jon.marci.mckinley.aspen.zachary

Check this out…

2012-01-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

I bet you’ve never seen anything this awesome!! (well, maybe you have, I guess it’s sorta common). See the extra teeth???

Kinley’s baby teeth don’t have enough room for her permanant teeth. Which causes the adult teeth to grow behind. Eventually they will move into place…BUT in the mean time she gets 2 sets of front teeth. pretty cool.

She can hardly wait for the tooth fairy to come. Though, she was a little disappointed when she found out all she brings is some lousy money.

Out with the Training Wheels

2012-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Kin-“Can I take my training wheels off?”

me- “I guess”

………………………………………………

Me-“Stop going so fast, your scaring me”

Kin-“But Mom, you told me if I go faster I won’t fall and it’s fun”

Me- “When did you start listening to me!!!”

Kinley wants to ride her bike all day, everyday!!!

She hasn’t quite figured out how to start and stop. Her feet can’t reach the ground when sitting on her bike, so when she’s had enough riding she’ll throw herself off. Which results in scratched up hands, however, she seems to be okay with it. HA! Give it a few more days and she’ll have the go/stops down.

Marci's orders to Jon

2012-01-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

Marci won't let me talk about Politics on our blog, which is too bad since the South Carolina primary is this Saturday. But, she said I can write about our religious beliefs. With that stipulation, we have heard a lot of people recently say that they like Ron Paul, except for his foreign policy. So, to share about religion...

Ron Paul in 2012! Especially his foreign policy... And, on the exact same note, love your neighbor, even if they speak a different language, have different beliefs, or live in another country. We're all children of our Heavenly Father, and he loves all of us and wants us all to be happy.

I will be glad when the election primary is over, though, so we won't have to watch any more political adds.

Zachary 4 months today!!

2012-01-15T12:19:00.001-08:00

Zachary is growing like crazy! check it out..

I love taking pictures of this Little Man. Mostly cuz he can’t move yet!!!

zachary snoring

2012-01-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Moulin Rouge Elephant Love Medly

2012-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

I was obsessed with this song as a freshman in college. My roommates and I watched the movie daily (along with Legally blonde) and even made a few music videos which I hope are burned now. Ha.

Well, McKinley has ALWAYS (since the day she was born) had a hard time falling asleep. Still to this day, sleep is at the bottom of her list and could probably stay up all night if we let her. I started singing The Elephant Song from Moulin Rouge to McKinley every night since she was a few weeks old and I've rarely missed a night.

Yesterday, no joke, I caught her singing the whole song. All 4 minutes and 32 seconds of it. Maybe I should have picked a more uplifting song...

Name those eyes

2012-01-07T08:10:00.001-08:00

Let’s see how well you know the Allen’s. How many people can you identify based on their eyes? (Note: it should be easy to see who doesn’t get enough sleep at night…and it’s not the new mother)

a few weirdos…

2012-01-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

The break.

2012-01-05T18:37:00.001-08:00

This year for Christmas we did ABSOLUTLY NOTHING! It was perfect.

RELAXING. CALM. STRESSLESS.

Though, I did teach my girls the art of riding down the stairs in their sleeping bags. So many childhood memories! Our gluteus maximus was sore for a few days afterwards.

We had a few crashes and faceplants. Which is given when performing an extreme sport like this.

"Brothers at War"

2012-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

This video is of my brothers. They LOVE writing a script, making a video, and than editing it. Especially my younger brother. This video describes them perfectly. I love it and I've watched it about 10 times already (I quote it daily).
You would never guess they're 21 years apart.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

I loved Christmas on Sunday! Why can’t Christmas be on Sunday every year? Serious. We decided to open presents after church since we barely make it to 11:30 church without rushing normally. (How will we EVER make it to 9am church on time next year??) SOOO…we decided before church to focus more on our Savior and his gift to us. AND than after church we got back in our PJ’s and open the presents.

Before Church

After church

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

Here’s how we have a snowball fight in SOUTH CAROLINA…

--wad up paper--

Jon and I have decided to have a Christmas Eve party every year. A bunch of friends, that were around for the holidays, came over for a Cookie Exchange, snowball fight, coloring, and fun. Even Zachary’s little friend came…

Aren’t they the cutest!?!

I love this time of year!!

Cutest Bell Ringers around…

2011-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

I signed the girls up to help The Salvation Army ring bells. We got a 2 hour slot at the end of the day…not what I was hoping for. I imagined an hour max. around lunch time in T-shirt weather. But oh well! We sang Christmas songs, made up dances, said lots of “Merry Christmas” ‘s, a constant ringing of the bell in our ears, and lots of laughter. I felt like an annoyingly hyper teenager again. Loved it! I recommend the Salvation Army regularly use toddlers for bell ringers…they’d get more donations.

EXCITED!!!!!!!

2011-12-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

Are you as excited as we are for Christmas???

We even had a little visit with Santa Claus…

ONLY 4 more days!!!!

p.s. Thanks Jon for sending out a Christmas Card Via Blog (look at post below). I am still using the “just had a baby excuse” for not mailing any this year. Maybe next year??

