Seriously Happy

Ollie's 3rd Birthday Video

2012-01-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

I am way overdue for an update, and I am so sad and disappointed in myself for not keeping up on my family blog. I guess living closer to family and Quilt Story taking more and more of my time, I left the blog go by the wayside. But I do plan on doing a catch-up by the end of January. But today is Oliver's 3rd Birthday video. It takes me a couple hours to do these videos, but I really hope that I do them forever! We watch them all the time and I think it's just a fun way to document our lives.

Music: We Belong Together by Paul Newman from Toy Story

Mr. Ollie

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby Oliver!

Video coming this weekend :)

My love

2011-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today I married my E.

He's the best.

I love him.

This is our first anniversary apart.

In fact it's the longest we've been apart since April of 2002.

It's been too many weeks and I miss E.

Fall 2004

Happy Anniversary Love!!

Stinkers

2011-07-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

We've been in Utah all of July, spent the 4th at Lake Powell and the rest in Salt Lake...my boys are going to be so bored when we get back home!! We are seeing friends and family everyday and doing a lot of fun things. Here are a couple of funny stories I don't want to forget:

Sawyer: Mom, I want to get 10 dogs.
Mom: Nobody really has 10 dogs, how about we get 1 to start with?
S: How about 4?
M: Let's name the people we know, and how many dogs they have. How many dogs does FiFi have?
S: 2
M: How many dogs does Peb have?
S: 1...Mom, does Casey Anthony have any dogs?

Me: Ollie, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Ollie: I want me to be big and Sawyer to be little.

Sawyer Boy is 4!

2011-06-20T01:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Mr. Sawyer

Music

Free Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell and Lisa Loeb

Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Folding Chair by Regina Spektor

The 2nd Child

2011-06-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

This guy. Oliver, the 2nd child. He's funny. He says so many things that I think only a 2nd child would say, having an awesome sibling to show them the ways.

"Is that funny?"

"Is that super duper fast?"

"I want dad's iphone and play Peter Parker."

"I want this one, this one, this one...I want everything!"

"Is that cool?"

"I want you to beat me up dad."

""I'm 3." "I'm 5." "I'm 6."

"Is that a cool cool trick?"

"Holy crap."

"Oh my gosh."

"Is it charging?" referring to the iphone

being rascally and getting into powdered sugar

June 2011

I left my heart

2011-06-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

I always forget how much I love the beach.
I was born in Mission Viejo, CA afterall.
I think I love it, and then we drive on the coast...step in the sand...hear the waves crash...
And I fall head over heels.

The perfect trip.

Three days.

6 hour drive.

Free GORGEOUS home to stay in, by ourselves. (Thanks Tracine and Juan!!)

20 minutes to the beach.

Day 1, Newport Beach and Ruby's Diner.

Beach.

How to do the beach for boys:
Run for your life.

how awesome is that photo!? I only wish it was closer up.

Ollie was taken out a few times, but was a good sport about it.

Telling dad about how awful the water tastes.

Day 2, museum, relaxing.

They were both so serious and intense about laying on the bed of nails. I've never seen either of them that still for so long when they're awake.

Day 3, Laguna Beach.

Looking at the tide pools where we saw hermit crabs and bigger scarier crabs.

Ice cream before hitting the road home.

Must go back. Soon.

It's True!

2011-05-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

I was so good at posting weekly. So good.

Well the last couple of weeks have been crazy! My amazing in-laws flew from Florida to take care of my boys while I went to International Quilt Market in SLC. It was so busy, fun, crazy, hectic, overwhelming, exhausting, made me wanna cry, laughed a lot AND I am so doing it again and again. If you like to craft or fabric or if you're a girl, you would have loved it. So amazing. This is a pic of our booth and you can see this post on Quilt Story for more pictures.

Just hours after I left I get a call that Ollie had been throwing up non-stop. The next few days my poor baby was so sick, losing weight, not keeping anything down. Bless Celia!!! Oh my goodness! They didn't leave the house all week. Sad.

I think they're friends again.

We had a lot of fun when I got home...including Chuck E. Cheese, swimming, shopping, Jeopardy challenges, games. The last night they took me out for my birthday (tomorrow :) at a really cool local place called Joe's Farm Grill. It's all so nice and fresh, you eat outside and the kids can run around. Here are some pictures we got there.

Sawyer's face cracks. me. up.

I adore this picture. It makes me so happy I have sons. You can tell that he loves her so much.

Hey! Two E's!

I just can't get over these pics. I just love the silhouette against the sky.

Nana and Papa Jimenez are getting pics of all the boys in the family in the Panamanian Guayabera shirts. Don't the look so handsome?

Yes! Ollie is that old!! He isn't a baby anymore :(

And in other news, Sawyer can swim!

Okay, if you see him please don't throw him in a pool or lake...he's just a beginner. But it's crazy how fast kids learn! He's a little fishie now. He can swim probably 10-15 feet on his own, even coming up for a breath! He loves diving to the bottom to get his torpedos too.

Just ask him how to swim, he loves to give people lessons on dry land. It includes a lot of arm spasms and running.

Holy moly

2011-04-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm being featured on Moda Bake Shop!!!!

This is like a personal crafting dream of mine. I love checking out MBS and all the cool projects there...it is a big deal for me and a big deal for our blog!! (At least I think it is)

Moda Bake Shop: it is mostly sewing tutorials. A lot of quilt tutes, but not exclusively. They have tutorials on kids clothing, home decor, you name it. Moda is a fabric distributor and manufacturer. It is called a bake shop because Moda offers pre-cut fabrics, ie Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Dessert Rolls...fabrics that are already cut to a certain size for you.

Anyway you can go over and check out my tutorial, maybe even comment? :)

Happenings

2011-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

My brothers and their families came over Easter weekend to visit. It was a blast. Sawyer and Ollie had 8 cousins playing with them non-stop, we went bowling, ate out, saw a movie, celebrated Easter, went swimming, swimming and more swimming. Apparently it is STILL SNOWING in Utah!! My brother Dan and his family kept extending their trip because they couldn't stand the thought of going back to the snow!!

I didn't get very many pictures this weekend. I'm in a bit of a media crisis right now. There's some kind of issue with each of our cameras and video camera. Boo.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited do you think Sawyer is about his Easter candy?

For your general viewing pleasure, blue bunny shaped pancakes for breakfast:

And the Easter bunny was quite thoughtful and got the boys super hero jams.

Just a little more than 2 weeks until quilt market...EEEK!!!!!

Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!

2011-04-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Mr. Sawyer is growing up!! It's exciting that he's old enough to be able to do classes and things, but at the same time it makes me a little sad. Is that bad? Because I know that Ollie is just around the corner from being able to do all the same things too.

Well it's pretty much illegal in AZ for your kids to not know how to swim. Not really, but as much as we're at the pool, I would love for him to be a great swimmer. I never learned how to really swim, but daddy and grandpa are great swimmers, so it must be in him, right?

His first class he got nervous half way through and wanted his life jacket back on and to swim with me and Ollie. But after a pep talk with daddy, he did great the second time. He's really proud of himself actually. Here are some pics I got with my camera phone.

In other news...he totally bites his nails!!! And has for several months. I had no idea a 3 year old could develop such bad habits. What do you do? We tell him to stop whenever we see it, but of course he finds plenty of time to do it. He says he doesn't want any white on his nails...great.

Maybe taking pictures of it isn't the best idea? Oops. :)

Growth Spurt All Around

2011-03-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I've wanted to do a new post because I'm so excited about the new design on my blog! It makes me happy, yes I pull up my blog just to look at it :) So I've been thinking and thinking, what can I post about? I think we're do for an all around update. Perfect.

Oliver

I'm two

The other morning he asked for a hot dog for breakfast...I gave in. He ate two. So gross.

Yesterday morning we were all lounging on the bed and playing, "who wants to..." some question where we all answer, ME! Well Sawyer said, "Who's Ollie's best friend?" And I answer all sweet and motherly, "Me!" before I could even finish Ollie yelled so loud, "NOT YOU!!!!!!" Ouch.

He is really funny, runs everywhere, talks way too much, makes me laugh all day long. And snuggles.
He spends his days playing outside in the sand, eating so much lately and copying Sawyer.

Sawyer

I'm three

He always needs to be on the go. He's taken up roller-blading (hehe). He can actually wear them around the house without falling every three seconds. When he turns 4 he wants a skateboard, and he says "not the wiggly kind, the straight kind"

We all watched Karate Kid over about a week, twenty or so minutes a day (otherwise I don't think he could have paid attention). He loved it. So many questions. We've already re-watched the tournament and I have a feeling we will a lot.

He doesn't like to eat. What will he eat? Grapefruit, oranges, any fruit really, cereal, warm sandwiches (paninis) and then most everything else takes a lot of talking and bribery.

He spends his days being spider man, getting anyone willing to wrestle or play fight and playing with his little brother.

