me!! You in return have to send 5 people you know something you've made (or bought, which is what I might do if I can't craft together something cute!!)

**Even if you're a blog stalker, you can still particiate! That would actually make it fun! email me at ccperkins132@msn.com

Abby and the pedicure!

2011-01-24T12:16:00.002-07:00

Well she's too young to take her a spa to get a pedicure, so we do the next best thing!!

I couldn't have asked for a better dog to have with kids. Bear absolutely LOVES the girls. She sleeps in Anna's room and night, and let's Abby crawl all over her without as much as a flinch.

Great dog!!

2011-01-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

How can you not want to make a change after hearing this song?

I love it!

And the finish begins!

2011-01-18T10:13:00.005-07:00

We are in the process of finishing our basement. It's been almost 3 years since we've been in this home, it's about time. But it's nothing like when we built our first home and we were on a tight deadline. Nope, this is something we can do a little here, a little there. But we are hoping to have it all ready for flooring by the end of January.

My laundry room will become an office/exercise room. The spare bedroom will be a play room. Can I just say how excited I am to NOT have toys all over the house!! Nice! The bathroom will be the last room on list since it will be the most expensive to finish. But I AM GETTING A HUGE TUB!! I don't care if it takes up the entire bathroom area, I WANT MY JETTED TUB!!

We had an electrician come in and do all of the electrical work for us. So other than plumbing/carpet, Chris and I will be doing the basement on our own. We actually kinda of enjoy doing these projects. It gives us something that we can work together to do.

Office/exercise room

I had de-cluttered "a little" before this pic.

The washer & dryer will be framed off (eventually).De-cluttered!!Work in progress!
I would like to brag that I hung all the insulation MYSELF and in one evening!

Yes, that sound you hear is me patting myself on the back.

It's tough getting old!

2011-01-09T19:55:00.003-07:00

I turned the big 36 this year. Ugh I'm getting old!

I will say that Chris loves birthdays and always lets me get away with so much!

I had "honey-do" list that he worked on (willingly might I add!!), he let me go kid-free shopping and he took some time off work so we could be together. The holiday's were SO busy that some nights he wouldn't get home until 9pm and then have to get up at 5am and do it all over again. He works so hard to provide for us, I am so grateful to be married to such a GREAT guy.

But enough about him! This is MY birthday post! :)

On Thursday I went and got my hair cut, then we met my mom at Wasatch Running and I picked out a new pair of running shoes (so excited to get out and start running again!!), I also got a new pair of Keen river shoes and a running pouch for my iPod. After we all went to Olive Garden for dinner (gotta love that Zuppa Toscana soup!!) Great birthday indeed!!

On Friday Chris made me dinner.

Steak, potatoes, green bean and of course....

Molten Lava Dessert!!

On Saturday he offered to watch the kids so I could shopping!

I LOVE Macy's and since they were having their huge 1-day sale I took FULL ADVANTAGE!

Best of all we got to spend 4 days together as a family.

Chris got to rest and I got the outside Christmas lights taken down (thanks honey-do)!!!

It's 2011..do you know where your resolutions are?

2011-01-02T21:31:00.003-07:00

Yep, I'm one of those suckers who believes in resolutions and actually looks forward to the strike of midnight. Call me crazy but what a great way to jump start your life, turn it around or just plain make it better. Give up old habits, vow to do better and live a happier life. There is simply something about January 1st that makes it easy to commit to change.

First, let's take a look back at 2010's resolutions:
1. Become debt free.
We did work hard on this one. However loosing my job in July and the Jeep issues really put a damper into our overall plan. However the goal remains the same, the date simply changed.
2. Become a stay-at-home-mom.
HA!! I actually did this one! Not by choice, well, by circumstance actually. I am a SAHM for the time being. We are actually okay with just Chris working, but because we have bigger goals and dreams for our family, that 2nd income would be very helpful. I'm on the job hunt but in this tough market it's taking a lot longer to find work. If it's meant to be, it will be !
3. Become healthier.
I've definitely done better at this. Always room for more improvement, but I've done better than in 2009.
4. Relax more.
Yeah I make this one every year, but with a 4yr old and 1yr old and a husband who works 12hr days, this is not always easy. I have become "calmer". Maybe that has something to do with the church teachings?
5. Read more.
Yes and no. I get into moods where I want nothing more than to cuddle up with a good book and read all day. Then I have days where the book becomes a coaster and I'm off doing other things. This one goes back on my 2011 list!!