Christmas Greetings (by Jon)

2011-12-18T05:56:00.001-08:00

As Christmas cards pour in from our friends and family, we would be remiss if we didn’t likewise send out our greetings. And so-

Merry Christmas, everyone, from McKinley…

Aspen…

and Zachary.

We hope your holidays are as exciting and fun-filled as ours have been throughout the years!

(Don’t get upset, this is a joke. We really love Christmas. Our kids are still making up their minds, as you can see)

Christmas program

2011-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

McKinley had a school Christmas program today. She sang amazing, of course.

She loves school and her 7 classmates. But she especially LOVES her teachers.

A little story- McKinley somehow got the idea in her head that her teachers for Christmas wanted a chocolate bar and a letter from her. So, we were walking the candy aisle in Target when Kinley spotted the “perfect” candy bar, a Symphony Bar with Toffee. YUM! We took two home and decorated them all cute with scrapbook paper that she picked out. And she wrote a little note to each teacher. Here’s how they went…”I (heart) love you. Thank you for being my Teacher. Love McKinley”

3 months!!! already?

2011-12-15T11:02:00.001-08:00

Zachary is 3 months today.

Check out his cheeks (yum) and his eyelashes (jealous) and the tie (thanks Cari, my sis.)

Where Are You Christmas? "Live in Concert" Jon Schmidt & Steven Sharp Ne...

2011-12-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

MUD RUN!

2011-12-10T07:48:00.001-08:00

I am officially signed up! YAH! CRAP! Does this mean I have to start running? I didn’t think about that part. :) I’m thinking my team (Mudder Lovin’) is going to crush the competition. It may be true that all of us have infants and one is pregnant BUT nothing will stop us. Nothing.

Christmas Book Exchange

2011-12-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

I’m keeping up with the tradition of doing a book exchange every year. We love it. Easy planning. Fun. Presents. The only rule is the book has to either be a dollar or less or sitting around your house. Cheap, Just how we like it.

Normally I copy all my good craft/decorating/party ideas. However, I’m proud to say I thought of this one myself. Actually it’s really not that cool and not overly creative. AND I’m sure many people have done that same exact thing themselves. But lets just pretend, for the sake of my happiness, that I am the most creative person in the world right now. Thanks.

SNOWMAN SNACKS

Snowman nose- carrots

Snowman eyes- choco chips or raisens

Snowman buttons-peppermints

Snowman arms- pretzels

Snowman mouth- licorice

Snowman poop- marshmallow

Melted Snowman- Water

a million pictures of Little Man…

2011-12-01T11:18:00.001-08:00

Zachary just keeps growing and growing.

Rascal Flatts says it best...

2011-11-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Tags: I'll Be Home for Christmas, Rascal Flatts, Rascal Flatts Videos

true love…

2011-11-23T05:44:00.001-08:00

Zachary and Anna.

I am hoping to blow up this picture for their wedding in 24 years.

You would never guess she’s 2 months older.

Zachary blessing

2011-11-20T14:43:00.001-08:00

Today we blessed Zachary at our church. Grandma and Grandpa A. flew out for to spend Thanksgiving with us, so we are grateful to have some family here for the blessing and the holiday.

Butterfly Snacks.

2011-11-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. It’s mostly love though and here’s why, besides planning my whole thanksgiving meal on it, is all the cute kids craft ideas. Yes, it’s true that mine NEVER look as good BUT I’m okay with that. Pinterest is truely a place for the uncreative minds to deceive others.

McKinley takes a treat to school once a month for Snack Time. She also gets to be the “Special Helper” for the day. she looks forward to it ALL month. Here is the treat idea we found and she HAD to make for school all by herself (mostly)…

They’re suppose to be butterflies. :) (pinterest butterfly snack)

2 months.

2011-11-17T13:26:00.001-08:00

Zachary is now 2 months!!!!! I just love this little man…

Don’t you just want to eat his cheeks? and kiss his forehead? and squeeze him tight?

I do.

I tell ya, there is something about having a boy. Something real special!

“Elevensies”

2011-11-11T11:28:00.001-08:00

Alicia planned yet another fun party! The kids celebrated 11/11/11 and each brought 11 items to show everyone. We even, somehow, got 11 kids to pose for a picture at 11:11am. AMAZING!

The girls made 11 Turkey Cookies to share with everyone.

and ate lots of the yummy cupcakes, of course!

Caught in action

2011-11-10T12:42:00.001-08:00

Playing dentist…(They LOVE going to the dentist. Weirdos.)

Playing Hairdresser…

Playing surgeon (?)…

I wonder which one they’ll decide to do once they grow up!! Maybe hairdresser cuz then I’ll never have to pay for a haircut EVER again. Or maybe a dentist cuz that for sure would have it’s benefits.

Halloween, of course. (post #500)

2011-11-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I read Tina Fey’s book “Bossypants” Man, that lady is hilarious. I started the book early morning and hardly set it down. Maybe once or twice to show my kids I really do love them more, though it was a struggle. Nothing else got done around the house. EVERY room was a disaster when Jon got home from work. So what do I do? I whine how hard it is to get anything done when I have a newborn in the house!! Brillant…how long can I use this excuse anyways?