Meg

I'm busy

I have a lot to do before quilt market in May. I'm excited, nervous, you name it. How would you feel about this picture?

While it makes me ridiculously giddy, it also makes me think of a lot of work!! I think I can I think I can. The good news is that cute argyle pile is going to my mommy for Easter outfits for the boys (thanks mommy!) And the car fabric was cut up tonight and some of it going to my sisters. In May my amazing in-laws are coming to stay with my boys so I can go to market. I have never left my boys for that long!! I think I can I think I can. :) Would I be a really big nerd if I cry?

Other than that fabric-y stuff I'm trying to balance it all, including this awesome blog that's changed my life (at least this week!), I cooked all of our meals for the week in 1 hour on Sunday. Awesome.

Working hard

Love this guy. He's busy keeping up on everything. He's such a good daddy for boys. The weather right now is still cool enough to play outside working in the yard, playing basketball and soccer. Esto spends his day at a clinic, hospital or his office...and sometimes his nights too. :) But I do know that right now he could not be more excited about pretty much anything than Jimmer Fredette and those Cougars! Elite Eight here we come! :)

Don't forget to see my really cute bird family post-separator :)

Happy Birthday, Aunt Laura!

Pouring In

2011-03-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's spring. I can leave my back door open. I feel complete peace and happiness, having the door open, warm sun pouring in, and hearing my kids playing and laughing together. Even if I'm doing dishes, which I was, it is still so nice.

A fabulous time of year.

And soon it will be ridiculously hot, and our AC will run day and night. BUT the nice thing about extreme heat compared to snow, I can still go out. We can still drive to the mall and other fun places. We can still go outside (at like 9 pm). And swimming. We can swim in the morning and in the late afternoon, and nothing makes for a fun way to pass the time like swimming.

According to Sawyer

2011-03-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

E recently took a trip..on a plane...here was the conversation over the phone:
(Although this was days into the trip, S thinks daddy is just flying round and round in the sky)

S: did you get chips and drink yet?
S: did you get white pop or orange pop?
S: tell the airplane man to go super duper fast

Every phone call would start with, "Daddy I want you to be home any minute!"

Oliver was climbing onto my parents counter, and then heading toward the stove which was NOT on.
Me: Ollie baby that is not a good idea, get down.
S: Ollie, do you want to be on AFV??? (america's funniest videos)

He stole the camera. Here's the proof.
Pretty much what he thinks about and does everyday. Sports, sticks, cars and his brother.

Longest ever

2011-03-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

I think this was the longest I ever went between posts (except maybe the first couple). And truth was, I was in Utah for FOUR weeks!! And although I could (and do) giggle all day long at the photo of Ollie as AquaMan in the last post, it's best I caught up.

UTAH Snowy. Family. Cold. (What was I thinking?!? I left AZ and it was in the 70's!!) I got to see my nephew get his Eagle Scout. I had girls nights. I crafted, a lot. I met with some fabric designer people in prep for Quilt Market. (SO scary, SO exciting). I got to see friends. I had lunch with my mommy and watched murder shows with my dad. :) Here are some pics I know you can't wait to see! :)

Chuck E Cheese, twice.

Playing with cousins

this would make the best band ever, right? Ollie thinks so.

My brother Rich and Ollie. My brothers are identical twins and they think Rich and Dan are the same person, that's why they love them so much because they see "him" twice as much as anyone else. Shhh, I don't think my brothers know.

Seeing friends, sorry Max, Ruby and Simon, we'll make it happen!

sorry Ash, not one I could use of me!!

My sisters, Amy and Heather.

Finished my car quilt, (and now I'm making it over again)

And cinnamon challenges with my nieces and nephew. Sorry guys.

Basically, you eat a spoonful of cinnamon. Apparently (see below) it's very hard to do. I've never tried (ha!). It was very entertaining, I highly recommending convincing others to do it.

And yes, there was barf involved.

It was really fun. I was excited to be back in to my own schedule again, but really sad to not have so much family and friends around.

My sister Heather drove the 12 hours back with me and the boys, and then flew home a day later. How nice is that?!? Thanks sister.

Get excited, I plan on more posts, maybe even tonight!!!

Keeping You Safe

2011-02-03T00:07:00.000-08:00

These two fighting invisible bad guys everyday just has the cuteness meter ready to explode. Man I love having two boys!!

If you'd like to see a two year old singing a very raspy ABC's, see below. The meter definitely broke with this one.

My mommy is still here. Love it. Don't remember what life was like before. With E so busy it has been so nice. E finished his surgery rotation, and although it was the hardest (hours) I think he really loved it. He got to stitch people up and participate in a variety of surgeries and his doc was really really good. He was in a routine surgery where a woman almost died. He came home and told me what happened, he thought she may not make it. He was so happy to see that she was recovering the next day. He's going to be a really good doctor.

I have been obsessed with this song. It is still playing (in my head).

"I'd catch a grenade for ya..."

From the Mouth of Sawyer

2011-01-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

Sawyer: Mom?!?!?!! Are girls people?!?!!?

We were at the park and there was a dead bird, just resting peacefully on a ledge...no apparent injury but definitely dead.
Sawyer: Mom we need a stick so we can poke it...
Me: No, no, I don't want you to get a stick and poke it...
Sawyer: What will we poke it with than?

Texts between my sister Amy and I.
Me: Have any of your kids every barfed (A LOT) in a huge line at Costco? Mine has.
Amy: Have any of your kids ever barfed in sacrament meeting? Mine has.
She wins.

OKJ

2011-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

music

You Are My Sunshine by Elizabeth Mitchell

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Proof.

2011-01-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

Let me say this, I took a TON of pictures and even more video because I really want to make a holiday video. I plan on sharing it this month, so wish me luck :)

However, not only did we prepare for Christmas, we celebrated it. And here's proof.

We got scooters...that we thought were motorized.

We played outside in our jammies.

We dressed up.

We (ALL) played a lot on the iPhone.

We E shoveled snow. We also built a snowman just from the snow on my parents deck. He was 4 feet tall.

We ate snow too.

We played with lots of toys.

And took lots of naps.

I'll kiss those lips for you. :)

Today

2010-12-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

There is a song by Taylor Swift called The Best Day. I see the video at the gym and have to try not to watch, otherwise I turn into a puddle on the treadmill. It is home videos of her with her family and just has really sweet lyrics. The last bit is:

And I didn't know if you knew
So I'm taking this chance to say
That I had the best day
With you today

And today was the best day. The little boys and I ran some errands, we went to the library and picked out random new books. Then I found a calendar and saw that Santa was at a local park, we walked right up and got to see him, no wait at all. We took pictures and walked around downtown Chandler. Afterwards we went and fed ducks at the park and played. We came home and watched Yes, Virginia and it was cute. When it was done Sawyer turned to me with a big smile. Then I read them Polar Express. It was just a nice, happy day with my little boys.

The other night, about 20 minutes after I laid the boys down, I saw Sawyer run across the open doorway. I was sitting at the kitchen table sewing and he ran into the dining room. He was checking our advent calendar where I told him a little elf comes every night and leaves a Hershey kiss for him and Ollie. He's been known to wake at 6 am, go get the candy, eat it, and go back to sleep for an hour or two. After he saw that the elf hadn't come he came into the kitchen and I explained that he wouldn't come until the whole house was dark and we were all sleeping. He asked if I was going to sleep after I finished sewing. I said yes :) I told him he needed to go back to bed and he listened and started walking to his room. He turned around after a few steps and said, "Merry Christmas mom." It was just such a sweet and sincere moment. I told E that I think that moment will stick in my mind forever. Just a time where your heart unexpectedly swells with love. My sweet three year old boy in his bright green footie monster jammies turning and wishing me a merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Getting ready

2010-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

The jury it still out. I'm deciding how Christmas will feel without cold, snow...all of it. Growing up in Colorado and Utah...then moving to Missouri, I've always had a cold Christmas. Last year we spent Christmas day in Florida, but we celebrated our own Christmas a few days before. Actually, jury just came in. It's not the same. It is still fun and exciting, people decorate their homes and everything does seem cheerier, but the whole feel is just different. Boo.

It took me a bit longer to get our Christmas set up this year, but it's finally done. To see the "pretty" finished pictures and more of the home decor stuff, I just did a post on our blog Fresh Poppy, so check it out :)

Here is some of our family decorating. Little kids decorate trees so stinking cute.

I've been trying to keep the tradition (from my family) of a new ornament for the kids each year. This year they chose stars.

Isn't that the best?? Like a million ornaments on one branch, everything on one side of the tree...and they couldn't be prouder :)

This year I also got them their own tree to have in their room. They chose to decorate it blue, of course :) Daddy was proud. I've promised that they can sleep with the tree on for Christmas eve.

Merry Christmas!

Three Oh

2010-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

See this guy right here?

I love him.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.