2011 Resolutions
1. Exercise More
I really want to get back into running. I got an iPod for Christmas and already made my "running playlist" and my mom is taking me to get fitted for running shoes for my birthday. I have always loved running and was so envious when I watched my sister Steph run her first 1/2 marathon this year. I thought "next year, that will be ME!" I'm not going to commit to 13miles, but I'm definitely not going to sit on the side lines anymore!!
2. Debt Free
I feel it in my bones that 2011 will be our year. The only exception is Chris's student loan which will take more than one year to pay off. However everything else will be GONE, GONE GONE!
And what I love the most is that we are smart enough NOT to let the past (credit cards, you little devils you!) EVER put us into debt again. If we can't pay cash, we don't need it!
3. Temple Sealing
This one is a big one! In July I will have been a member of the church for a year and hopefully we can get our temple recommends, which means we will be able to get sealed as a family in the temple. If you're not LDS you might not understand what a big deal this is, but for us it's a big deal!
4. Read More.
I'm actually looking forward to this one. I think I've become WAY TOO lax on the TV with Anna and it's starting to show. I've also started a computer habit that was recently pointed out to me (does blogging count??). So I'm really limiting the amount of computer/tv time our family has. There are plenty of great books we can be reading as a family. And by setting the example, hopefully Anna will follow!
5. Attitude Overhaul!
This is a big one. It's a goal that has many areas. I'm going to be a dreamer again. I'm going to be courageous and not so fearful. I'm going to be brave. I'm going to be a fighter for my family. I'm not going to waste my time comparing myself (or my family) to anyone elses, trying to keep up with anyone or holding onto things I should be worried about. I'm going to live for what make me and my family happy. I'm going to live the life I should be living!

I hope 2011 is full of great memories and is the year of change!

Good Things in 2011

2011-01-02T21:20:00.003-07:00

2010 has come and gone. Man that went fast!! We had our fair share of ups and downs:

Chris got promoted twice and is rocking it in the ERAC world!
I lost my job in June but I think I'm doing pretty good at being a stay-at-home mom.
The Jeep cost us a small fortune with the differential issues, but it seems to be running great now AND all upgrades are complete so Moab this year should be exciting!!
We lost Grandpa Wood and two uncles, Blair Holding and Barry Perkins.
Chris and I took our first vacation away from the girls in April and went to Moab for the EJS. Then we returned again to Moab with the girls in September.
I was baptised in July in the LDS church and Chris received the priesthood.
Anna turned 4 and started preschool, and Abby turned 1 and is running all over the place.

I know there is more, lots more, but 2010 is in the past and now it's time to focus on 2011!!

New Years Eve Sledding

2011-01-02T09:17:00.004-07:00

For New Years Eve Anna and I headed out to meet Sara and her boys for an afternoon of sledding. It was Anna's first time and she LOVED it. I was worried because both girls have had colds, but Anna seemed to bounce back fine. Abby enjoyed the afternoon at my mom's!

Anna and Thaddius Papadakis

(I must say the boys loved Anna. They kept saying "Anna ride with me. Anna I'll pull you up the hill", so she'd sit in the tubes and the boys would pull her up the hill instead of making her walk. such little gentlemen already!!Sara and Mandi

Me and SaraThis would have been a super cute picture had my eyes not been closed! But the blinding snow kinda made it hard to see the pic preview! Oh well.
We're not used to having so many boys to play with.

I think Anna kept up pretty well!

And the best thing, it was easy to spot her since the boys were all in black/grey, and she's in pink from head to toe!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T21:51:00.006-07:00

Christmas was so much fun this year with the girls. Even though Abby doesn't get the idea of presents yet, she had a blast playing with all her new toys. We had a very nice holiday.

Abby playing with the book Erica got her.

She loves to lay on her belly and flip the pages.Mike came up and went to the Wood's Christmas party with me on Thursday since Chris had to work late. He spoiled the girls, as always.

Our tree

Anna decorated most of the ornaments by herself. Abby loved to grab the decorations so the nice ones were up top, the homemade ones were on the bottom! At least this year it was her, and not the dogs!
Getting ready for Santa!

Anna was so excited to put cookies and milk out for Santa.

And the next morning, she was excited to eat the one cookie Santa didn't eat!!
Christmas Morning!

She asked for Big Fuzzy Noodles (Fuzzoodles)

They are seriously the cheesiest things.

She made Chris build them.It's all about the Polly Pockets.

Mike got her the "by the pool" lounge set, I got her in "in the pool lounge set".

She loves them!

Abby was happy with the wrapping paper, boxes and empty packages.

Oh and anything that made noise!

Heading to Grandma's
My cousin Ethan got a huge Nerf gun, so of course we had to play with it!

Steph and MomLarry and Jodi
Will, Colby, Shawn and Steph Our family

We had a very nice Christmas. We got season passes to Lagoon again since we had so much fun going last year. It makes it nice because you can go for a few hours here and there and not feel like you have to spend 10 hr straight to make it worth the money.

The best gift was an oil painting Chris had made. I had taken a picture of the girls on my cell phone just before I returned from maternity leave last February and sent it to Chris one day. He took that picture and had it made into an oil painting. The wife of one of his coworkers is an artist and did an excellent job on it. Abby's big bald head is so cute!

I love how it turned out. So surprised when I saw it on Christmas morning.

This picture doesn't do it justice. If you are ever in our home, make sure you see the real one!

I'm feeling crafty!!!

2010-12-19T22:04:00.004-07:00

The last week before Christmas and I AM FEELING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!! What does that mean? It means I get CRAFTY!! Forget the hustle and bustle of what makes the holiday so commercial, and really take the time to think about the reason for the season and just stop and breathe. When I craft, it's just me, the glue gun and my thoughts. It's my down time. My relax time. My re-coop time.

So I've found a few new craft sites and got some great, easy ideas. I actually have completed these boards, but I'm waiting for that silly measuring tape to appear so I can hang them in Abby's room. I made a few for Anna's room and did manage to hang hers. Pics to come soon!