Postscript-Bossypants has some language and such…so, i hesitate to recommend it.

Halloween

Blogging has been sorta a challenge for me lately. If my kids and I didn’t LOVE looking at all our post over the last few years then I’d dwindle out BUT I must keep going until I LOVE it again.

McKinley’s school

Ward Trunk or Treat

The coolest family ever… (minus 3 kids, who are running around somewhere with my girls)

Now I must go sneak more of my kids candy!

Grandma

2011-10-27T10:50:00.001-07:00

Grandma A. has now left us. Sad! It was amazing how all the meals were made, the house stayed cleaned, all the beds were made, and the kids didn’t pull each others hair out. Thanks Judy for coming!!!! We had a blast. BUT NOW…I am behind again. When will life ever get back to normal???

Zachary is 6 weeks old today. It’s flown by…why does life go so much faster after the baby comes than the last 6 weeks of pregnancy??

one month

2011-10-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

Zachary is now a month and still growing. Actually he is growing a lot!!!! 2 pounds in one month…10 1/2 lbs. SEROIUS. I’ve always wanted a chunky baby, I think I’ve got him.

Jon’s bday

2011-10-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

Last year Jon’s birthday was a train wreck. We were in the middle of moving and Jon was stuck in our house watching movers load a truck. He got no presents, no celebration and luckily my sister made him a cake we ate late that night. SO…this year we made it HUGE!!!! The girls decorated our house to the max and each picked out a present. He got his favorite pie and favorite flavor of ice cream. We also drove to Asheville to eat at Jon’s FAVORITE restaurant. The day was spent HIKING.

I think it turned out better then last year!

Random things…

2011-10-11T13:18:00.001-07:00

1.Zachary CAN burp! He can BURP loud. Real LOUD! Not only is he loud but consistent and often. Real OFTEN! Approximately…ALL day long. If he knew the alphabet, he could burp it in one ongoing burp. My friends words are “Wow, he sounds like a truck driver”. I have much pride in these talents of his. Anyone want to challenge Zachary to a burping contest??? YOU WILL LOSE.

2. I finally mopped the floors after 3 and a half weeks. It was disgusting.

3. “I just had a baby” is the perfect excuse to get out of EVERYTHING. I love it!

4. This picture was accidently taken when I was changing the setting on my camera… I think it’s my favorite picture EVER.

5. Aspen still wears diapers. Yep, she is almost 3 and a half. You can judge me, I’m okay with that. I really haven’t put much effort into it and one of these days she’ll starting potty training herself. right? Maybe my next plan will involve Kinley training her.

6. I am going to take a nap. I am tired. I am so looking forward to sleeping through the night once again.

2 weeks

2011-09-30T10:57:00.001-07:00

Zachary is now 2 weeks old and sleeps most of the time. I forgot how fun it is to have a newborn in the house. Why does the newborn stage go so fast??? Zachary’s sisters won’t leave him alone…lots of kissing and cuddling. And I’m even worse, I don’t want to share him. AND on top of that one of his Grandma’s is here. AND then there is Jon, who sadly has to schedule a moment to hold him. Luckily, or is it Luckily, nobody else wants him at night…So he’s all mine. :)

Ultra race of champions...

2011-09-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Wanna know how Jon did???

It was a 100k trail race in Virginia with some of the top trail runners in the country. And Jon rocked it! He took 5th place and couldn't be happier with his results.

Here is a summary video of the race...

This weekend

2011-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hello regular followers of Marci's blog. We interrupt the regularly scheduled program of really cute kids to bring you... well, definitely not a cute kid.

Some of you may already be aware, but I'm doing a little horn tooting for this weekend about something I'm real excited about. I'm running in the Ultra Race of Champions, a 100-kilometer (62 mile) ultra marathon in Virginia that is a Championship race (of sorts) for ultrarunning. I'm one of about 30 elite runners vying for $10k in prize money. I'm not one of the favorites, by any means, but hope to run well and place high.

If you're really bored this weekend (and I mean, really, really bored), there is some live video coverage of the race. They will be doing red carpet interviews and an elite Q&A Friday night. Then, 2-hr delay streaming video of the race starting Saturday morning, with splits through checkpoints along the way. You can find all of this at www.ultraroc.com.

You can also go to twitter and look for iRunFar- he'll be posting the leaders along the way http://twitter.com/#!/iRunFar. There's some really good runners out there, so don't expect me to be in the front. I'm more of a wait and spring at the end type.

There's even some pre-race analysis telling what to expect and who the favorites are:

http://www.irunfar.com/2011/09/uroc-mens-preview-with-mackey-sharman-warian-james.html

http://insidetrail.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/uroc-a-step-in-a-new-direction/

Anyways, I just wanted to share this with all of you. Hope you have a fun weekend.

(Yes, this post is by Jon, not Marci)

Happy Birthday, McKinley!