AND his 30th birthday!!!

Eeeek!

Check out last years post to see pics of him as a cutie pie baby and learn some "fun facts" :)

Truth be told, he kinda hates the spotlight. But that's what a birthday is all about.

Here's to my E.

the best daddy in the whole world...yesterday I watched him out the window as he tried to help Oliver ride his trike correctly...just one of those moments where your heart swells and you feel soooo lucky

thanks for letting me put my icy cold feet on your feet every single night

thanks for always telling me I'm beautiful

thanks for being so random and funny, and sorry that sometimes I roll my eyes :)

thanks for singing "cool songs" to Sawyer and Ollie

thanks for getting up so early every day and going out there for us...little sleep...little appreciation...thank you

thanks for taking care of the stinky icky garbage

thanks for helping me be spontaneous

thanks for listening to me whine and complain

thanks for taking our boys "down to China town" almost nightly

There are so many great things about you.

I'm the luckiest girl.

I totally scored.

Love you E! Happy Birthday!!

Post-celebration-palooza

2010-11-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

Can you all believe it?

I know you've been on the edges of your seat waiting for my much anticipated 150th family post!

Ahhhhh!!

To make everyone sufficiently awkward I'm going to ask what is your favorite post :)

Please vote so I don't feel like a fool.

I picked from popular posts as well as some personal favorites.

For your consideration:

Scooter Boy

First Impressions of Kville

Siete

His Name is Oliver

Mom!!!

NOW VOTE!

PS There are actual polls on the sidebar ------->>>

Since we're voting, let's take another poll.

What's more embarrassing?

This little (not yet 2 year old) walks around the house half the day whining;

"Geo Bot, mom. Geo Bot"

characters from his favorite tv show Team Umizoomi

That Sawyer calls Honey Nut Cheerios

"Yellow Fruit Loops"

Year after Year

2010-11-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

the last few years about this time...

2007

Sawyer: Almost 6 months. A lot less crying. So much happier.

Me: Rocking Sawyer way less. Getting sleep.

E: Working. Waiting to hear from schools.

Us: Living with mom and dad. Mastering Guitar Hero. Late night movies.

2008

Sawyer: Ridiculously cute. Talking a lot. So much fun.

Me: 7 months pregnant. Making friends. Getting ready for surprise family visit.

E: Studying. Studying. Eating. Studying. Quick nap.

Us: Away from family. Exploring. Snuggling on the couch.

2009

Oliver: Almost 1. So so happy. Smiles. Crawling.

Sawyer: Big brother. Potty trained. Discovered love for scooters.

Me: Enjoying friends. Knitting. Crocheting.

E:Studying. Studying. Hang out w me. Repeat.

Us: Will be moving to AZ. Got back from Chicago. Preparing for a Florida Christmas.

2010

Oliver: Talking. Wanting to be Sawyer. Rascal. Funny.

Sawyer: Crazy. Sweet. Smart. Wants to go. go. go.

Me: Quilting. Being w family. Discovering new places. Meeting new people.

E: Learning. Excited. New places every few weeks. Discovering his calling.

Us: Together. Surviving. Planning. Happy.

Welcome To Suburbia

2010-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Halloween was stupendous.

Our street was amazing.

There was a home that had at least 75 things on their lawn that screamed, moved, jumped out.

We actually had trick-or-treaters.

Oliver and Sawyer

Again, that baseball costume was my uniform as a kid. Sniffle.

We hit a pumpkin patch.

Not only for a pumpkin, but a hay ride, saw animals, bounce house, the works.

S had his hand on E's leg the whole ride.

I kinda thought it was the sweetest thing.

We carved pumpkins.

Sawyer loved taking out their guts.

It was a little too gross for Ollie.

They sure did love lighting them up.

Ward Carnival...amazing

Um they kinda didn't mention there were 3 photos.

Gym carnival complete with a very spooky haunted house.

I was there with girnormous lips baby!

Speaking of BABY this guy is 2 in a couple of months!!!

And of course, E was on-call for the weekend.

How sad is that?

Poor guy.

We did all go trick-or-treating together in the end.

And ate candy together.

That counts.

In a week

2010-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last week...

Monday

We got the yummiest English candy in the mail! Yay!

Tuesday

We've been just playing and playing in the backyard...so nice!

Wednesday

We made pumpkin spice cookies for YM/YW activity

Thursday

We got free passes to the Children's Museum of Phoenix...more to come on that but so fun!!

Friday

Visited daddy on his last day at the hospital for his internal medicine rotation.

And we saw trains.

Saturday

Barnes and Noble Halloween story time.

S is wearing my uniform from when I was 10. Awwwwe!

Sunday

Made yummy lemon bars, stacked blankets and pillows and watched AFV.

(aka America's Funniest Videos)

Quickly becoming a very favorite tradition.

At the start of most video clips Sawyer says,

"that's not a good idea..."

Throughout

VERY good business week, Heather and I are actually getting some benefits from running our two little blogs...and by "benefits" I mean

FREE FABRIC

(say it like Oprah)

That was our week!

She came to see ME!

2010-10-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

This is one of my besties (that's right E, besties :) from Kville!!!

When she told me a couple of months ago that she was going to fly and see me for a couple of days...almost cried.

She's funny. Really funny. I've stolen more than a line or two from her.

She's crafty!

And the best part, her name is Megan too.

We attempted to make these darling backpacks for our boys. We didn't finish. But we did run into JoAnns at 8:59 pm (really running) to get another package of needles because they kept breaking. I will finish it soon, this pile is still sitting in my kitchen, hasn't been touched since Wednesday.

She left her two older kids with their grandparents and came with her so sweet and good baby boy Tucker. Sawyer and Ollie loved playing with him, Sawyer thought he was so funny.

We also swam, went to QT for slurpees, talked a lot, watched Biggest Loser, hit a discount fabric shop...it was fun.

And I took some pictures of her really cute baby.

It was two fast days. When I went to bed the night before she left I was trying my best not to cry...okay maybe I did a little. I miss my friends!

I was telling E that first I was looking forward to my friend Ashlie coming, then my brother Rich for a quick trip and then Megan...and now? Crickets.

We all need something to look forward to right?? Quilt Market is in May and that's just too far away :(

However I get E for TWO weeks this Christmas. That's good news.

Okay okay

2010-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Grandma's
My sweet Momma and Dad are in England (ps my dad is from England so lucky them they get to go all the time. No fair! When are you taking me to Panama E?). We've been texting a bit and my mom said that she wants me to post pics of my kids because she misses them!! So sweet. And yes, it is really sweet because she has 30+ grandkids.

And to my sweetest mom and dad in Florida that look at our blog all the time to stay connected to us, we love you guys! I am so sorry that I've stolen your son and taken him West :(

Here are some recent pics of the babies...a couple of weeks ago at a local splash pad.

Miss you.

Wanna come visit?

Storytime Live!

2010-10-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

the other day the back screen was off track and needed to be fixed

s: Mom maybe Team Umizoomi can fix it?

c.u.t.e

ps Team Umizoomi is a show on Nick Jr, they are a tiny team, they work behind the scenes...

a while later E fixed it and I asked if Sawyer had seen him

e: no

I pulled Sawyer over to the back door and exclaimed

m: Sawyer! Team Umizoomi came and fixed the door!!

he stared at the backdoor for a long time, but not a word.

My amazing awesome brother Rich was recently in town to see a client and scored us some free tickets to Nick Jr Storytime Live. Basically it is Nick Jr shows in play format. We got to see:

Ni Hao, Kailan

Backyardigans

intermission

Wonder Pets

Dora

It was cute. The boys had fun. We got to be in a suite and have delicious food and watch the show. OF COURSE E was working that weekend. Boo. We missed him. There was a bunny named Ollie on the WonderPets. Sawyer found that quite silly. "That's not Ollie, that's Ollie" pointing to our O of course.

Before we left for the show that day I kept "teasing" Sawyer

m: we're gonna do something really fun today...

s: what??

m: i'm not telling...

after a few of these he got really annoyed

s: WHERE ARE WE GOING TODAY?!?!?!?!?!?

he finally resigned

s: I know where we're going, to Chuck E. Cheese's house.

We've never been, but he insisted

He was definitely happy with the surprise though

I kinda love the idea of Build-a-Bear, in fact my sister Amy took me for my birthday when I was an adult, really. It's so cute! I've always wanted to take my boys but knew it would be for me more than them. I know Sawyer would have fun making it, but he doesn't care for stuffed animals so it would be a waste of money.

Anyway, when we were walking around the shopping center after the show we came across the boys version of Build-a-Bear! It's called RideMakerz.

