Been awhile

Seems like nothing has really happened recently except everyday ordinary things.  I have been so lacking in creativity and interesting ideas.  But then I remember that this Summer will make up for it all!  So, here is a new blog to document our Summer travels: http://www.onesillythought.blogspot.com/ and it already has ONE post!!!! (So proud of myself!)  I'm hoping to post every day and also include the boys point of view...  We'll see how that goes, could get some really interesting opinions!  So come follow along, and hopefully I remember to bring all our clothes!

Halloween Candy

K, just have to say this is SO funny! Kids at 2:45 are the BEST! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzs&sns=em&noredirect=1

Walk on the Wild Side (in the middle of the night)

So I fell asleep on the couch last night and came up to bed at 1:00 in the morning. As I burrowed into my pillow squishing my face into it, I thought I heard some strange noises. I held still and thought I heard it again. I turned to by back to better hear with my two ears, and yes! Something was on the roof and it sounded BIG! Something was walking around and then I heard a thud... Well, naturally, I woke Trent up! No not really, I let him sleep and I went into stealth mode. I snuck downstairs to find my trusty, heavy-duty, hit-him-over-the-head maglite. It was trustily dead! I tried two different sets of batteries and finally got it running, thinking that my night-time visitor would be long gone by now. I now had that blindness that follows turning of the lights, but I thought I could see a dark shape on my deck!!! Maybe the thud was him landing there??? I turned on my flashlight and saw....a big circle of light reflected back on my! I quickly adjusted the beam and saw....HIM! Must have been a male because he was kind of scrawny and mangy. Hair all messed up and skinny. He looked back at me and then tried to look nonchalant as if he belonged there. He tried to straighten his hair and look natural, but the mask and striped tail gave him away. He was not part of my family and did not belong on my roof. I watched him for a moment, becoming the peeping tom myself. Finally, my midnight adventures needed to end and I rattled the doorknob, he quickly jumped not over the railing but through it and ran away. (Yup, he was that skinny.) I went back to bed and was sleeping nicely when early this morning I thought I heard and interesting noise...one of the lowest keys on my piano played! What was going on??? I thought that was strange and started to imagine what kind of rodent was loose in my house when I heard another note. Since one ear was embedded in the pillow again, I wasn't sure if I was hearing correctly. I blew in Trent's face (because what better way to get someone's attention than morning breath) to wake him up. I wasn't taking this one on alone... I said, "Trent, I think something is playing my piano!" He grinned and replied, "I must be getting really talented because that was me, I farted!" Yeah, one WILD NIGHT!

Post 4! I've outdone 2010

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373877/Teens-dad-spends-school-year-waving-at-bus-embarrassing-son.html?pg=2

http://www.waveatthebus.blogspot.com/

Read the article first then look at the blog. I like day 167 the most so far.

More...

because you can never have enough photos...

Cousin Trista and baby with the most amazing eyelashes you've ever seen.

Cousin Carrie and Trudy
Us
Cole added to the flower arrangement...additions did not improve it!!!! Had to remove them pronto...

SIL and most content baby ever!
Wonderful father who babysat during the service. THANK YOU!
Love that the little boys helped.

Serious discussions
Trudy and friend
Great Great Grandma and Cousin Heather's baby

Some of my favorite photos from Ty's funeral. At first I didn't know what to think of having a photographer. Really didn't know what to think. Didn't know if I thought it was strange and unusual or kind of wonderful. During and after the funeral, I was so glad that Trudy's family helped arrange it. He captured some wonderful moments. Not to mention people we didn't remember seeing; you're kind of in a fog during a funeral. The photographer was Charles West from Utah County. He was amazing and created a wonderful video for our family. Looking back at the images is amazing and strangely comforting. It definitely brings the emotions back, but the empathy and sympathy you can see in people's expressions is mesmerizing, and beautiful in it's own way.

Outdo 2010

Hey! Three posts in 2010! I think I can top that! First off, a friend is in Eastern Europe right now adopting a special needs child. For her amazing story go to http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com It's an incredible experience. Also, there are awesome pics of Ukraine!