So this week I'd like to work on these cute skirts. They seem pretty easy to make, however I don't own a sewing machine so that's the one thing stopping me. I might hand sew or see if I can find a used machine online for dirt cheap or ask around to borrow one.

Click HERE for the tutorial

Another craft I thought would be super easy and cheap to make are these fun coasters. I got the idea of a new craft site I came across call Joy Is At Home

Click HERE for the tutorialThey seem super easy to make and would be fun gift ideas. I like the idea of using them as candle stands too!

LET THE CRAFTING BEGIN!

Ward Christmas Party and SANTA!

2010-12-15T17:14:00.005-07:00

Saturday was our ward Christmas party. Chris and I are on the "unofficial, official" party planning committee. It's our first calling!

Friday night I helped set up chairs, tables, decorate and prepare for the big day. Saturday morning I was back at the church at 6:30am ready to cook! I made a joke with my sister that if I had known Mormon's woke up so early on their days off for this stuff, I would have gone Catholic! (come on, that's funny!!) But I will say I can pretty much finish out 2010 without another pancake!

The breakfast turned out great. The church was packed, there was plenty of food, a great devotional and best of all...SANTA!!

Anna was so excited to see Santa and tell him what she wanted.

You can pretty much see her saying "First I want this, and one of these, and next don't forget this, and if you have time..."

Abby actually walked right up to him (with a small push from Chris)

She wasn't 100% sure of him, but she didn't really mind.

Abby's like "Okay, this is weird. I'm just going to hold really still until the fat man puts me down"! Great Santa pics this year!!

Party for a Princess

2010-12-15T17:03:00.002-07:00

We helped celebrate Avva's 4th birthday, princess style, at the Treehouse Museum last week. Erica went all out with the Princess stuff. It was a super cute kids party.

The birthday girl

Climbing the cage

All Abby wanted to do was climb up the bridge and slide back down.

They both love the fish tank
Chris sitting in the Oval Office
Princess Randi, Princess Britney and Princess Anna

Erica dressed up like Sleeping Beauty.
I don't think Anna recognized her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVVA!

Wintertime Fun

2010-12-13T21:17:00.003-07:00

How do you keep the kids busy when it's too cold to play outside all day?

You play Santa, Santa, Reindeer You bug the dogYou try to pull ornaments off the Christmas treeYou make craftsYou nap with dadYou bundle up to stay warm!

(Isn't that the cutest hat? My neighbor gave it to Abby. It's become one of my favorites!)

He's kind of a big deal

2010-12-02T13:31:00.008-07:00

Chris was awarded the TOP BRANCH MANAGER award for Q1 FY2011 for the 2nd time in a row AND was ranked #9 (top 10%) for overall individual sales for his area. Both awards are based on Utah/Idaho branches. Way to be babe! So proud of how hard you work.

Chris's favorite thing to say to me lately is "I'm not sure if you've heard, but I'm kind of a big deal". Okay Ron! Okay!

Two very different little girls

2010-12-01T10:09:00.003-07:00

My computer crashed over the summer and I thought I had lost ALL pictures prior to April of this year. Luckily my awesome neighbor was able to retrieve everything off of it for me. I've had so much fun looking back at all my old pictures of my dad, Anna as a baby, our first house, etc. I'm always being told how much Anna and Abby look alike so I decided to compare their 1 year birthday pics.

You be the judge.

Anna and her cake

Abby and her cakeAnna at 1 year

(she looks like she's pooping'!!)Abby at one year ***
Anna definitely had more hair!!
Both were walking at 11 months.
Abby sleeps through the night since just past 4 months, Anna wasn't until well past 1yr old!
Anna never put things in her mouth or got into things, Abby is the exact opposite.
Abby is definitely our snuggly baby. She loves to be held and cuddled with.
Both girls are hams and LOVE to laugh.

Radio City Music Hall Rockettes

2010-11-28T21:53:00.003-07:00

Talk about a great way to kick off the holiday season!
I got free tickets to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, what a great show!

I invited Angie and Kaylee to come, we made it into a Girls Afternoon Out.

Dinner at Red Robin, a little window shopping...

...and of course BLUE SLUSHIES!!!I'm hoping to make it a Christmas tradition with our girlfriends now that Anna and the other girls are all old enough to enjoy going to shows.

Thanks for a fun night out Angie and Kaylee!

Utes Game

2010-11-28T21:47:00.002-07:00

Chris's brother Mike got them tickets to see the Utah vs. BYU game. So while they were enjoying 8th row seats, I was sacked out on my sisters couch, eating her snacks, watching the game. I must say I enjoyed just hanging out at Steph's house for a few hours (she's always loaded up on chocolates)!

Mike bought them matching hats. Only brothers would wear matching hats. Hey, at least their heads were warm!!What a season for the Utes. A few let downs, but all-in-all I think they played a great season!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T21:06:00.005-07:00

We hosted Thanksgiving in our home this year and I must say, I did pretty good with the turkey! I surprise myself sometimes!

It was a great day and I'm so thankful my family was able to come up and celebrate it with us.