They lured us in with a remote control car outside. It is sooo cute! The first part you pick out the shell of your car (they have all models, including a blue Mustang GT just like Sawyer likes :)

Then you can add wheels, rims, stickers, etc. They have this area that looks like a mechanics garage. In the end you make a personalized license plate. It is seriously so cute, I wanted to buy them right there on the spot!! I think we'll definitely have to go back though, maybe for a birthday or Christmas :)

Here's is a video of Ollie being chased by the remote control car. He would run after it, then when it started to chase him he'd run away yelling, "no, no, no"

Gotta love JibJab

2010-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

It was oh so fun

2010-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Song: Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson

Friends

2010-09-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend one of my very BFFs Ashlie came to visit! Ashlie and I met in 2004 while working at Dillard's. She and Luke had just gotten married and E and I were married less than a year. All of us instantly became friends and did lots and lots together. We celebrated every birthday by going out to eat together, lots of trips and just so many good and funny times. And wouldn't you know it...we each have two boys, Sawyer and Cole 4 months apart and Ollie and Max 9 months apart.

Here we are in 2005 outside Halle Berry's house

Aren't they so cute?!

max, ashlie, cole

It was a too short trip, Saturday to Monday, but we packed in lots of fun, going to the mall, feeding ducks, swimming...

I have a crush on this baby lately. He is at such a darling age! He's obedient (mostly) and just starting to combine words and trying to be a big boy.

Sawyer loved having Cole here. Made me think for half a second it would've been kinda fun for Sawyer to be a twin! Within 10 minutes of being up in the morning they were playing "hide n sink" as S calls it :)

Miss you guys!!

Is this thing on?

2010-09-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

We're back!

And no one was more excited for that news than Mr. E.

The boys and I spent the last two weeks in Utah being soooo busy and having sooo much fun.

Naturally, I left my camera at my parent's house. My momma sent it today (thank you!) so more snap shots to come. For now you have to settle for some shots from my photo shoot as they are the only pics I've got.

for you Utahns, this is in Riverton...the mountains are those in Draper, Lone Peak I believe?

he had to have a sippy or fruit snacks, period

We had a lot of fun. Including:

meeting up with friends for playdates, movies, dinner, crafting

getting my hair done, thanks Rachie!!

family parties

hanging out with my sisters *tear, sniffle*

utah state fair with my brother and family

Sawyer driving a convertible Mustang ie the greatest moment of his life

Park City business retreat (and a pedicure)

lots of late night crafting

movies in the theater room

finishing 2 quilts, almost a third done and a fourth completely planned

playing with grandma and grandpa

getting super sick (all of us)

lunch dates with my brother, sister in law, mommy

watching murders with my dad not real ones silly

killing a GINORMOUS mountain tarantula w/my mom and 2 shovels

Swiss Days craft fair

going to the park with my sister's 9 kids

visiting the 10th kid in COLLEGE!

As for Mr E, he deserves a bit more attention, don't you think? He's been working at a hospital in his IM (internal medicine) rotation. It's intense. He gets his own patients. He was just listing all these problems a patient of his has, tons and tons. I asked how old he was thinking he's in his 80's or 90's. He's 57. Made me cry. No I'm not pregnant.

We're glad to have daddy back.

Sorry about my once a week posts. Not gonna happen. I will show you if I ever do anything :)

We got callings. I am the new beehive advisor (eeek!) and E teaches youth sunday school.

The boys are medium about nursery. Actually Ollie is fine, Sawyer has started having a hard time with it. I can't believe he will soon be a sunbeam.

Did I mention that my boys are fighting more than ever?

Hopefully it was just Utah, but Ollie has started getting agressive. He throws things at Sawyer. Aims for the head. Head butts. Boys? Brothers.

Getting late, and I'm getting random.

siete

2010-08-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

His name is Oliver.

2010-08-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Ollie has character. I think he may be one of "those" boys. You know, the crazy ones.

He's insanely cute, and funny, and smart or sneaky, however you choose to see it.

He is 19 months old.

He thinks things are funny now and runs up to me with a big grin and says, "bunny".

He knows how to get out of trouble. A big smile and a very breathy "hi".

He's sneaky.

(you should definitely have your volume on)

He loves doggies.

He only has 6 teeth, 2 on top and 4 on bottom.

He loves books, especially ones with pictures of real things.

He has the greatest smile.

He has the most awesome dance move ever. His left foot stays planted while he stomps his right foot around in a big circle.

His lips remind me of the Arby's logo. He gets complimented almost daily on those luscious lippys.

He copies everything his brother does.

He likes to yell, for fun, really loud.

He can say "Momma" "DaDa" "Oyie" and "Der"

He gets tackled more times a day than any NFL star.

He says "cheese" for photos and so we usually get this face:

Love you Mr. O.

Week 1

2010-08-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Since moving in I still haven't felt "done". I've got our office/craft room that is barely socially acceptable...still lots to do in here. Every room has at least one thing to do before it's "done".

My goal is to post a new room on here weekly (except in a few weeks I'm on hiatus cuz I go to UTAH!)

attention burglars, my hubby will still be here, and he's latino so he can beat you up

This week is my family room, here you have it!

I've posted on Fresh Poppy about how I refinished our new tv console.

I know I know, we're supposed to be poor. We justified using our deposit from our last place for a new tv...eeek.

Hi mom and dad!

Still to do? Pillows to match new colors and covering my old chair fabric.

I have to say, having painted walls, plenty of natural light and updated finishes throughout the house has made me quite happy!

As a little update...we are doing well! The heat isn't slowing us down, the boys and I are going somewhere everyday. It is so fun to have places to go and things to do! Although we are still quite skimpy in the friend department, we finally have a playdate today! Wahoo!

Sawyer is loving the pool, I recently got him a life jacket so I don't have to continue to pull muscles trying to keep a hold of both of them at the pool. He thinks it 's the greatest thing ever.

Sawyer with a ginormo smile floating on his back:

My life jacket is crazy!

I have a big old post planned for Mr Oliver and his recent antics, but for now let's say he's as cute as ever and talking more and more. And very very funny.

E finished his psych rotation which he liked more than he thought. His doctor was really great and he had some good stories. He started OBGYN Monday, it is an hour commute and he has to be on-call once a week :( But so far he has been home at a decent hour. It's only four weeks, right?

Next week: The boy's room

Still to do: Somehow get door knobs into the wall to hang their artwork from :)

GIVEAWAY!

2010-07-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

My apologies for those of you that follow my two other crafty blogs...since this is the 3rd of the same post. My fabulous sister created this quilt:

And we are giving away 5 seperate patterns to commenters and followers on QuiltStory and on Fresh Poppy Design. (So 10 patterns total!) Even if you don't quilt, it'd make a great gift for someone who does :)

So please...humor me.

Comment...follow us...put our buttons on your blog...loan me $200...carry my next child in your womb...okay that's good enough.

THANKS!

One of my favorite places EVER!

2010-07-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have so many memories growing-up and spending days and days at the lake.

We used to go every summer as a big fat extended family reunion. We had a house boat, a couple of speed boats, a water weenie, tubes and sometimes we'd rent wave runners. I would have never gotten to know and befriend so many cousins if we didn't do this. I loved it!

Over the fourth of July we met up at the lake with my sister Heather and her hubby Dallan at his parent's home which is right on the lake (okay 5 min drive).

All the cousins!

I must admit I was kinda nervous to go. I guess just having two little ones I was scared about safety. However, we enjoyed ourselves immensely and everyone made it back home. Hurray!

Sophie and Sawyer are just 2 days apart. Sophie's older, however gestationally (is that a word?) Sawyer is older :)

Heather and I have been waiting and waiting for these two to hit it off, and they did!

Sophie the damsel in distress and Sawyer the knight in shining armor.

I call not telling them they're cousins.

Heather darling and oh so sweet girls who loved and doted on my boys. Sawyer loved having so many friends to play with, especially Addie. When the girls had disappeared somewhere in the house Sawyer asked me, "Where is a lot of everyone?"

We actually did pull them behind the boat...ever so slowly. It was the plan for E to take Sawyer but Oliver started bawling because he wanted on...and he never was scared!

We loved our little rendezvous...and it was only 5 hours to drive and meet up with my sister, definitely happening again and again :)

AZ is treating us well. I am still feeling overwhelmed at getting settled while keeping up with everything and saving time for E.

(the boys, the blogs, trying to make patterns, crafting, decorating, preparing meals, exercising, cleaning..the momma stuff)

I promise many pictures of the home to come...but I'm just not there yet :) I am going to set a goal for myself to show one room at a time, maybe weekly, so I can start finishing some of these projects! Maybe I'll start next week?

I'm scared.

Hello Arizona

2010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Clever right? Did you see that post title coming?

I think we're gonna like it here.

Goodbye Missouri

2010-07-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Missouri

I didn't think I would, but I miss that place

The best thing that happened there?

Oliver King

January 6, 2009

Ernesto and Oliver

And of course, friends.

I had no idea how many girls I'd find to have so much in common with.

Melissa's front door was something like 20 steps from my front door.