2011-09-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

With all the excitement going on in our house this week, we still managed to fit in a birthday party. McKinley turned 5! She has been planning this birthday party since the day after her 4th birthday. Grandma, Aspen, and Zachary were invited and it had to be a Rapunzel/princess party.

And introducing…

2011-09-15T18:48:00.001-07:00

Zachary Kay, born at 11:47 am. Arriving 6 days late, he weighs in at a hefty 8 lbs 8 oz, 21.5 in long, with a head circumference of 14.5 in (yes, that’s a big noggin’, especially for Marci). McKinley and Aspen were born on the small/medium side, and Zach is definitely pushing the scales the other way. Very cute kid who looks a lot like McKinley (and hence, Marci). McKinley already loves holding him, while Aspen just wants to eat Marci’s hospital food! Everyone is doing great, including the always strong and resilient Marci.

First day of preschool…

2011-09-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

So you wouldn’t think starting preschool would be such a big deal- BUT it was!!! Kinley has been counting down the days for months now and it has finally arrived. *Her clothes were set out the night before *no complaining about going to bed early *woke up an hour early *laid next to me in bed while staring at my alarm clocks in hopes that it would go off soon * was ready half an hour early *got in the car with seatbelt on 15 minutes early *arrived at her school before the doors were opened * Kinley asked if I could just drop her off without walking her in. *She even allowed Aspen to play with her “Special” princesses while she was gone. *Since she arrived home, she’s had a permanent smile and hasn’t stopped talking about it.

She was excited and said over and over “I’m so excited for school”. BUT on the other hand I wasn’t so much. I seriously thought about home schooling just so she can stay home with me all day long. I didn’t think I’d be one of those mom’s who gets all emotional…but I’m thinking it’s inevitable. I just keep reminding myself it’s not everyday and only a few hours at a time. Just imagine what a mess I’ll be next year when she’s at school all day, everyday. AH!

She had to have a picture of her backpack also!!!!

Princess Party…

2011-09-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

McKinley and Aspen are cranky! They want to play outside all day but it’s still too hot. Kinley wants to start school but still has a week. The baby in mom’s tummy is never coming out! I guess we’re all a little cranky. Soooo…I let Kinley and Aspen plan a princess party for the neighbor girls. It was brilliant thinking. They spent most of the day decorating, planning games, and figuring out the food. Invitations were even designed by Kinley. I hardly did a thing, just laid on the couch with my cup of ice.

oh and I took a few pictures…

About 5 minutes after the party ended McKinley asked if she can start planning another party for tomorrow. HA!

Surviving summer

2011-08-30T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here is how I’m surviving a HOT summer with an attached heater…

A SNOWCONE MAKER!!!!!

I eat about 7-10 glasses of shaved ice everyday. Just plain ice and I love it! I’ve even convinced my kids of the yumminess.

Baby Shower

2011-08-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

My adorable, yet hilarious friend Shannon threw me a baby shower! At Cold Stones too. Nothing like friends and ice cream!!!!

(Shannon, Sarah, and Ryan)

(Lisa, Me, Berkley, and Jessica) I can’t believe Jessica is actually wearing that shirt!!!! *wink*

…Some more fun, crazy ladies…

(me with Alicia (the girl of many talents)) I am pretty sure she is a vampire though. She wears sunglasses even at night…two pairs sometimes. :) Also the fact that she’s gorgeous AND applies massive amounts of sunscreen before leaving the house. I am on to you…

…Fun gifts…

“A Sushi Platter”

Thanks girls for the fun night!!! Now the baby can come…

Tablerock State Park

2011-08-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

Jon had a race over the weekend, so us girls tagged along. We are an amazing cheering squad! I’m sure the reason he won has to do with us.

After the race we played at the playground, hiked a little, and played in the lake.

Kinley even braved the diving board.

life.

2011-08-18T08:33:00.001-07:00

I haven’t wrote a blog post with much substance in quite a while…so here is a little update on us the last month.

Jon-Still running. Yep, that about covers him.

Marci-EXHAUSTED! I forgot how useless I become that last few weeks of pregnancy. :) Though, The baby bedding is all done and his room is organized. So, I am now free to do absolutely nothing until September. Lots of movies will be watched and scrapbook pages will be finished. Just this week I’ve come to the realization that a new child is coming real soon…So, perhaps I should think of a name for him. It’s HARD! Are boy names normally this hard? Here is the problem…Jon has been set a name for MONTHS. I like the name but don’t love. I am on a quest to find a name but I’m starting to think he may win this one. Which is alright by me…it’s his first boy!

Mckinley- Her life is about to be changed dramatically in a few weeks. She is starting preschool for the first time and a new brother will arrive. Her birthday is coming up soon too which she talks about everyday. Her list of gifts is huge!!! :) Kinley has turned into a fish. Swimming is her favorite thing right now and she is overly confident. She will not wear any floaties and she has no fear of the water. Which in returns means I am in constant fear of her life. However, swimming feels amazing on a straining, heavy body so we go regularly.