Alaska

I gave Trent a fishing trip to Alaska with his Dad, Grandpa and Uncles. Pretty nice right? All I really expected in return was simple. Some pictures, some phone calls, a little detail please!?! Not too much really. I sent him with one of my cameras and instructions to take lots of photos. My phone conversations? Almost non-existant. A quick call to tell me he didn't know how to work the camera. Another quick one in the midst of fish cleaning and packaging. I think there were two more besides, but they were so non-discript I couldn't think about them if I tried, so I won't. Oh, and all the photos of beautiful Alaska that should have come home on the SD card? Let's see there is a picture of his Dad laying down in the cuddy of the boat sea sick. There are two identical pictures of the cabin. Three pictures have boats in them. Two pictures show pine covered hills. One picture of Grandpa. Did you count them? Yes, that makes nine. Here are the rest.....

Yes, this is Steve. Lucky for us his hat is labeled, since his face is completely in shadow. What did I ask for? a picture of all the guys together....What did I get....I get Steve.

If I have to settle for a picture of one single guy, the least you could do is smile....

One picture of a fish. Yes, a fishing trip and ONE picture of a fish.

This must be the BIG fish they caught! He looks awfully small to be the 135 pound halibut I heard about. You fishermen and your tall tales.

Finally, a picture of someone holding a pole. At least I think there is someone back there.

Yes, I have twelve pictures of Trent's trip. Yep....thank goodness Grandpa knows how to take pictures!

Great Views

I had a very vivid dream about this....

Really thought I was here.....

And woke up to this.......

Happy to be exactly where I am!

Pathetic....

I just noticed on a friends blog that I haven't updated mine for 7 months! To top that I only had 5 entries last year. Sad. Unfortunately this is my first post this year and while I type Jayden is clogging the toilet with paper! Bye!

I'm Tackling It

I'm going to be productive,...and creative,...and crafty. (I hope!) For years, Trent has asked, "What are you doing with this?" (in reference to an old bookshelf, a never used stool, and a display shelf for miniature tea sets that was in an unfortunate shade of green. Not a bad color ten years ago and it did match the $20.oo floor lamps I bought at Kmart, but hasn't matched my decor for 6 or 7 years now.
"DON'T THROW THAT OUT", I shriek in a panic, followed by a meek, "I'm going to paint it..."

So, these items have made multiple moves from home to home; each time with good intentions. I even spent $100.00 on the paints, brushed and faux producing products I would need...all while Trent in the background mumbles about it not being worth it, and will I really use these supplies? When did I buy these, you may ask? Last winter...

Well, Friday Trent cleaned out the garage and I jumped on the opportunity to use said garage for my project headquarters. "Let's not park the cars in here today, honey", I say. "I'd like to paint in here, it's so clean without any dirt or leaves; just what I need."

I almost jumped on the opportunity...I started three days later - today! One coat of barn red paint currently adorns each item. And I've officially decided never to paint anything with dowels EVER again. So, now for your opinions, yes YOU, my one and only follower. First, my vision: a coat of red followed by crackling for effect and then a tan to cover (almost) the red followed by a brown glaze. Similar to a clock Andrea's ward did. I can do it when someone stands next to me and walks me through the whole thing. On my own? Who knows what could happen...

Let's start with the stool...
I'm thinking leave the top red and crackle/tan the bottom portion. Ideas?

Next bookshelf...

Leave the inside red or tan?

Crackle/tan the exterior.

Last, the dish displayer...

Garbage?

Continue toiling with long hours of labor just to paint the dowels?

Cover the red with tan, sand mildly in some areas. Use crackle in strategic locations only and then glaze?

I should mention these will all be in different rooms and hopefully not overwhelming....

All suggestions welcome (Andrea!)

YES! I Love Vinegar!