We had a lot of fun together, watching America's Next Top Model, being each others go-to babysitters, borrowing many a movie, food items, you name it. Oh and of course, countless hours spent outside keeping each other company while our babes played.

Melissa and Megan

Sawyer and Taylor were like brother and sister. They could have themselves a good fight. But they also had a lot of fun together. Look how much they grew!!!

More of my friends. Sad.

Tamara, Megan, Sara, Aimee and baby Simon

Angel, Gentri, Melissa, Megan, Aimee

Tamara, Simon, Sara

Crystal, Megan, Megan

Let's see...we had craft nights, movie nights, watched Biggest Loser, there was Breakfast Club, playgroups, project night, playdates and Columbia trips. Babysitting for each other, meeting at the park and aquatic center...preschool...gift exchanges for fun. Parties and baby showers galore and fire pits and getting together because we had nothing better to do.

I tell ya two years ago I would've never guessed I'd be such a social butterfly :)

Oliver, Olivia, Noah

Ollie insisted on bugging Olivia

Jason, Taylor, Sawyer, Preslee, Scotty, Ryder

Sawyer and Jonah

My favorite pic. I hope when they grow up they're friends so we can tease them with this nerdy picture.

There you have it. Saying goodbye was so sad, and so embarrassing. How can some of you hold in tears? Seriously. I actually did pretty good, and by the end I was cried out.

Cross your fingers for me that I can find at least one good friend!

PS E was there too. I asked for him to give me pictures of him and his classmates and friends. He laughed. I guess boys don't do that.

1, 2, THREE

2010-06-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

As a mommy it is hard for me to put into words how I feel about my children.

I guess I love them will have to suffice.

Being my first born child Sawyer holds a very special place in my heart.

I remember staring at his beautiful face moments after he was born in absolute shock.

I can still stare at him with complete adoration.

Happy Birthday sweet Sawyer

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

as long as I'm living,

my baby you'll be.

Our daddy

2010-06-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Nemo sings Archuleta

2010-06-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Checking in

2010-05-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much in a couple of weeks, and that will probably be true for the next few weeks.

We're counting down the days until we move. There aren't many more left.

The last weeks have been spent saying goodbye to friends :(

And more to say goodbye to.

Celebrating my birthday in Columbia (wahoo!)

and awesome friends here who made it the best.

This is starting to sound like a poem,

the only word that rhymes next is chest.

That's what I get for always centering my text.

I have officially packed 4 boxes as of today.

I hate moving more than anything on this earth. I haven't cried yet, but I know there are many tears to come.

E has been studying intensely for boards.

And the boys and I did a photo shoot!

I still have to perfect my technique, most of the shots were overexposed. I'm just using trial and error for now, until I can sit down with the manual and read read read. Thanks heavens for photoshop and actions, I can still enjoy the pictures thanks to them!

And that's a wrap :)
**I should mention my mommy made those darling Seersucker shorts for my boys. The pockets are lined with puppy fabric. So sweet. Thanks momma!!**

Mom!!!

2010-05-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mom!! Hurry mom look and see! Hurry hurry!

I ran back into my bedroom.

Sawyer barely moves his eyes to meet mine.

Look mom, I made the letter "C"

Sure did.

Walking into Walmart. There's a guy smoking outside.

Mom he has fire. Mom that guy has fire.

He's a fireman.

Not quite.

E was in Washington D.C. for about 5 days.

There is a rec center here for the students called the T.C.C.

Mom where is dad?

He's in Washington D.C.

Oh. Washington T.C.C.

I was on the phone repeating my 7 digit phone number.
I don't remember why.
Okay. Pizza.
Sawyer in the back immediatly repeats all 7 digits.
He now knows my phone number.
Promise. You can quiz him.

Our grass has been covered with dandelions.

Sawyer and his friend Taylor are running around and picking them.

Dandelion! Dandelion!

Taylor runs and gives one to her dad, "Dandelion!"

Sawyer runs and hands one to me,

A Mommy-Lion!

It's hard to put this guy into words, since he doesn't say much.

What he does say is funny.

LET GO! LET GO!

That's if I'm trying to dress him, close a door or if I'm just generally in his way.

I call him baby pterodactyl now.

Sometimes he has this yell/screech...

I am confident it's what a pterodactyl sounded like.

Confident.

(Good thing there's spell check, that's one tricky "p")

He still gives the most adorable and cheesy grins in town.

He LOVES to be outside, eat cheese and hot dogs, harass Sawyer, devour fruit snacks, take baths, throw sticks and rocks, read books, when daddy comes home and his binky.

He DOES NOT love getting his teeth brushed, having his diaper changed, any vegetable or grown-up food, when Sawyer harasses him or when mommy leaves.

They became more and more hideous

2010-05-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Pssst....there are some bird eggs in here.

This is their last cute photo. Once these little guys hatched, U-G-L-Y. Worse, hideous. Mounds of flesh. We liked watching them grow everyday over a couple of weeks, but I don't think Sawyer or Oliver believed that they were birds until the very end.

Too bad that's not in focus, cracks me up.

And now they've grown up and flown away. We still look at their empty nest.

While he was away

2010-05-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

E recently went to Washington DC for a few days, for what I am still unsure. I assume it was important. Something to do with some club and DO Day on the Hill...he loved it. I was sad for two reasons, 1 he was leaving us for too long and 2 neither of us had been anywhere in the north-east. Guilty. Jealous.

Well, we missed him. His car was still out front and a couple of times Sawyer would insist he was home. They both flipped when he walked up to the door. Followed by a good snuggle session.

And here's a rare photo of our giant heads, just for Ashlie :)

I don't have any pictures on this computer of his trip...gotta get on that.

He left on a Wednesday and returned on Sunday. On Friday I was suddenly inspired to CLEAN and re-DECORATE our room. Why do I do things like this?

Well I have many more pictures, including before and afters that I will be posting on my Fresh Poppy blog. But I just can't wait and I wanted to show a bit now! And so my mommy can finally see it since she can't get picture texts! Here you go:

I got all this fabric last summer and knew I would use it in my room.

Insert the perfect color large gray pillows behind the three small pillows, I cannot find the right fabric here!!!

It all started thanks to Sara and her fabulous spray-painted lamps. Which inspired me to re-cover the lamp shades and spray paint the headboard. I couldn't find a fabric I liked for the shades so I made a stencil and painted the fleur de lis pattern on the shades. Anyway, it isn't something you'd see in a magazine, but it is such an improvement! I can't wait to see it in AZ, it will look so much better I'm sure ;)

Hour by hour

2010-04-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our day. Tuesday, April 27th.

There you go. Typical in that my boy's are up before 7 am often. Not typical in Sawyer taking a 5 o'clock nap. Typical in playing outside for hours. Not typical in Sawyer going to preschool (once a week).

Your turn.

PS I now also go by FIRST LADY. Well starting next year. E was elected President of his class. Way to go babe!

Photos and Funnies

2010-04-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics from Easter Sunday in our Easter outfits. Unfortunately only the boy's got new clothes...lucky.

FUNNIES

We were eating breakfast and Sawyer stopped to go upstairs to the bathroom.

Halfway up the stairs he yells:

"MOOOOM" in that long drawn-out tone parents use when warning their kids.

"Don't eat my breakfast, okay?"

And no, I've never eaten his breakfast for him.

Sawyer, how old are you?

I'm 2.

How old is Oliver?

He's 2.

Pause.

Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry...he's 1.

A couple of weeks ago I was getting Sawyer dressed for bed.

He stops and looks at me big-eyed.

"Mom!! My bootie got my undies!!"

Think about it, it's funny.

Fivek

2010-04-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today I ran my first race. (I thought long and hard about writing first). It was a 5K. My only goal was to run the whole thing, and seeing as in the last 3 weeks I've only ran 2 miles straight, it was a pretty big goal. And I did it! Hooray!! And yes, I feel like a superstar. Oh, and let me clarify, when I say "run" I mean a nice slow jog.

So here's to the gold sedan at mile 1.5 that scared the crap out of me, I know you tried but you didn't slow me down.

And when I reached mile marker 2 and I thought it would say 3, oh please, I thought "oh goody, I still have another mile to run!"

Here's to you man that I think won in tiny red bootie shorts, although I threw up a little in my mouth when I saw your outfit, you made running look so easy.

And to my friend Kari who at the finish line cheered WOOHOO and raised her arms high in the sky, of which I quickly repeated...I think a photo from the school photographer was taken. And if that's so, and if that photo shows up anywhere, our friendship is in jeopardy. (Thanks for cheering me on :)

Here's to my shoelace that came undone within the first 3 minutes, thanks for testing me. If you try it again, I'm getting new shoes.

And to the old man with a beard who I am pretty sure had no official role at all, but merely a random citizen, who escorted everyone to the waters and told us to take as many as we wanted, thanks for the laugh.

And finally, to my two boys who assisted greatly in helping me achieve my current figure, you're so lucky that you are so adorable.