Mike, Abby and ChrisMy sister Steph and meI have to apologize to my niece Jodi. She was so excited when she thought she was going to sit at the "big kid table" this year, that is until I crushed her dream and told her there simply wasn't enough room. I promise my next home will have a huge dining area and you will get your seat at the table. But I'm sure Colby, Larry and Anna enjoyed your company though!Grandma and AbbySteph and WillAfter dinner everyone played on the Wii for a bit. I'm pretty sure that's a sarcastic smile Jodi has. Kind of like she's still upset at the whole "sit at the kid table" thing.Anna can't get enough of her Uncle Mike.Mike bought the girls Pillow Pets. He got Anna the exact one she has been asking for.

Things I'm Thankful For

2010-11-24T16:25:00.005-07:00

I am thankful for my marriage. To be married to my best friend of 17 years is an amazing thing. He is my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, my confidante and my soul mate.

I am thankful for my husbands worth ethic. Chris works harder than any man I know and his drive is to be admired. He strives for nothing but the best from himself and his team.

I am thankful for my daughters. They keep me on my toes, make me laugh at myself and comfort my soul when I'm sad. They make me stop and breath and realize that these moments will go by fast. I need to enjoy them now.

I am thankful for my family. For their support and advice, their unconditional love and shoulders to cry on, and the daily phone calls with my sister.

I am thankful for my friends. For their advice, their (tough) love and their friendship. For being there when I need an ear, shoulder or hand.

I am thankful for my health. I might not be the most active person, the fittest person or the size I want to be, but I am healthy.

I am thankful for my neighbors. I think there was a reason we bought the home we did, in the neighborhood we did. I couldn't ask for nicer neighbors. They truly have become great friends.

I am thankful for Mary Kay. This business makes me want to be a better person. It made me recognize that I can overcome my weaknesses and has given me the tools and resources to do so.

I am thankful for my faith. Having belief in something bigger than myself has given me the strength and courage to overcome many obstacles I've faced this year.

I am thankful for my church. For the values and lessons it's teaching my children, for the friendships we've made, and the bond it's formed in our family.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Living Life

2010-11-24T16:19:00.003-07:00

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you, " "I love you" and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

- Bonnie Mohr

An Eventful Weekend

2010-11-22T10:27:00.004-07:00

Saturday we went to Fat Cats for a bowling party for Chris's work. Man I haven't been bowling in YEARS! And it showed too. I kinda sucked. Anna did pretty well, even if you could sit back down and have a conversation with someone before the ball even hit the pins.

Saturday night my niece Autumn came up and spent the night so Chris and I could have a date night. He's always teasing me about never trying anything new, so I picked out an Italian restaurant we had never been to. Well let's just say there is probably a reason it is right next door to a high school. I'm sure the 17yrs old love the food. But for us, for date night, it was okay. After dinner went to see Due Date, which is hilarious! It might even be one we add to our home collection!

Sunday was the last day of the pheasant hunt and since it had been snowing all night & morning, Chris talked me into letting him skip church and go out one last time. It actually worked out well. Anna and I were able to go and actually listen, while Abby stayed home with my niece Autumn. I must say I didn't mind not walking the halls with a fussy 1 yr old for an hour!

Chris got his pheasant so of course Autumn was right there to help him clean it. She wants to be a vet and is taking a FFA class in school. This kid has so much potential. I'm so proud of her.

And YES, I did eat some for dinner.

There I said it.

Now Chris can't tell me I never try anything new!

Redneck S'mores

2010-11-22T10:13:00.003-07:00

I'm not use to having to entertain elementary age kids. Preschoolers, fine. You give them some Polly Pockets, crayons or Finding Nemo and you're good for a few hours. But 7 & 8 year old kids want YOU to entertain them.

Thus, the redneck s'mores were built!For those of you just dying to try these:

Graham crackers

Big marshmellow cut in 1/2

Hershey (Meltaway) Kisses

and one toaster oven!!

Pretty sure they were all happy with my little creation!

Maybe next time we'll do something a little less messy!

L.O.V.E.

2010-11-14T14:17:00.002-07:00

Pretty sure the love is on both ends.

Looks Who's ONE

2010-11-11T09:49:00.005-07:00

I can't believe my little girl is ONE! This year has gone by so fast.

She is such a cutie. She loves to cuddle and play with her big sister. She is also mischievous and laughs when you tell her "NO". She grins first thing in the morning and last thing at night. She'll wait up for Chris and when she hears him come home at night, she'll speak up so he'll come get her. She is definitely a daddy's girl!

We celebrated ONE with family and friends on Sunday. The cake wasn't nearly as messy as when Anna turned one.

But you can thank my sister Steph for the frosting in the hair!!Little Courtney Kinnersley. She is getting so big!

(Look at those big cheeks! I love them!)
The party (and yummy BBQ)

Grandma and Autumntime

Angie, Jason & Court

I actually think these are legitimate smiles on the boy's faces!
Jodi & LarryVirginia

(now that she's finally married, I can bug her by saying "so when are YOU having kids?")

Erica & Big Chris
Happy Birthday Abby!
We love you so much!!

Thanks to everyone who came and make Abby's day so special!

Fall Fun

2010-11-11T09:40:00.005-07:00

I love that my yard work turns into play time for kids.

