Ms. M's Big Day!

Hooray! Little Ms. M is officially one year old and facing forward in the car. Though her birthday was on a Saturday I had a class all day and we were watching kids that night, so we moved her birthday to Tuesday. Of course, K couldn't wait to give M her birthday present and gave it to her Saturday, making the rest of us look bad:)

A very cute, orange outfit. (We really like orange at the moment.) M mostly loved the tags.
Her birthday party was pretty low-key. We just had our sweet neighbors over to help us celebrate. M got to be a princess (her sisters had crowns, but they didn't have the birthday wand--a bit of a sad day),

opened her gifts,(This was from the Bs)--Soo sweet!

Blow out her candle,

And, of course, devour her cupcake.

We sure love our sweet girl! Happy first year!

Blueberries for Sal

Don't those look yummy! I love blueberry picking (Mostly because it is sooo easy--there are no pricklies involved). Monday I took the girls to this darling little farm to go blueberry picking. I was a little worried (mostly about little A), but overall, they did so good. I was quite pleased.
The girls got their buckets and after a short lesson about which berries to pick (the blue ones) from Ms. V, they were off.T was very focused on the task at hand, A was more into eating the berries, picking the dandelions, and petting the cat. Baby M hung out.and took a little nap.

I couldn't have asked for better weather (middle 70's, my favorite), and better company (some adorable ladies from church). We were out there for about 1 1/2 hours. I was impressed we made it that long. In the end I got 8 pounds, T got 3, and A ended with 1 (Notice the dandelions in every bucket--that was also Ms. A's contribution.)
We had to make a stop at Sonic on the way home for 1/2 price drinks as a reward for working hard (and because I totally forgot to bring water--I don't know what I was thinking.) 4 1/2 pounds were for my neighbors that couldn't come, but I now have a good stash in my freezer. Does anyone have any yummy blueberry recipes they want to share?

Stuart's First Triathlon

What a wonderful day! We finally, after a month plus of no internet access and several months of dealing with a very old, yucky computer that barely worked, broke down and bought a new computer. I'm soo thrilled I can actually download my pictures right to the computer as opposed to going to Costco to put them on a disk and then downloading them from the disk to the computer--way too much work.

Anyway, I am thrilled to be blogging again. I have tons of fun posts, but Stuart wanted me to start with the most important event (at least for him) so far this summer. Stuart did his first triathlon on June 14th at Blue Lake. His brother Steve (who is a well seasoned tri-athlete) and his parents came up to give him support (plus his cute girls were cheering him on). Steve did the triathon with him and gave him lots of tips and suggestions, fixed his bike, and got him all ready. It was wonderful to have everyone here.

The big day we had to leave at 6:15 am so we wouldn't be late. It was a good thing we were so early. I've never seen such long lines to use the porta-potties in my life. Here's Stuart getting into the wetsuit. I was suppose to take careful notice so I could help him when Steve wasn't around.

Here's Stuart coming out of the water. He said the swim was the hardest part. I was a little worried he might drown, even though he had been swimming in the pool at the club for months--I was very relieved to see him coming out.

Next is the bike event. I actually didn't get to the bike transition area until after he had left, and I couldn't get a picture of him on the bike. I did, however, catch him coming back after the bike ride. Last was the run. I got a picture of him on the way out, but the best picture was when he crossed the finish line (he wanted the beat a 12 year old girl that had been passing him and then fallen behind--speaking of which, I couldn't believe how many young kids 12 and up were doing this thing. Amazing!)Here they are--the Triathletes. We were so proud of him.

Stuart, overall, loved it and is planning a longer one for September.

Stay tuned for more fun summer blog posts to come!

Bon Appetit

Today I was feeding Madelyn her baby food when a neighbor stopped by. She came in the kitchen and we talked a bit. I left Madelyn sitting in her bumbo seat on the counter to walk my friend to the door. (Don't lecture me on how unsafe that is--I'm okay with it). I thought I had made sure everything was out of reach , but apparently not. I came back to find that she had somehow gotten into the goldfish food and was downing it by the fistful, not to mention she was covered in those multi-colored flakes--nice! I thought about calling poison control, but figured it was about the same as kids eating dog food. Plus, all the ingredients looked edible, though I'm not sure about the "fish meal" or "shrimp meal". No allergic reactions so far. Who would have thought ground brown rice would be the second ingredient. Dried yeast the third. Taylor and Alyson never ate anything weird. How about you? Have your kids tried something a little "uncommon"?

Tag from Becca--10 years ago

I know this is an all-time high for posts in one month, but my sister-in-law "tagged" me (actually, this is the second tag), so I feel somewhat obligated to respond. Those of you that check out this blog for updates on the girls will find this a little boring.--Sorry! I did add some pictures, though:).







10 years ago:



1. I was teaching kindergarten in Japan.


2. Almost 10 years ago exactly (it was in March) I went with some girlfriends (hello Jenn Rigo) to visit Bejing, China.





3. I also went with a girlfriend to spend two weeks in Thailand.



(I actually went to this location. It's famous because it's in a James Bond movie, but don't ask me which one.) Fun, but would have been better with Stuart--not that I knew him then.

5 things on my to-do list:



1. Paint Madelyn's room (I was suppose to do that before she came--hum..)


2. Organize my closet


3. My visiting teaching (I know it's the 21st, I'm a slacker)


4. Buy and mail baby Peter a birthday present


5. Update my first aid kit I have in my car--There is no kid's medicine/thermeter, etc...






5 places I have lived:



1. I was born in Colorado, but we left when I was about 6 months old and have never been back--A shame


2. Barstow, California--until I was 7. A desert, but close to Disneyland.


3. Kennewick, Washington--My parents still lives there, and one sister, soon to be two (not that I'm bitter or anything:))


4. Rexburg, Idaho--two years of college. Very cold and windy, but nice people.


5. New York City--A year and a half as a missionary












5 Jobs I've had



1. TCBY--great high school job


2. Northwest Argiculture Consultants--I tested plant samples to find out how much nitrogen or boron or whatever they contained. A great summer job during college.