Vinegar, one of my best friends, has just climbed the ladder and is in position number ONE! I know the smell is slightly offensive, but for cleaning power alone it is Numbero Uno! Cole has always been so good with gum. Out of the wrapper, immediately in the mouth - chew, chew, chew and to the garbage. No fingers pulling it out of the mouth, no bubble blowing, no sticking in little brothers hair. But, .... all good tales must come to an end ...

Cole, "I think I'll take this gum out of my mouth while I'm in the truck. I'll be nice and put it on the car seat and not the new truck itself. Oh, but wait, not only will I put it on the car seat, I will sit on it! Oh, but I can't do this while we're home, no, no, no, no, NO...I will do it while we are in Heber City and going to dinner. Darn it, there is ice water and an industrious Grandmother to chip away at the stray gum, while Mom takes care of a hungry Baby J! Drat, that wasn't fun enough. When we get home I will chew gum while jumping on the bed. That's a great combination, right! Opps, the gum just bounced right out of my mouth. Now, where is it? I can't find it! I will look now. OOOOH, I've been missing this Spiderman, now where is his car. I really must play with Spiderman now, I'll look for the gum later. I forget about the gum, but that's okay. Mom will find it right? Yup, Mom found it. She doesn't look too happy. I guess it is kind of a mess. It's in the sheets. There, there, there, here, over there, and here. Oh, and there's some more over there, .....and there and I just put my hand in some more. What? It's on the mattress protector, too? I don't know how it got there. Mom, are you sure these are the only sheets you own for my bed. You have some extras for your bed right? Oh, they are a different size? Oh well, I can sleep in my sleeping bag....."

Gum + hot vinegar = the best solution I've ever seen! I thought the sheets were done for. It was smashed in and spread in strings from one end of his sheet to the other. A little search on the Internet and I found a solution better than ice! You microwave your vinegar, use a little scrub brush and VOILA! It melts and disintegrates! Right before your eyes! Yes, vinegar has saved the day. Oh, and it works best on sugar-free gum. Gum ball gum took more work. Had to heat up my friend a bit more for the sugary stuff. No more gum for Cole, ... EVER! I really mean it, kind of.

Personal Guarantee: You'll laugh and cry

You can't help but smile, funny, funny lady:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

A name you'll want to remember - Susan Boyle.

Very interesting father and son:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg

I was laughing so hard, it was silent.

By the way, my personal guarantee doesn't cover anything, but if you didn't laugh, smile, and tear up just a little bit-you might be dead-check for pulse. Okay, now admit it, you downloaded the video didn't you!!!

Dictionary Additions - according to Cole

Bedtime Stupid: the state of stupidity that requires you to go to bed so you'll stop. Know causes: sleepiness, drowsiness, mind altering drugs, Benedryl, or just plain stupidity.

Jayden was so tired he would not go to bed last night. Cole would say, "Jayden is being bedtime stupid."

We've also been able to use this phrase today. Oh, so many uses!

Whatever....

I'm really not sure what to say. I can't really think of anything we've done in the past couple months. It seems like we're in a rut. Just doing the same stuff over and over. We did clean the garage out. Is that note worthy? It was the house garage, not the RV.....bummer. I finally bought a new vacuum cleaner! Thanks Janna for the recommend. I also bought a crockpot. Whoppee.....I was a little excited. I somehow misplaced two crockpots in the last move. I don't know how you lose those things; they're so big, but I did. Um, Christmas was fun... The boys look so cute in their Ute jerseys. Are you bored yet, I am. Cole had six shiny stainless steel caps put into his mouth. I'm so pleased that I've spent enough on his mouth that I could have bought a car:( (and I have to postpone having my eyes fixed).