It makes me remember how much fun leaves could be!She starting making the pile herself...
Then Daisia and Lance started helping...And this is what it became! It's like Where's Waldo?
Can you spot the Anna?Abby was NOT a fan of the leaves!!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:31:00.003-06:00

Even with the rain, I must say this was one of the BEST Halloweens ever. Anna was a witch, and Abby a scarecrow (in Anna's recycled costume). We all went to a few houses together, and once the rain really started coming down, Chris went inside with Abby and I took Anna in the minivan. It was a rental which worked out really well! It had those side sliding doors, so I'd drive up, Anna would hop out, get her candy and jump right back in. She thought it was cool! Just watching her run up and then say "HAPPY HALLOWEEN" to each person made me smile. She was such a good sport in the rain and cold.

Chris loves Halloween!! He pulled out the costume box and Anna dared him to put on the cow costume. Once it was on she told him he had to wear it. ALL NIGHT! So of course that meant I had to dress up too! It was actually pretty fun...even though I FOUGHT the idea at first. When you have kids, you just have to do the things you don't really want to do. For the kids of course!Anna and LaurenAnna and HaleyAbby and Chris (do you like the blush? Totally MK'd him up!!)
It's a good thing Mary Kay makes a great eye make-up remover that's gentle on the skin!!

Pampering Boutique!

2010-10-28T18:30:00.000-06:00

A Hidden Note At Just The Right Time

2010-10-26T19:04:00.003-06:00

You know those days where everything thrown at you makes you question who you are, what you're doing and where you're going in life? Today was one of those days.

But as I reached in the diaper bag my hand came across this folded up page I must have torn out of a magazine. I don't even remember picking up a copy of "Whole Living". But I did. And I tore out this page and I forgot about it.

Until today. When I needed to read these 10 little lines. 10 little lines that at this moment are helping to redefine who I am. What I do. And where I'm going.

1. For the healthiest foods, eat close to the source.

2. Stay tuned in to emotions. They connect you to the moment.

3. When you feel at ease with yourself, you become truly free.

4. Stop talking yourself out of the life you want most.

5. Style has less to do with what you wear and more to do with who you are.

6. Experience the power of pure silence.

7. Every moment of suffering brings an opportunity to build resilience.

8. Don't let fear of the unknown hold you back from making a change.

9. Fall represents a return to roots. Let yourself rest and replenish.

10. Happiness doesn't just happen; it emerges.

Girls Night Out

2010-10-24T18:53:00.002-06:00

One of the reasons I decided to become a Mary Kay consultant was for the girlfriends. My BFF Erica signed up, and a month later my BFF Angie signed up. So I thought "wow this is something we can all do together!!" I can't begin to tell you how many awesome women have been added to my life since then. And I get so much from each one of them. They are all so different, they really help bring me out of my shell and get me excited about my business.

Debi and Erica started a "Girls Night Out" for consultants. Last Friday we went to Debi's house (which I must say, DREAM HOME!! I love her home, it makes me dream BIG) we ate dinner, laughed and played a card game called Spoons. It was a fun night out and I can't wait for the next one!

Celeste & Debi (and Debi's super cute girls)

Erica and Mindy
Erica & Celeste

Debi also took a couple pictures of me and Lainie so I'll have to post them once she FB's them!

Fall Is In The Air

2010-10-20T21:39:00.002-06:00

Chris and I took Anna to Lagoon one last time so we could go to Frightmares. I cannot believe how busy Lagoon was! All summer, not once was it ever THAT busy! Even the overflow parking was full! People love their haunted houses I guess!!

I will admit that Perk talked me into letting Anna go through the adult scary houses. She wasn't scared one bit! Not once did she cry, or whimper, or bury her head! The actors would come up and give her high-fives and she would just look at them. She actually thought it was pretty cool. So glad we are desensitizing our child early!

Abby stayed home with my niece Autumn, but she is geared up for the cooler weather also. I've started jogging again and she loves to be outside in the stroller, people watching. (just like her mom, aunt and grandma!!)

We're Learning!

2010-10-05T12:56:00.004-06:00

A few of the women in my neighbor got together and started a preschool for their kids. My neighbor Camille is focusing on Montessori learning and Anna gets to be part of that. She loves going to preschool and asks me almost everyday if it's a "preschool day"!

First day. She was so excited!The group took a field trip to Layton Park last week. What's a trip to the Layton Park if you don't feed the ducks?

Anna loves that she gets to do school with her "best friend" Lauren, who is also our next door neighbor. These two are pretty inseparable!Even Abby got to go along on the field trip.

Anna is so excited that she gets to start kindergarten next year. I kept going back and forth about whether to put her in next year or the following, but I think she'll really enjoy starting school with the little girls she plays with in the neighborhood. There are 4 of them and they will all start Kindergarten at the same time. I really love our neighborhood. What's started out as just a "2yr home", has become a neighborhood we don't want to leave. In a year or so we think we'll sale this home and try to move into a bigger home in the same neighborhood, or even just across the street. As long as we can stay with our ward and elementary, we're staying put!

When Abigail's Attack...

2010-09-29T17:18:00.006-06:00

She may look harmless...

but she knows just when to attack!