3. Cleaning the Marriott Hotel in Park City on Saturdays--Not such a great job, but it worked well for my schedule. I did it with my brother until he bailed for a real job and left me.


4. Downeast Outfitters--a fun college job, but I didn't make enough. I spent too much of my paycheck on clothes.


5. Columbia Industries--working as an employment specialist for underprivilaged youth.





5 things not commonly know about myself



1. I quite LOVE brownies and buy the little bite size brownies from Costco and freeze them in Ziploc baggies for a yummy treat when I need a chocolate fix. However, I have to be careful where I hid them in the freezer because Stuart likes them as well and doesn't just eat one every other day or so. Nothing is worst than going for my brownie treat and finding an empty baggie.





2. In high school I really wanted to parachute out of an airplane. However, it was a little pricie for me. I did bungee jump twice, and that cured any desire I had for parachuting.


3. I want to learn how to sew. I am most envious of those that can. My sweet cousin gave me her old sewing machine, and I took a class through the community a few years ago. I learned how to make an apron, but haven't touched the sewing machine since. This year is the year--I can feel it:)


4. I LOVE childrens books. I love them. My ideal job would be a librarian in an elementary school. My current favorite place to find great deals on childrens' books is Goodwill. You have to sift through a lot, but they range in price from 50 cents to a dollar.


5. I was in the Utah Pagent of the Arts my second year at Ricks--What they do it take famous works of art and put real people in them. My roommate talked me into trying out. I made it, but she didn't. I was "The Flame Leaper". Basically, every night for two weeks I had to paint my body white, put this flame crown thing on my head, climb up on this flame/fire statue, contort my body in this leaping position, and try to keep my arms perfectly still while holding two stick flame things (are you getting the flame theme here) as the statue slowly turned around for all the audience to see. Here's the real thing. How crazy is that.









There you go--probably more than you wanted to know. I tag melanie--she promised to update her blog when she got back from her cruise.

Lincoln City

Last week Stuart had to work in Lincoln City, which is right on the beach. It was Spring Break, so Taylor had no preschool and we were free to go along. I hate to have her miss school, even though it's only preschool, but I also love traveling along with Stuart when we can. This was a great spot and I think we're going to have to come every time. We left a little later than planned, but still made it in time to watch American Idol. Staurt was trying to get a room with a Jacuzzi on the balcony, but when they found out we had kids with us it was a big no go--soo sad. One of my FAVORITE things about staying in a hotel is trying out the different kinds of soap, shampoo, and conditioner. This hotel had a mint theme going--I can't remember the name, but I loved it. I even took the used bar of mint/oatmeal soap home with me, along with the half-used shampoo. Stuart thinks I'm wierd.

The next morning Stuart went to work and the girls and I went down to the beach to play. It was a perfect beach day (for Oregon), lots of sun and no wind. So the girls and I are happily walking along, picking up shells, random rocks, and various other objects,

(notice the jacket and rain boots. Gotta love the Oregon coast in April--or July:))

When we look up and notice there is this guy walking towards us in a full suit and tie.

It took a moment for it to register that it was my husband. Stuart had gotten done early with his work, so he came to find us. It was pretty funny to see this guy on the beach in a suit and tie, dress shoes, the works; nice to have him there, but kind of funny, none the less. We didn't stay too much longer after Stuart came. He had more people to see and I think he got tired of people staring at him.

Here's our latest family picture (The couple that took the picture asked Stuart about his "beach attire").

And here's our latest picture of the girls. Quite a fun little trip. Stuart even let me run into the outlet stores all by myself for some quick shopping. We'll have to come back for more.

Taylor's Field Trip and Dance

Don't be too shocked. I know--two postings in less than a week, but I think I'm on a roll--That and Stuart is out of town tonight. I have more time when he's gone, for some reason. (Maybe because I haven't cleaned up the dishes from dinner yet and probably won't until tomorrow:)).

Also, I just finished my month of teaching pre-school. It was actually pretty fun. The only problem is I usually use the time when Taylor is in school to get things done. As a result I have been a little behind this last month. BUT..happy day! Tomorrow starts a whole new month with Ms. Shantel as the teacher. Love it!

My month's theme was transportation--good stuff. As the closing field trip we went to the Pearson Air Museum (Brittany and Sara would have a cool link to the museum website right here, but I'm not that good yet:).) It was good, but probably aimed at older kids. There was tons to see and read, but not as many hands-on activities as I would have liked, though the ones they did have entertained them well--The kids could have stayed at the model aircraft carrier the whole time. Also, they have flight simulators that I thought would have been awesome, but they were locked up--sad day. However, the kids still seemed to have fun. Here are a few pictures from the event.

The preschool group (not counting Alyson and Cole.) Notice Taylor's awful shoes. Not only are they bright pink, but they have Dora on top. I hate them and would like to throw them out, but Stuart bought them for her and, of course, Taylor loves them.

Taylor, our future pilot. Alyson, not so into the pilot thing.

The field trip was Wednesday. Friday was observation day for Taylor's dance class. We had no idea about this because we had missed the class the week before. Fortunately, we were on time for a change and I had my camera in my bag. Unfortunately, I had Alyson and Madelyn with me (which made for interesting picture taking), hadn't really done Taylor's hair that morning, and didn't quite manage make-up myself. Oh well! Here are a few shots from the observation day.

Taylor loves her dance class. Her teacher, Ms. Jessica, is the greatest. She is soo positive. It was fun to see some of the things She is learning.