Aspen- Aspen has a way of making Jon and I laugh our heads off. I am not sure where she gets it but she’s hilarious. Such as, when aspen wants something she’ll bow her head and curtsey while saying “Please, your majesty” It works, she receives it every time! The girls play princesses half the day and the other half they color. Aspen and Kinley love friends. We try and get out once a day with friends or do something that gets their energy out. They love the zoo, bounce house, library, running around the house, swimming, having friends over. My girls are so fun right now (when they aren’t fighting or whining or being dramatic) I want to remember their cuteness forever!!!!

I Am a Child of God

2011-08-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

on a quest…

2011-08-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

I’ve had a major craving for Cinnamon Bears lately! Here is the problem…I can’t find them ANYWHERE. WHAT?!?! Shouldn’t they be at EVERY stores? Well, they aren’t.

So the girls and I are on a quest to find them. We’ve tried…Walmart, Sams Club, Target, Whole foods, Trader Joes, Publix, Bi Lo, Ingles, Wallgreens, RiteAid, CVS, Dollar Tree, a few gas stations…

NO such luck yet. This is an EMERGENCY!! I must find some. And I am not resorting to some overpriced specialty candystore.

(This is the VERY first picture I ever took with my camera last august. Is it a coincident it’s of a cinnamon bear? probably not)

Nesting…

2011-07-29T17:06:00.001-07:00

The baby will be here before we know it and his room hasn’t even been started. I was 100% fine with this last week when I told Jon “I am in no hurry, let’s just do it once the baby comes”. This week is a whole new story. I emailed Jon today telling him “So remember how we have nothing in August well…we are painting, sewing, getting out the nail gun, hanging curtain…we will be busy” Luckily, Jon mustered all his patience and replied “Sounds good but do we have to do more woodwork?” It’s still debatable.

All week I’ve been searching pinterest, blogs, decorpad, and baby stores for ideas for a baby room. I am not picky and I’m not an amazing decorator BUT I do have an imagine in my head that I can’t seem to figure out…Could someone please tell me what I want? Well, here are my ideas so far and most have been purchased so I’m stuck…

Curtain and blanket fabric crib skirt fabric

Bumper pad crib sheets

Paint color inspiration for mobile

The colors match perfectly in person, I swear. The room now has nothing in it but a blank, white crib…I need wall hangings, lamps, a chair, pillows, and accessories. I am almost positive it won’t be done before the baby comes but I will try.

Kids race…

2011-07-27T10:12:00.001-07:00

At Furman University there are free track meets for kids all summer long. Jon signed the girls up and they had a blast. It may be true they came in last place in every race but they were cluelessly happy. As we were leaving, Kinley showed me her ribbons and asked if she won the whole track meet. Oh how I wish I was more like a four year old.

-The 50-meter-

-The 100m relay with Dad-

-The long jump -

-The 200m race…Kinley favorite! (This was always my favorite too)

(Notice my shadow? my pregnant body only has 6 weeks. yah!)

-The ribbons-

WARNING: This may cause nausea.

2011-07-22T10:09:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week Jon got surgery on his toe. It was bothering him when he runs, so might as well get the whole nail taken off. Right? So I have some pictures to show…Just to warn you they are NASTY, DISGUSTING, & HORRIFYING. And he is proud of it.

BEFORE

RIGHT AFTER

NEXT DAY

“I’m ready to go”

2011-07-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

Aspen has been learning to dress herself…

a trip.

2011-07-11T13:25:00.001-07:00

My dad was raised in a tiny town outside of St. Louis, Mo. All of his family, including brother, sisters, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, cousins, still live in the area. I haven’t been back since I was 9 and when I heard my parents, brother, sister and her family were making a trip, we just had to tag along.

Curryville, Mo

We spend the 4 of the nights at my cousin’s home in Curryville. A town with a population of 251 people and the majority were Amish. I have a secret crush on this lil’ country town with dirt roads, millions of trees, and acres of land. Here is where my cousin lives with her 40 acres…

Swimming at my cousin’s home…

Hannibal, Mo

We spent the day in Hannibal and did most the Mark Twain touristy stuff.

Carthage, IL

Nauvoo, IL

We spent a few days in Nauvoo. I love the city of Nauvoo. I was surprised how much fun the girls had. We went to a few shows, sunrise on the Mississippi, The Nauvoo Pageant, the fair, most of the tourist home…of course we left with brick, a prairie diamond, and homemade root beer.

St. Louis

We can’t go to St. Louis without going to Cardinal games and riding to the top of the arch.

I come from a tall family. My shortest relative on my dad’s side is 5 feet 9 inches. My mom’s side of the family is tall also. WHY AM I SO SHORT? :)

We had a fun trip. I always love being with family. I won’t get to see my siblings and the girls won’t get to see their cousins until next summer. WE ALREADY MISS THEM.

Thoughts about having a boy….

2011-07-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

Our house is filled with pink, dolls, princesses, bows, dresses, drama, lots and lots of drama. What are we suppose to do with a boy!!!! We’re so use to having little girls in our home, that it’s hard to imagine a little boy coming. Don’t get me wrong…I am excited…Very, Very Excited. I can hardly wait to see him and meet him. Though, I am hoping these next two months go slow while I enjoy my less-demanding, easy daughters…Life is laid-back right now!