No cage is strong enough to hold her...

No obstacle she can't overcome...

She defies gravity...(okay, gravity defies her...but still, she has killer moves!)

And then...
SHE ATTACKS!!
When you least expect it she reaches through, grabs hold of the monitor and shakes it with all her might!! And when she is victorious, she returns to her cave.
Quietly waiting her next conquest. Her next victim.

Two Peas in a Pod. Make That Four!

2010-09-29T17:11:00.003-06:00

Playdates are always fun. Anna and Kaylee get along great.

We asked Kaylee what she wanted to be for Halloween and she said "Iron Man".

I asked Anna what she wanted to be for Halloween and she said "a princess Ironman"Abby and Courtney

They don't play so much together yet, but Abby is more than willing to give her a nice push in the babyswing or help her bounce in the bouncey seat!!

Ten Rules for Being Human

2010-09-29T10:15:00.003-06:00

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation.
The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."

4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."

7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you.
All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

By Cherie Carter-Scott

Ooh I found a new site!!

2010-09-24T08:52:00.006-06:00

I came across a new site that I'm in love with!! It's a jewelry site. And it's AFFORDABLE!

When we went to Swiss Days I priced out charm necklaces, by the time you added up all the charms AND the chain, you were looking at $40 or MORE. Sorry, but I'm on a budget these days.

Then I came across Aunt Peg's Handmade Jewelry. I found her Etsy site and really want this pendant:

She had a bunch of pendants that are really affordable.

Ah, I think I'm in cheap (ahem, affordable) love!

Moab

2010-09-19T12:38:00.013-06:00

We loaded up the RV and the kids (and dogs) and headed down to Moab for a week. It was really nice weather. Warm but not that overwhelming hot that Moab can get. We did a lot of jeeping, a lot of hiking and a lot of site seeing.Ah, hot dogs by the fire!Even better were foot rubs by the fire!!

We drove the front part of the Elephant Hill trail so we could make our way the Joint Trail hike. We actually went home through the Beef Bison trail on the way out (instead of doubling back to the Elephant trail). It was a LONG DRIVE. Seriously. It went on and on and one. We finally got back to camp at like 7:30pm and were all so tired of being in the car. It was pretty, driving through the southern part of Canyonlands, but we did not anticipate that long of a drive back.

Baby Rattle Snake I almost stepped on getting out of the Jeep along the trail.

Very narrow pass. Anything wider than a Jeep and you wouldn't have made it.

Petroglyphs along the trail. So awesome to see!

Hiking the Joint Trail
This has been one of my favorite hiking trails. It was awesome!

The only way in or out was by 4wd. And some of the obstacles were nasty too!

Hiking Delicate Arch

Anna did pretty well. We had an Abby meltdown in the parking lot with Abby just after we put her in the pack, but once she calmed down we did the hike with her on my back and Anna on Chris's shoulders for a good part of the hike up. Talk about a workout!!!

If you drive up Slick Rock and just keep driving and driving, you end up on the La Sal loop. We went from desert to forest. It was beautiful!Hiking with Abby

She starts out so fussy....Then eventually gives in!Ken's Lake

We camped at a place called Ken's Lake.

It's this little man-made lake that was just across from the campground.

Bear chased the ducks away!Even Holly got in the water!!Hole N' The Rock

We of course hit up the Hole N' the Rock petting zoo for Anna.

Okay, I'll admit it. I enjoyed feeding the animals as much as she did.

My camera died about 10 minutes into the Steel Bender trail. I managed to take some videos with my cell phone of a spot that Chris really had a tough time climbing. It was at that point his 4 wheel drive in his Jeep kept popping out. Come to find out a bolt in the differential randomly came out and was grinding in the unit. Completely random and didn't have anything to do with the actually wheeling, just happened at that exact time. So now we'll be buying new differentials for the Jeep which Chris wanted to upgrade anyway, but not right now. So it looks like Christmas will come early for Perk!

These pictures below are from 3 separate trails.

Fins N' Things, Elephant Hill & Steel Bender

For Sale

2010-09-06T16:34:00.003-06:00

I've got my Jeep Patriot up for sale.

If anyone is in the market for a new "used" car, please let me know!

ccperkins132@msn.com

2007 Jeep Patriot

$11,300, 55k miles

4 wheel drive, automatic, 28 mpg, tow package included, new tires, 4-cylinder but has a lot of get-up-and-go!

I've really loved my Patriot, but with being home now and Chris driving a company car, we simply do not have use for a 3rd vehicle.

My husband. #1!

2010-09-02T10:46:00.005-06:00

Chris won Branch Manager of the Quarter 2009/2010 from Enterprise. He's only been a branch manager for a few months, came into this position and blew the rest of the area (which includes Utah AND Idaho) out of the water!

Chris took a HUGE leap of faith when he left the retail industry 2 years ago and we're so blessed that things have worked out the way they have. He worked very hard for BBB, always going above and beyond and was almost never recognized for his efforts. It's so nice to be part of a company that puts the business in the hands of the employees and not the shareholders. It's nice to know that employees have a voice and that guess what? The customer ISN'T always right!! It's nice that ERAC backs their employees.

I love that Chris has a clear, attainable career path at ERAC and that his future isn't based on whether ONE guy likes you or not.