Easter Bananza

2010-04-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Easter!

We had a great time, 2 egg hunts:

Oliver actually got it!

He understood to pick up one egg and then the next, I was so impressed.

I went a little overboard with the baskets.

a- all the matching candy at Walmart was just too cute.

b-I had to make them matching crochet animals (that I'm constantly forcing them to love). I made Sawyer an Octopus and Oliver a Wiener Dog.

c-I made them each a car caddy...which were a bigger pain than I realized...but they actually like those.

Growing up we always have Eggs Benedict conference morning....mmmm

I was a little adventurous for Easter dinner, we didn't want to make a huge ham. I found some yummy recipes on allrecipes...pork chops and potatoes with a great side dish of asparagus.

Of course we had to color some eggs.

My favorite picture of all.

So funny, I was surprised he actually went to "it".

The Stats

2010-03-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

We found a place in Arizona! We're sooo excited! We're friends with the current renters so it's made finding a place so easy, we trust them and know the place and area is great.

We LOVE it. We've seen a load of pictures (thanks Saysha) and we're convinced that it's going to be a fabulous two years.

I know it will be hot. :)

Here's the stats:

House

3 car garage

3 bedroom

2 FULL bathrooms

Fenced in backyard (with actual grass)

Back patio

Hardwood Floors

Vaulted Ceilings

Renovated a couple years ago

And an amazing clubhouse for the neighborhood, including a beach pool!

For real.

I'm sorry if I seem snobby, but most of you can understand since you know where we live now :)

Prince Sawyer

2010-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sawyer has been invited to enough dress-up parties, mostly themed princess, I decided it was time he dressed the part of Prince Charming. Or something...

I had a very fun time with my new (to me) camera...as if you couldn't tell.

I google image searched prince costumes to get some ideas. My sister in law made these adorable velvety capes for my boys at Christmas and they have their initials on them. I made a royalty shield from felt and temporarily covered the letter.

The crown I learned how to make here, it came together so fast.

And here's our birthday girl Taylor. These two can fight like nobodies business, they act like brother and sister. But they also can have a lot of fun together. We're going to miss them so much.

and on the break...

2010-03-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Mom, I'm ready to go to Saint Louis."

We hit the {free} zoo first thing the next morning.

Ollie was pointing at everything.
(as i am holding him on my lap right now and he's pointing at himself onscreen)

The peacock was awesome.

day 1: packed, drove to st louis, swam at hotel, slept
day 2: zoo, target, hobby lobby, chipotle, ted drewes, drove to columbia, slept
day 3: breakfast at target, swam, merry-go-round, gymboree, michaels, papa murphys, drove home

Everyday's a Saturday

2010-03-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

When daddy's home, everyday feels like a Saturday.

We've had a lot of fun, watched a movie almost every night. It's been awesome.

We went to St Louis, Columbia and watched BYU win their first game of the tournament (wahoo!) More on all that next week.

For now, we're soaking up every last minute with the daddy.

And Sawyer setting up camp right outside our bedroom is proof.

Moose and Zee

2010-03-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

Do you know these guys? Well they are Moose A. Moose and Zee from Noggin and now Nick Jr.. And Sawyer loves them, especially the songs that Moose sings, which I also love and wish I could get my hands on...

So we've got major cabin fever here and I found these templates on Nick Jr and thought they'd be fun to make together...well it turned into a project of my own, but at least he likes them.

Last year I thought, once I have two kids they'll have more fun together during the winter. Now I just have two bored and whiny kids and a trying-to-be-patient momma!

So we're being creative, a friend of mine said that her mom would put flour on cookie sheets and then they could drive their little cars in them and make mountains and it was like they were off-roading. It will be messy. We'll try that tomorrow.

Got any good "stuck inside forever" ideas?

I was pointing to Sawyer's fingers and toes

"This one is your pinkie, and this one is also a pinkie..."

Sawyer interrupts quickly

"No no no no no, this is not pinkie, it's yellow."

"Sawyer how old are you?"

"2"

"How old is Ollie?"

...thinking...

"41"

Blog tips and secrets

2010-02-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

So I've had questions about my blog and things that I do to make it look cuter, so I thought I'd spill all my resources! Truth is, most of what I do I've learned how to on other blogs. I've learned that being creative with the look of my blog gives me the same high that crafting does, wahoo!

Two things first:

1. Most likely you'll want to use some kind of photo editing software for a lot of these things (but not all). I used Adobe Photoshop. I know there are tons of free ones online you can use or download (however I don't know any of them :).

2. Don't be scared of html.

Before you try any of the tricks to change the look of your blog, SAVE YOUR BLOG TO YOUR HARD DRIVE. Also when you try something in your html click on PREVIEW first, then save if it worked click to enlarge

HOW TO CHANGE THE FONT ON YOUR TITLES/SIDEBARS:

I found a great blog that I love, called Kevin and Amanda. She's one that does it all, she talks photography, crafting, scrapbooking and she has TONS of really cute free fonts. Here she tells you how to change the fonts. Of all the things I've done on my blog, this took the longest, about an hour start to finish and you've got to do it when you can concentrate. I'll tell you though...I don't know how many time I freshened my blog the next day just to see the new look, bless my heart.

HOW TO ADD A CUSTOM SIGNATURE TO EVERY POST:

I don't know if you've noticed, but Cutest Blog on the Block has tons of blog design tips (careful some are just ads!) including how to add a signature to your posts. They also show you how to remove pesky border lines around your header, how to center your gadgets and loads of other things.

So there you go! Hope you find it useful!

These boys

2010-02-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Sawyer after sledding

The other day Ollie barfed a little on the floor. A nice natural color, blue. Definitely not from some artificial food like, say, Fruit Loops. Definitely not from that.

Ernesto gives one swipe with an unscented wipe.

Sawyer immediately runs his hands over the spot,

"Mmmmmm smells like flowers."

I laid on my back on the floor and let out a nice painful groan.

Sawyer: Mom are you okay??

Yes, just my back hurts.

You need to see the doctor?

Maybe.

Off Sawyer goes to get his doctors kit and starts checking my ears and my heart.

He also gave me a shot.

He can sing all the words to Imagine, David Archuletta style.

He took my remote keys from the van to his little matchbox cars.

He held the remote right in front of a red convertible pushing the buttons with all his might.

That would've been cool if it worked.

He's learning to spell his name.

We used magnets from the fridge.

His first attempt:

"S-A-W-BYU-E-R"

Oliver in his leisure suit at Walmart.

He can pull a major attitude these days.

We were out to dinner and he was crying.

E holds out a Nilla Wafer to him. He turns his head away and bats at it.

Ollie reconsiders and reaches for the wafer.

He then hucks it to the ground. Nice.

He stands below our keys reaching with all his might.

I hand him a set.

He throws them to the ground until I give him the one with a remote.

He can say "nose" and loves to pick his own and then touch ours.

He walks around the house with his arms outstretched saying "holdyou" (all one word) about 1/3 of the day.

Since the beginning of the year he has been on at least 4 rounds of antibiotics for some pretty nasty ear infections.

We may be talking tubes soon.

That's what's up with Stink 1 and Stink 2.

If you were wondering...

2010-02-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned to some of you before that I was going to use the shirt from E's accident to make some kind of craft. Well I did, and it's posted on my crafty blog if you wanna check it out.... just click on the FRESH POPPY DESIGN button just to the right.

♥♥♥ xoxo ♥♥♥

2010-02-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

To all that we wish we were nearer to, we l♥ve you.

maybe tomorrow you'll get to see the photos that didn't make the cut :)

The happiest place on Earth

2010-02-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Love.

All day long I tell you...

L to R: Ellie, Megan, Oliver, Sawyer, Ernesto, Celia (Nana), Papa (Ernesto Sr), Jakob, Celi, Todd, Daniel, Liam, Laura, Patrick

At Nana and Papa's

A party for Oliver:

Sawyer switched up his goofy face.

We love you Jimenez Family!!

2 nights, 1 nap

2010-02-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

Sawyer at 9 months

Sawyer has been without his binky now for 24 hours. Yes he's 2 1/2. And yes, he's even potty trained but HAD a binky.

I expected this to be monumental. Harder than potty training. I thought I'd be reading books for weeks in preparation for the horrible day.

Last night we got his binky and he had bit it open, again. So I told him we had to go buy more, at Walmart, of course. He was extremely tired, no nap yesterday. He cried and whined about it for 15 minutes. I wanted to give in, it was completely unplanned. But then, he quieted and went to sleep....hmmm....

He didn't mention it this morning. He whined about it for 30 seconds at naptime.

Tonight, not a word or mention of the beloved binky.

Don't worry Sawyer, I don't have a problem with your two blankies, you can take them on your mission as far as I'm concerned :)

Sometimes you need a break...