Shopping-Who says boys aren’t fun to shop for?? It’s not true. Girls have always been easy…cute clothes and dresses EVERYHWERE. It’s almost too easy. But I’ll tell ya, I have enjoyed shopping boy stuff more because of the challenge. It’s rewarding. I haven't bought much but here are a few of my favorite purchases…

Now the boys bedding is another story…I have looked for months and still haven’t found anything I LOVE. SO…I am resorting to pulling out the sewing machine. I’ve found fabric but hopefully it looks decent. Wish me luck.

Names- Jon and I haven’t discussed names at all yet. The baby name book hasn’t even been opened. Boys names are difficult! The girls have been helping us out…

Aspen wants to name him Strawberry Shortcake

McKinley is set on the name Shooting Star.

It’s going to be a tough choice on which one we go with.

Blueberries!

2011-06-26T16:28:00.001-07:00

Jon loves blueberries! Loves them on everything from oatmeal, pancakes, cereal, and ice cream. But he especially loves them fresh…so he took us to a picking farm where we picked blueberries and blackberries. I think we ate more than we picked. When we arrived at the farm I realized I forgot my camera but luckily Jon brought his…

Can’t hide Aspen’s love for blackberries!

a cute conversation…

2011-06-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Friday night Jon took the girls on a little date to a free movie at a park. During the drive Kinley said to Jon “We was playing with our friends.” or something close to that. Jon corrected her “We WERE playing with our friends” Here is Kinley’s sweet remark…

“Dad, I’m only 4. I don’t know everything!”

Too cute!

…prego…

2011-06-17T14:38:00.001-07:00

It’s true. I am pregnant!

Don’t feel bad if you just found out because you aren’t far behind everyone else. Most of our family just found out a few weeks ago. It’s kind of fun to live across the country and keep it a secret as long as possible.

I haven’t taken many pictures because it’s summer and I don’t get ready much in the summer. I mostly wear t-shirts, hair up, and go around barefoot. But here is a picture, taken a few weeks ago in the garage of all places, right before church… ( i am 27 weeks in this picture hence the girls holding up their fingers)

A little about the past…

2011-06-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

When I was about the age of 5 I got a doll. (see below) I loved this doll. We went through a whole lot together. The best thing about this doll is it had a heartbeat, yep, it sure did. Whenever you touched it’s heart it would feel just like a typical, human heartbeat. Well, A sad day came when I decided to take it in the bath with me and the heart stopped working…I guess you could say it drowned. I don’t think I’ve mentioned her name yet…”Heartbeat Baby”. I’ve always been original at naming my toys…such as my stuffed cat named Kitty. So Heartbeat Baby and I go way back and I’ve saved her to this day for my girls to play with. Yes I know she is a little messed up in the face,and a little dirty, and she has no clothes, and she sort of stinks, and the girls always choose her last to play with BUT I’ll still always love her.

On to the point of this post-

A few days ago Kinley said to me “Mom, you are SO lucky to have the baby doll from Toy Story” I guess I can see the resemblance. And yes I am lucky.

NYC

2011-06-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

Recently Jon and I returned from a ~~vacation~~ trip to New York City. It was NOT a vacation since Jon did all the planning. We would be out the hotel door at 8am and not return until after midnight most nights, exhausted! He wore me down, even though I am going through a “Fat Stage”. Skipping most of the tourist attraction’s lines was an big bonus though.

Here are a few, limited amount of pictures. I’ve realized taking pictures just isn’t as fun without Kinley and Aspen on the opposite end.

It was definitely a much needed trip. Thanks to my sister for watching the girls! Jon and I have decided that next time we go to NYC all we are doing is going to Broadway shows and eating all day long. Perfect.

Amy is gone…

2011-06-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

Sister Power (that is what we’ve call each other since Junior High) just stepped on a plane and is gone. I miss her and Austin already. The girls do too. They were here a whole 15 days, 5 of them Jon and I took a trip, and I wish it was just a little bit longer…

Miss ya already…

I even found a full length poster of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL hanging in our guest room for her, because if you know Amy you know she LOVES HSM. Did I ever mention she was in HSM 3? Most likely YES, I did.

up-Amy & Austin with us at a baseball game

Down-Amy posing in the garage

Up-Amy eating Thai.

COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And don’t hate me for posted all these lovely pic of ya.

Happy (pretend)Birthday Aspen!

2011-06-07T19:34:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrate Aspen’s birthday since Jon and I will be out of town on her real birthday. I missed her 1st birthday, Jon missed her 2nd birthday, and now were both missing her 3rd. Good thing she has no idea!

(check out aspen’s sweaty, nasty hair from the heat and humidity…Totally normal)

When Aspen woke up I told her we could do whatever and eat whatever she wanted. Here is how our day went…

Pancakes with strawberries. a few hours at a bounce house. Southern Food at the “pig place” with Daddy. Movie at home. make cupcakes. Wash the car (somehow I’ve convinced her it’s fun). Macaroni and cheese for dinner. swim party. presents. Sleep.