Just a closing note. Cole was sent to the principal's office. He has been struggling with controlling his body. They turned his kindergarten over to the student teacher and he had a hay-day with that. Poor girl! So, a few weeks later I come home to find a certificate saying he earned a trip to the principal's office. Now I was confused the paper looked really kind of cute, but said it was for having power to control his body. Since this had been a problem a couple of weeks previously, I couldn't tell if he had been in trouble or not. The teacher had signed it and put a smiley face. Still, I couldn't tell if this was to reassure me that the problem was being handled or if he had done something good. I had to ask him to clear up my confusion. Apparently, a trip to the principal's office ends with a treat and a toy. It's a good thing? When I was in school the principals were mean and grumpy; you definitely didn't want to go down there. He's so proud of himself (and I am, too)!

Lake Powell

Somehow, I had this as a draft and never published it, so here it finally is.
We spent a few days at Lake Powell. I hadn't been in years. What a beautiful place. Trent's Uncle Steve went with us and showed us some canyons we hadn't ever seen.

Cole loved the indian ruins. He had to sit in this one with Jayden.

Jayden was so good on the boat. I'm glad he doesn't mind the lifejacket.

We had a great time exploring. I hadn't ever been up a lot of the canyons. We enjoyed seeing the fish and even caught a couple. I actually ate fish. I know, you can't believe it, but I loved the large-mouth bass we cooked. I've even crave it occasionally.

Jayden will be blessed

This is not the best way to do this, but it is super short notice and hopefully you will all see this. Jayden is being blessed this Sunday at 11:00 am at 10000 South 3100 East. 90th South turns into 9800 South as you approach Little Cottonwood Canyon. At 3100 East there is a church. Turn and go South from there and you will run into our church. We'd love to have everyone there. Please leave a comment if you can be there. We will have some refreshments at the house after-10562 Wasatch Blvd (the last real road that runs north and south along the mountain.

What did my yard produce?

A whole lot of scrub oak!!!! ( and trash trees and wild rose!) But.....I did have a lovely colorful driveway garden! I'm glad I planted my rose bushes last year. It seems they and a lovely little group of columbine are the only flowers on my entire acre of property! (if you don't count a rather healthy supply of vinca major ground cover that has little purple flowers and keeps Cole occupied trying to create large bouquets of little flowers on none-existant stems, but I digress) What was with the previous owners???? Supposedly there have been three wedding receptions held here in the past!?!?!?! What??? I guess if you like an abundance of scrub oak and weeds this would be the perfect setting. Anyway, I would like to share the one floral highlight of my year-a complete bouquet!

Finalized Forever

We took Jayden to the Salt Lake Temple on October 14th to be sealed to our family. I became emotional as we entered the temple, Trent carrying Jayden and Cole's little hand in mine. What an incredible experience it was to take the boys inside. Cole loved the little ladies that took care of him and Jayden while Trent and I got dressed. Cole was Cole and wanted to see everything and wanted to be at the altar with us. He watched as Trent and I knelt across the altar from each other. My mother held Jayden and placed his tiny hand upon our clasped hands. I don't have words for the emotions that ran through my body as Jayden grasped my thumb and looked at me with his wise eyes. How can a baby seem to understand so much. He has been gifted with an understand of our situation. From the moment he was born he would focus completely upon our eyes. He is so loving and intelligent. These past six months have flown by, and yet I've known Jayden forever. This day was one of the most important of my life; made especially important because of Cole's and Jayden's participation.

Still late

I'm thirty-two. yeah.... Trent arranged to send the boys to his mom's for the night and we found a cute bed and breakfast downtown to stay in for the night. Trent got tickets for the Saturday morning session of conference, so it worked out well being downtown already. We tried so hard to find me a new outfit for my birthday, but I am not a great shopper. I think we wasted two hours in Macy's trying so hard and the only outfit I was interest in wasn't in my size. Oh well, he tried. I really do appreciate that he'll take me shopping instead of picking something himself. Most of the time I'm not exactly thrilled with what he finds. He's not a great shopper either! We did get to see a movie. I finally got to see Dark Knight. Quite good. We wandered around Gateway for a while, too. We are really lame when it comes to date night. They just don't happen often enough anymore. We're out of practice. We had a great time though. It's weird to think of my age. I pretty much ignore it the rest of the year and if anyone askes my age I'm stumped for a minute.