2010-02-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

And an amazing break is what we got in Florida. Here's a little taste of the first part of our two week vacation visiting in Orlando with family. There are no pictures of this, but one of my favorite things was showering and getting ready, by myself, EVERY DAY!!

A dinner and pirate show

Mini golf

E's family, his sisters, mom and our nephew

Lucky Sawyer, three big boy cousins ready to play

I seriously wish I could adopt this sweet girl. She's the only princess of the grandkids, and she doted on my boy's the entire time. They loved her and we love her too!!

Don't ask why it took me so long to get this post up, just a few projects

(crafty blog, two knit baby hats, sparkly love, blog design, laundry, a million crocheted flowers, Sawyer, mod podge shelf, cleaning out O's room, Oliver, Lovely Bones, E, dinners, tons of headbands, 2 knit momma hats, constant flow of ideas in this tiny little head...)

Cross your fingers, tomorrow night Florida round 2.

Have you heard?

2010-01-22T07:22:00.001-08:00

Finding Fabulous is hosting a giveaway for my crafty blog Fresh Poppy Design! To enter the giveaway you just need to leave a comment on her blog here :) We are giving away a flower headband AND two more flowers that you can attach!

(the giveaway is different from the pics below)

The other great news?? We've FINALLY got more items in our Etsy shop other than patterns! So go check them out and spread the word :)

Christmas again?

2010-01-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

We got to celebrate Christmas twice this year, starting with our little family one Dec 19th. We did the whole bit with Sawyer, cookies and a letter for Santa, carrots for the reindeer. This is Ollie being a cheeser.The boys had fun of course, here's O with a baby, but he still likes the one that Sawyer got for his first birthday.And of course, scooter boy trying it out. He rides it all around the house.Christmas in Florida

Christmas Eve I was putting Sawyer to bed and telling him that Santa is coming in the morning. He looks at me, "Christmas again?" You're two. You aren't supposed to know the rules of Christmas. Maybe there are 3 of them.

Here are the grandkids (minus O) opening their presents from Nana and Papa. They were autograph books and pens for DISNEY. How cute is that?

Groovin' latin style with grandma.

Now Sawyer being a cheeser.
We had two fabulous Christmas'. I know it's weeks overdue, oh well.

Many pics of Florida coming up, I know you're all on the edge of your seats.

It's been a whole year

2010-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear sweet Ollie King, how we love you so.

I know it is cliche, but your smile really is contagious.

You were a surprise to us, I took your daddy to Cold Stone and told him I was pregnant and we both just laughed and laughed. You see, it took us so long to get pregnant with Sawyer, and we got you without even trying :)

Life would not be the same without our Stinky Jones. You make all of us happier.

Love you sweet baby boy.

Awwww

2009-12-27T19:20:00.001-08:00

Love me some wrestling brothers.

What's gonna work? Team work.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Don't be sad if you didn't get a card, you know how popular I am. Actually, it was only immediate family...that's how unpopular I really am. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Sawyer is soaking up every minute of Christmas lights he can and telling any Santa he sees set-up on a roof "gotta be careful".

freckle sisters

2009-12-09T13:56:00.001-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday sister!!

I have two older sisters, Amy and Heather, and today is Heather's birthday! She really is the greatest big sister in the world, and we have way too much fun together. We talk on the phone, everyday, sometimes for hours...on our bluetooths. We write quilt patterns together and run our Fresh Poppy blog as well. We are practically the same person, except she's a little better at everything than me :)

These pictures are from a couple years ago when we went to California to go celebrity stalking. It was so much fun. Just us girls, we stayed at my parent's house, and by night we went to Hollywood. One of the first places we went was The Ivy and Heather walked up to it first, turned to me laughing so hard tears were in her eyes. She couldn't talk. There was a celebrity. Dawson Leery. As in Dawson of Dawson's Creek.

We were starving that night so we decided to go get some pizza (later we were convinced the pizza guy laced it with something to track us down later...). We were trying to hit some other hot spots when we saw an ambulance heading to a big club. Our hearts were racing. We knew it had something to do with Lindsay Lohan. We found a spot right across the street for perfect viewing, sat on the sidewalk and ate our pizza. There was a sleeping homeless man about 10 feet away. It was awesome. We can't be for sure, but our hearts still tell us that Lindsay was there.

We knew our night was over when we were standing at a street corner and a guy yelled out his window as he was zooming by, "You're @%@$% hot!!" In a panic we raced for our car, while on the way Heather got propositioned with a large wad of cash.

Anyway, I love my sister! Even when I was little, she has always been my friend and never made me feel left out. We've done many ridiculous things over the years, including way too many choreographed dances for our family. But like I say to her, at least she's always 7 years older :)

Happy Day FiFi!

Two Nine

2009-12-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday love!! December 7, 1980 at 1:45 pm Panama time :)

29 things you may or may not know about the man I call E:

He had a Michael Jackson jacket as a kid and practiced his dance moves.

He knows every episode of Full House and Saved by the Bell.

He LOVES Garth Brooks

He is a really great singer, and no fun to sing karaoke with because he just makes me feel silly :)

In 2007 he had back surgery from a slipped disk. He was unable to walk for weeks.

He was born in Panama.

He loves every sport, especially basketball to play.

He was wined and dined by the University of Pennsylvania and would have attended, but thankfully BYU got his major (neuroscience) so he changed his mind :)

He served his LDS mission in Peoria, Illinois and included areas like Milan MO and he would attend church right here in Kville (although he never lived here).

His first language is Spanish.

He drove by himself from Florida to Utah.

He has an older sister, Celi, and a younger sister, Laura.

He's entered a karaoke contest, auditioned with me for a show on the WB and Deal or No Deal and danced in some Hawaiian skirt on stage at BYU.

He loves to play XBOX and is really good at Guitar Hero, although we haven't really played since leaving my parent's home theater.

When we were deciding if we were marrying (DTR) he said, "2003 works for me". Awe. His favorite shows include 24, The Office, So You Think You Can Dance, Arrested Development...

While training at the MTC, he was walking along and jumped up to touch the side of the roof *stop now if you're weak in the tummy*. He didn't come down, he was hanging from his ring which was shoved up through his skin to the knuckle. It was his class ring and he has a nice fat scar.He has really long arms. I once said he had freakishly long arms, and they are.

We went to an Air Force Base and got to see the president land on Air Force One, he gave a little speech, and went down the line of the railing (which we were standing at) and he high-fived everyone except about the ten feet around and including us. He and his family are converts. He was 13 when he was baptized.

We took a trip together in 2007, when I was 7 months pregnant with Sawyer, to England and Scotland. It was our most favorite trip.

He's an Eagle Scout. He has two really great parents in Florida who treat him like a King.

If you still can't figure him out, he's being funny :)

He is a great latin dancer, although he will only strut his stuff when he's dancing with his family.

In elementary school he would have contest with his friends of who could make the best graphs and charts.

He is a HUGE HUGE HUGE BYU fan.

He is Ernesto Jr., so his family calls him Rey, king in Spanish.

He is the greatest daddy and hubby in the world. Love you.

Scooter Boy

2009-11-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

You won't be sorry you watched.

Booma's Car

2009-11-13T19:52:00.001-08:00

Mr Sawyer has a thing for cars. He plays with his matchbox cars everyday. All day. He has a matchbox set of garages and a little people car wash...he loves them both.

He's pretty good at recognizing cars, especially for a two year old. He even pointed out my sisters mini van on the freeway. Granted, there are more white Caravans than any other car, ever.

Anyway, when we got back from our trip to Utah this summer, Sawyer immediately identified one of his cars as "booma's car" Booma is Grandma. I think he did pretty good!I laughed when I saw this, I guess this is what it's like to be a mom of boys.

He loves loves to line them up in all sorts of ways.

See the cars in each little space?

I have to get more pictures of the things he does with them. Today he was pushing two of them together and said they were kissing...E and I just raised eyebrows at each other, where did he get that from?

Ride that bike!

2009-11-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

When we first pulled into Kville, we drove onto the square and I was repeating in my mind, "don't cry, don't cry, don't cry". I wanted it to be this adorable charming town, you know, like Stars Hollow. But, I know when we leave this place, I will for sure cry. And of course, it's mostly all the great friends I've made here.

I DO love how this little place has so much to do in it, for free! A couple weekends back there was a Big Wheel Rally to encourage children and adults to exercise and eat healthy. They had all sorts of fun things to do, and there was absolutely zero wait for almost everything.

Blowing bubbles.

VERY serious face painting.

This was the only thing that had a little wait time, boo to sharing.

I said it was for adults too.

Nemo and bones

2009-11-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween.
Sawyer was a hit dressed as Nemo, with kids and adults alike :) Kids would come over to caress Nemo and were mesmerized by him...Sawyer preferred that they didn't.