Car wash-

Swim Party-I think we’ve been to the neighborhood pool 4 times in just the last week!!!

“Smile Austin” This boy is too cute.

Presents-Remember this post from 2 1/2 years ago??? It’s about a kitchen I wanted for my girls. We’ll I finally got it. I can’t believe I waited this long, but the pennies had to be saved. You better LOVE it, Aspen.

Happy Birthday ASPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it normal for a mother to get more excited for a birthday than the child and to be more sad when the birthday is over? I want the day to start again. Only 3 more months until Kinley’s!!!

yumminess…

2011-06-06T11:58:00.001-07:00

Let the strawberry pickin’ begin.

And don’t forget the strawberry eatin’

We all have a stomach ache now.

chickens.

2011-06-04T19:54:00.001-07:00

Our friends have chickens. Lots and lots of chickens. These chickens produce our weekly consumption of eggs. The girls and cousin Austin love chasing these chickens. Searching for eggs to take home is also a favorite.

Don’t mind that the biggest picture I posted is of a chicken. It’s kinda cute.

MEMORIAL DAY…

2011-06-01T11:24:00.001-07:00

My sister Amy is here and I am keeping her plenty busy. On memorial day (Day one with Amy) with watched the USA CYCLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. It was neat to see some of the best cyclist competing right in front of us for the championship. Kind of cool.

Some of the cheering squad…

A little swimming and BBQ in the evening (typical Memorial day stuff)

The girls are loving having their cousin, Austin, here.

Dustin’ off the old sewing machine…

2011-05-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

My friend, Shannon, has been teaching me the art of sewing. She might even have me addicted. Check out the dresses we made…Adorable, cute, and ~~easy~~ WAY HARD! :)

Thanks Shannon!

girls room

2011-05-27T13:20:00.001-07:00

I would consider this week a week full of projects. I’ve been a little too ambitious this week and I’m taking the next two weeks off from any home projects. At least I’ll try. Here is one of my favorite projects/rooms. It’s so close to being done.

Before-

After-

The girls room will be done with this weekend. Except for the headboards. I have been garage sale shopping every weekend the last month for the sole reason of finding headboards. I am so close to paying full price…but no close enough yet. Maybe tomorrow I’ll hit the jackpot.

P.S. My sister and nephew will be here in 2 days!!!!!

100 X 5K World Record

2011-05-23T09:15:00.001-07:00

On Saturday/ Sunday the Greenville Track club was trying to set the official Guinness World Record for the 5K x 100 relay world record. Which means that 100 hundred fast runners run around the track 12.5 times, relay style (even holding a baton). Jon’s started running after 10:30PM, which shows in the girls face. But it ended up being a blast…Lots of Jon’s running friends from work ran with their families cheering and music playing that each runner picked.

I would have to say it was my very favorite race. Mostly, because we were able to see Jon run the whole time (most runs we only get to see the finish line). The girls and I ran back and forth along inner track field and tried to cheer him on every 200-meters.

Jon’s 5k time was 16 min and 24 sec which was a PR (personal record). He was ecstatic. And They finished the whole relay in 30 hrs. 1 min and 14 sec. Which means they are World Record Holders!!! awesome.

Don’t mind the blurry pictures.

My lil’ love…

2011-05-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Aspen is the most cuddly person in the whole world. Luckily, I’m the second.

I just love this little one’s personality and life is a constant laugh when she’s around.

“Dinning room”-So close…

2011-05-13T10:51:00.001-07:00

If you came to my last house this room probably looks familiar. Considering the fact that I’m not made out of money, so I have all the same furniture. My friends, Chelsey & Kristy, helped me decorate and shop for the room and I miss their expertise. I love this room and added a few extra things --such as the Pendant, lamp shade, lamp post, Baton board, and painted the ceiling/walls. I ordered the perfect rug and it came yesterday but was sent the wrong one. When I called to set things straight I was told it’s Out-of-stock. I’m still a little bitter.

Just a little bit about McKinley…

2011-05-13T10:50:00.001-07:00

Ever read the book “The Five Love Languages”? An overall summary is that everyone has a different type of way they feel loved. Whether it be Quality time, Words of Affirmation, Physical Tough, Acts of Service, or Receiving Gifts. Well, right now McKinley is Receiving Gifts. She loves it when I draw a picture for her, or write her a little note, or hand her a penny for her piggy bank. I am not much of a gift giver/receiver, so having a daughter that is has been a fun challenge. Mckinley is constantly drawing pictures for her friends, taking pennies and stickers she wrapped over to the neighbors, and asking to give people her toys.

I feel bad for her future husband.

OLIVES

2011-05-05T11:02:00.001-07:00

If you ask my girls what there favorite food is, olives will be on the top. WHY? Maybe because they’re so fun. They are still at the bottom of my list, though.