Chris, you've worked extremely hard to get where you're at. You work nonstop and have such dedication and passion for your job. What a role model you are for your family and those you work with.

Love ya tons, so proud and congratulations!

A Friendly Day At The Zoo

2010-08-31T14:29:00.004-06:00

We had a fun friend day out yesterday.

We met Angie and Erica and girls at the zoo, braved the rainy weather and survived taking 6 kids to lunch at Red Robin! We are strong women!! These 3 really crack me up. They were all born with in 4 months of each other.All the kids except baby Courtney. Little Alle on the slide
Little matching umbrella's.

I love that Anna and Avva are all about Princesses, then Kaylee has Batman!

So funny! Angie and baby Courtney

Anna and no longer the baby in the group, Abby

Erica named her Mary Kay unit "Erica's Eagles", so I totally made her go stand by this so I could take her picture. So funny!Pretty sure all the kids (and mom's) had a fun day!

A Day With Grandma

2010-08-31T14:16:00.005-06:00

We spent the day with Grandma at Lagoon. It was so nice. NO crowds, we got right on most the rides and Chris and I were able to ride the big coasters while my mom watched the kids. Plus Chris got to ride the rides I won't (Blast off) with my mom. It was a win-win day!

Grandma & Abby

Coming down the Log Flume

Chris tried to soak me on Rattlesnake Rapids.
Didn't work did it Chris!!Abby absolutely loves to be outside. She's such a people watcher.My mom was just as excited as Anna was to ride the Dinosaur Drop!Mom being Chris's ride buddy!

Trouble Times 2!

2010-08-27T16:07:00.004-06:00

I was going to wait until Monday to post this under my "Not Me Monday" post, but I couldn't wait. When my kids make messes the first thing I should do is run and get a towel/mop/bucket/cleaner. That's what I SHOULD do. But me being me...I RUN for my camera!

Abby got a hold of a leftover banana in Anna's room.

I'm sure she enjoyed SMASHING it into everything she could!

ANNA + WATER + HOLLY = MUD FIGHT!

I've had a nasty cold this week so getting up at 7:30am hasn't been ideal. One morning as I tried to sleep in a bit, I could hear Anna outside laughing and Holly barking like mad. Plus I could tell the water hose was running. Finally I peeled myself out of bed to find that Anna had a dirt fight with Holly. I'm pretty sure Anna won.

An Amazing Story

2010-08-23T12:07:00.003-06:00

My niece Jodi and I attended a financial seminar last week called Smart Women Smart Money (Imagine A Happier You) that was hosted by Zions Bank. It was geared towards helping you financially with debt, budgeting and savings. The conference was very informative and I'm already planning to convert the girls' savings accounts into 529 accounts this week!

The keynote speaker was Lee Woodruff. Now if you're not familiar with her, you may remember the story of ABC anchor Bob Woodruff being on location in Iraq when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb. Bob was severely injured and by most accounts, should not have survived.

But he did. And his wife Lee tells the story of his survival and more emotionally, her own. Her amazing story is one of strength and spirit. If you have a chance, check out her book "In An Instant" and "Perfectly Imperfect" (that's the one I'm really looking forward to).

It's stories like Lee's that makes me realize how precious life is and how in one instant, everything can change. Living life to the fullest is really what it is all about.

http://www.leewoodruff.com/

http://www.imagineahappieryou.com/

Not Me Monday

2010-08-23T09:31:00.003-06:00

Nope. Not me.

I brought Abby into our bed last night because she was teething and wasn't sleeping well.
But I did not let her crawl on Chris when she woke up hoping he would have a better idea of how to get her back to sleep.

Nope! Not me.

And I did not simply roll over when I felt the sheet wet from her leaky bottle. Nope. not me.

And this morning I did not give Anna back the toys Chris had taken from her (from not listening yesterday) because I was too exhausted/delirious from the lack of sleep, to get up and help her do anything creative with the other toys in her room.

Nope. Not me.

Oh and there is not a full load of clothes still sitting in the washer from last night.

Nope. Definitely Not me!

Simplicity. It's what's for dinner.

2010-08-22T18:50:00.002-06:00

I was making chicken enchiladas for dinner tonight, and Anna decided she wanted to help.
Julia Child she is not!

Teeth

2010-08-22T18:45:00.002-06:00

This one is teething...badly!!

Two straight days of fussing, crying, non-sleeping nights!!

I'm pretty sure Chris and I got a total of 4 hours between the 2 of us last night.

Anna was never this bad.

Sometimes I think she cries just to hear her own voice!!But when she isn't teething, she's pretty darn cute!

Even if more food ends up on her face than in her mouth!

Congratulations!

2010-08-17T21:44:00.001-06:00

Just a quick shout out to our dear friends Josh and Virginia who were married last week in Jamaica!

Congratulations and.... It's about time!!
Mr and Mrs Wheatley

A Nice Family Day

2010-08-16T12:15:00.003-06:00

On Sunday Chris decided we needed to get out of the house and go somewhere nice and relaxing. So he convinced me to take the long drive up to the Uintas to go to Mirror Lake for some fishing. We drove up through Evanston and the drive alone was quite nice. I'm so glad he made us go. It was beautiful and relaxing and such nice weather on the lake. I just wished I had taken a book to read or journal to write in, I'm not much of a fisherman these days.