I was solo for Halloween! E was gone for 4 days and 3 nights for a school thing! It was my first time alone with the boys when I wasn't with family. It actually wasn't too bad, until night. I totally slept with lights on. And my phone an inch from my face. But I have lots of good friends who kept me company and kept me up way too late...thanks guys ;)

When we were outside, Oliver was a horse. There was a lot to do, a ward carnival type party on Friday with a trunk or treat, Saturday another trunk or treat, YMCA carnival and a Halloween party and more trick or treating. AND we actually had "customers" (as Sawyer's cute friend Max said, ha ha) at our door this year! Last year there were none, we had like 3, wahoo!

Sawyer's on his friend Tay's bike, but this is the boy's new trick. Sawyer rides up to Oliver and says, "Ollie you want a ride?" And O hops on back and starts pushing, they both love it.

Until Sawyer decides to cruise off leaving Oliver to softly land.

Happy HALLOWEEN!

Day 3 and bliss

2009-10-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay BLISS is an exaggeration, but I'm potty training Sawyer, and so far, it's fabulous. I know, could I be any more annoying? I'm terribly sorry. We won the lottery, I'm having triplet girls and Nate Berkus is decorating my house :) It just has been pretty easy so far...I'm knocking on all sorts of wood.

Sawyer is growing up soooo fast, it's crazy! He loves to color now, and he drew this for me the other day:

Awe! He's never drawn "shapes" before. What a cutie patootie.

And seriously Oliver, come on! That smile makes up for any lack of sleep you cause, King of Stinkertons. He is all over the place, and really loving the stairs, oh dear. He's been starting to try and do steps on his own in between furniture...that definitely seems way too fast.

Well there's the boys and what they're up to. As for us, E is studying, studying, studying and I'm thinking, what the heck will it be like to have Christmas with NO snow??

PS

2009-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Check out our giveaway on my crafty blog and sign-up! --------->

What to do on a Saturday

2009-10-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's never too cold...

2009-10-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

It's never too cold to ride the scooter, according to Sawyer. O loved being outside. He looked so cute trying to crawl around in this snowsuit. This boy LOVES the scooter, we're talking truly loves.
And, I think most of you would be impressed! He seriously has some mad skills on this scooter. He goes down hills, puts both feet on and will turn one way and the other. He really is awesome.

Soon there will be a video as evidence.

This scooter is our neighbors and Sawyer rides it almost everyday. He even tries to sneak it into the house, and he's been successful. Guess what someone is getting for Christmas?

A Happy Clapper

2009-10-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

1.6.09

2009-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe 9 months ago we had this little Ollie! It is hard to remember life before him. No one ever told me how fast it goes with your second.

He seems to be reaching milestone after milestone before we know it. He crawls all around, pulls himself up and scoots around all the furniture. He will eat any baby food I present him with. He still has the greatest smile in town :) He loves his momma, I cannot leave the room without him sobbing. He loves when dad comes home and leaps from my arms to his, then he quickly realizes what he's done and wants back with me. He is sleeping through the night, hooray, but could use some perfecting on his naps. He is a shrimp.

He loves Sawyer and watches him play. Sawyer is Oliver's life coach and

informs us of his every need and often reminds Ollie to "be nice". They wrestle already and Sawyer loves when Oliver is being "bunny" (funny). Sawyer calls him either Ollie or All-burr.

Oliver we love you so! You are such a happy boy and we love that you are part of our family. We wouldn't be the same without you.

Happy 9 months

Our hearts are still there

2009-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Chicago we fit it all in. We went to the FAMOUS (at least they say) Shedd Aquarium. (It was $19 to park!!!!) It was really fun. In the middle of the show one of the characters ran up the stairs with a penguin and stopped in front of Sawyer so he could pet it. He had a spotlight on him and all, he was shaking he was so nervous.

We ate some lunch then hurried to the Cubs game, which we were late for. It was fun, they won, the boys slept on the subway.

This was the best shot!

After we went to Millennium Park, which was by our hotel, and saw this amazing sculpture the locals call the bean. We thought it looked cool in pics, but we loved it in person. Check out that reflection of the city!

Love and marriage, love and marriage, goes together like a horse and carriage...

So, we loved it. I want to go back again and stay for longer.

And by the way, my sister and I were in the audience on the Sept 18th show of OPRAH. When I was watching her show, having no idea, and I saw them flashback to her and she was wearing the outfit she wore at our taping I jumped out of my skin. Seriously, I was jumping up and giggling like crazy. I couldn't contain my excitement, no one I called could understand me.

For about 5 minutes after my explosion Sawyer was saying, "Oh my gosh" over and over and over. I guess I said that a lot.

Cute or Creepy?

2009-09-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

40 years

2009-09-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

My parents just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary! I made this video that was shown at an adult only surprise dinner for them when they returned from an overseas trip. The invite list? All of my siblings, their spouses and my parents, everyone but us :(

For those of you who will be looking for me in the photos, there are seven kids and three sisters in my family, and I am the very youngest of all, so I am only in a few of the last full family pictures.

Also, one of my dad's jokes is to say, "I can't believe 60 years ago I was three." You'll get why I added that when you see the video :)

We left our hearts

2009-09-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Apparently we are big city people. We absolutely loved Chicago. I thought we would be mugged and/or murdered on every street corner, didn't happen, not even once. We even took the subway and walked with the boys through the city at night.

It was a seven hour drive, and more than that with the stops for the boys. All in all they were good, 4 stars each.
Okay, now for the reason you're all reading this. Let me tell you first that I signed a contract to NEVER blog about my experience. But I will tell you that the tv personality I may have seen was fabulous! Just as "she" appears on tv. "She" stayed after to talk to the audience and was oh so nice.

Heather and I, reunited for about 24 hours. We went out to eat, slept (she shared with me and Oliver), may or may not have been to a recording of some kind, went to lunch, shopped on the magnificent mile and back to the airport!

FAQ's. *If* I was at a certain show...

-No, I didn't win anything. There was a book, and "she" said "she" didn't

know why we weren't getting it, "she" said "she" missed that meeting or we would have.
-It was a sad show. One about women being abused around the world.

-I don't know the airdate. We may possibly be on the show with Mariah Carey,

too much to explain, which is Sept 18th. Also I will post

when I see *my* show airing.

Okay, our hotel was amazing. We were within walking distance of everything. They upgraded us to have a view, the best view I've ever had, the Chicago River winding through the city. We were 23 floors up at the Sheraton.

I'm no geography buff, so imagine my surprise to realize we were right on a lake. I know, bless my heart.

The boys did really well. Oliver did have to be held about 90% of his waking hours. *please say it's a phase, please say it's a phase*

We were pretty beat by the end of the day. Me from my television debut *duh*, and E from watching the rugrats a good part of the day. That evening we enjoyed some classic stuffed pan pizza at Giordano's. It was delicious.

Well I have one more day to tell you about on our amazing trip, so keep posted :)

And to all my Kville friends, if you haven't been there yet, YOU MUST while you're here!!! Seriously, I loved it. It was EXPENSIVE, but talk to me, I'll give you some tips ;) Especially on how to get the hottest ticket in town!

They say it's windy

2009-08-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

They also say that you can see Oprah there, I'm talking Chicago. And shut the door, in fact, slam it. I got tickets to see Oprah. You don't have to read that again, I got tickets to see Oprah!!!!!

I haven't worked out the last two days, not necessary, my heart rate is through the roof.

The best part? My sister is flying for the day to come with me!!

The worst part? I have to get my outfit to the best dressed audience on TV at JCPenny.

I'm spending my days daydreaming of Oprah inviting us up after for tea with her and Gayle. Maybe Stedman too. I'll fill you all in on the details and let you know when you may catch the back of my head on TV.

I never thought I'd get to see this

2009-08-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

My aunt has been supplying me with amazing photos of my dad from his childhood. Recently she sent me this video which I will absolutely treasure for two reasons. The footage is from 1963-1964.
My dad was raised in England. He joined the LDS church at 15. A missionary told him if he saved his money, my dad could come to America with him when he returned from his mission. My dad took it completely serious and saved all of his money from that day forward. He said he was tempted twice to use the money, once for a German Shepherd and once for a motorbike.
This video starts with family footage of everyone playing, and I get to see my grandpa. He passed away when I was one, and being 1/2 a world apart, we never met.
The video ends with everyone seeing my dad off as he boarded the SS United States to come to America. I never thought I'd see this, I couldn't even picture it. It was a 5 day trip, my dad had the cheapest ticket so he was in the bottom and got very sick. My grandparent's called him on the ship about 3 days in, I can only imagine them worried to death about their 17 year old boy out looking for adventure. My grandparent's didn't have much money at all and my dad says it probably cost them a fortune to make that call.
My dad was grateful to arrive in New York and eventually made it to American Fork Utah. He was there in 1964, at the height of The Beatles popularity, so as you can imagine, he was a celebrity.
A few years down the road my dad met my mom and thus, my family :)
Thank you Heidi for this footage, I will truly treasure it.