I think Chris and Anna caught 5 total!

And if you stop at the Uinta's Drive-In in Kamas for food...don't ask for a FRESH LIME drink. It's simply sprite with fresh lime squeezed in. Um, not exactly what we were expecting. BUT they will mess up your food order and give you extra fries and onion rings in addition to your own food. The burgers are really the best part. Whatever kind of bread they use (maybe chabatta?) was well worth the wait and crazy service we received.

Welcome to the world Courtney

2010-08-13T16:26:00.002-06:00

We're so excited to finally meet you!

* * *

Courtney Dana Kinnersley

August 7, 2010

7lbs 5oz , 19in
Congratulation Angie, Jason and Kaylee!

My Girls

2010-08-12T20:46:00.005-06:00

My amazing neighbor Leigh came over and took some photos of Anna for her birthday. She is an amazing photographer and she really got some great shots.

This is my FAVORITE picture of Anna.
I love the concentration on Anna's little face.
Abby was a little fussy from time to time, but she was able to really capture Abby's little face as she studied things around her.
My FAVORITE picture of Abby. Look at those eyes! Those cheeks!!

Not Me Monday

2010-08-09T14:32:00.003-06:00

*I did not forget about my morning walk with the neighbor and roll out of bed at 9:00am to her knocking because we were lazy and stayed in bed.
*I did not take my kids for the morning walk still in their jammies and not fed breakfast!!
*I did not let my dog drink out of the fountain and leave a gallon of slobber all over it.
*I did not buy a Christmas present for my husband today.

Nope. Not me.

www.mycharmingkids.net

Princesses

2010-08-08T21:08:00.002-06:00

Anna got 2 princess costumes for her birthday.

She shared one with Abby. It was the cutest thing.

I'm pretty sure they love each other!

Family Birthday Dinner

2010-08-08T20:52:00.003-06:00

We had a family birthday party for Anna at my mom's house. It was fun to just sit out on the patio and enjoy the nice August weather.

Once again, Anna was spoiled!!

Anna and her cousin Haylee

I think Will is finally giving in the fact that I usually always have my camera with me. I seem to get more pictures of him face forward as the years go by!! I think he might even be giving a small smile here!?Never a stranger to a smile...Aunt Fuffy!Colby takes after his dad. No smile. EVER!Oh the love birds!! Jodi & Larry.Grandma

Who's always welcome to having our tornado in her home!
Ashley, Autumn and Jared

Happy Birthday Anna!

2010-08-08T20:25:00.004-06:00

She celebrated FOUR with her friends and had THE BEST time!

Chris and I got her a bike but I don't think she was very surprised since for the past 2 weeks we've dragged her to every Toys R Us and Walmart from Sugar House to Layton to price bikes and have her sit on it to size them. Still, she'll be so much more excited when she sees her little friends outside riding theirs. Now she can keep up!!

The gang

The kids eating. Notice how there are no boys in the circle?

They just sat and gabbed and ate!

I guess it starts young!!Princess birthday cake that Anna picked out.Uncle Mike was able to make it to the party.

Anna adores her Uncle Mike

When she opened the gift of Polly Pockets he gave her, she said "OH THANK YOU UNCLE MIKE" in the sweetest, more appreciative voice. Ashton and Keegan picked out the ultimate princess dress up box.

Ashton sure had great time playing dressing up. Pretty sure this is all Sara here!!Haley is the cutest. She wore the little earrings as long as possible.
Of course we made it a water party.

Water slide and pool....

And a SHARK SLIP-N-SLIDE!!!

How cool is that? You slide in the mouth of the shark!!

Anna was so excited about it all week. Any time she got a chance to tell someone about it, she did! She LOVED it!
Thanks to my niece Autumn for coming up for the weekend and helping out.

She babysat the girls for us on Friday so Chris and I could go birthday shopping and to a movie. Yes, we finally had a date night! And it was lovely!

In Memory

2010-08-04T10:54:00.002-06:00

My uncle Blair lost his battle with cancer this week. He was such a neat guy. He looked so much like my dad that when I saw him it gave me a sense that my dad was around. I remember when I was little he was the only uncle whose lap I would sit on, I was too shy with everyone else.

The last time I saw my uncle we were embarrasing him by singing happy birthday at the restaurant after my Uncle Kim's funeral. He just sat there with that big Holding smile on his face.

Cancer may have taken your body, but it will never take your spirit.

Grandma Joy

2010-08-02T13:07:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty sure they are all smitten with each other.

It's amazing to see how much spunk Grandma Joy has when it comes to the girls.

Summer Rain Storms

2010-08-02T12:56:00.002-06:00

As my dad would have said "I didn't raise no sissy's!"

I'm glad Chris isn't raising his girls that way either!

We got caught in a fun little summer storm on our way home from Salt Lake this past weekend. The Jeep has a mesh bikini top, so when you're at a stop you can feel the rain come through, but when your driving, oh say over 40mph, you feel nothing.

Chris calls it his personal "mister". Abby would not keep her carseat cover over her.
Anna thought it was hilarious!