(Don’t mind the dirty face and tangley hair. They found a dirt pile outside)

home pictures…before. (Warning-Don’t read if not interested in home decor. Sorta boring)

2011-05-01T19:42:00.001-07:00

I haven’t posted any pictures of the home. Sorry about that. Mostly sorry to my sister Cari who calls me on a regular basis wanting to see pictures. Every, single time she calls I say, “I’ll post some for you tomorrow. I promise” Sadly, a month goes by and still none. So this is for you Cari…

However, these pictures are only the before…the WAY before…before our truck even arrived. I am a little bit of an organize, planning freak so I literally have a spread sheet of each room, the order I will finish it in, and the date it will be done. It’s turning out to be a full-time job. HA! So first on my list is the living room…

It’s mostly done…painted, pictures hung, furniture placed. All I need is an area rug, picture gallery above the fireplace, and curtains. (wow, that sounds like a lot still). I’ll post after pictures once I get a little closer to finishing.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Room #2 is the “Dining room” but since we have no dining furniture we are making it another living room…

This room is the closest to being done and hopefully I will have a picture up by the end of the week. I’ve painted the walls and ceiling, adding Board & Batten, and changed out the chandelier. Really, All I have left is a round rug (which is practically impossible to find the perfect one), woodwork put on columns, and curtains hung up. The ceiling is my favorite thing in the whole house.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Room #3

The girls room. I’ve always wanted McKinley and Aspen to share a room EVENTUALLY. Right now I have them in separate rooms and will be keeping it that way for a while longer BUT I figure I’ll plan the room with them sharing. This is by far my favorite room. Girl’s rooms have sooo much potential! I have the board & Batten up, the room halfway painted (which is sad cuz’ I started over a week ago. Burnt out.), and the bedding/pillows/curtains. About a week ago I thought I had everything I needed for this room until a million ideas started coming to me. When I get a good idea in my head I can’t get it out!!

Here are the few of my latest ideas…

Two of these green beds. Picture frames with pink patterned paper.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

This is seriously fun for me! Jon has been on board this time around which makes the whole process that much better. True Story- About a month ago on our way home from church Jon told me he felt like it was important to have a beautiful home. I have held him to that. Of course on a budget though! Danget.

I can’t wait to finished these 3 rooms and start on the next. :) I’ll post most pictures as the rooms progress a little more.

The girls swimming with Leah

2011-05-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

( just a few random pic.)

…Easter Day…

2011-04-28T08:25:00.001-07:00

This is as good as the pictures get when your rushing to church and the girls aren’t cooperative. :)

Every Easter since we’ve been married Jon and I prepare a dinner together. It seems to get better every year. Jon is solely in charge of the Glazed Ham.

The girls took care of decorating the table. Kinley was proud. She did it all herself…though she was disappointed no dandelions were growing in our backyard to work with.

Yummy!

Jon may have had food poisoning the next day, but it was still good. poor guy…i blame it on his Ham.

Neighborhood EASTER party

2011-04-23T19:35:00.001-07:00

Our neighborhood had a parade and Egg Hunt. My friend, Shannon, planned out the whole thing and it turned out amazing. The parade was a top favorite. The girls LOVED buying decoration, decorating their bikes, and then waving to people as they rode by. Kinley felt so special.

Than came the Egg Hunt…

…Kinley with Eliza and Reagan…

HAPPY EASTER!

…Atlanta…

2011-04-18T15:14:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend we spent 4 days in Atlanta. This was a first for us…I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been to the airport or just outside the city limits. I was overly surprised with how gorgeous, clean, and fun the city was.

Here are just a few things we did…

……………………………Jon’s race………………………

Jon’s ultra was 32 miles and he won.

A leaf fell from a tree into Aspen’s hair while she was cheering Dad on. She couldn’t stop laughing.

………………………CNN Headquarters…………

We took a tour of the CNN studio. It’s neat to see behind-the-scenes, and know what goes on.

……………Coca-Cola…………………

World of Coca-Cola was a top favorite. Perhaps it’s because of the free samples. There was 60 different flavors from all over the world. Some were amazing, while some were disgusting. Coke makes a drink for Italy called “Beverly”. NEVER, EVER try it. Disgusting. England has one called “Kinley”. See…

The pop flavors from Africa were VERY interesting, as were the ones from Asia. The flavors from Mexico and South America were some of my favorites. There was no way I could have tried them all but Jon did.

…………………Atlanta Braves…………

My family is FULL of Atlanta Brave fans. And now Kinley has joined the pack. She loved every minutes of it and cheered when appropriate and learned all the chants.

……….Atlanta Temple……

The Atlanta LDS Temple is having an open house and we were excited we got to go. The girls were in shock since we’ve always told them they couldn’t go in the temple until they were older. Aspen loved all the “sparkles” and Kinley said it was “beautiful”.

Aspen thought it would be a good idea to pick the temple ground flowers. opps!

recipes

2011-04-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made up a recipe…It was so yummy, so I want to hurry and write it before I forget. I am always looking for new, yummy, healthy recipes and healthy cooking websites. So let me know what you’ve found!!!

Here it goes…

STIR-FRY SHRIMP AND VEG.

-Make two cups of Quinoa replacing the water with chicken broth.

-In a skillet add the following-

. T. of Olive oil

little bit of garlic

Little bit of curry

handful of green, red, and yellow peppers

handful of dices celery

handful of sliced mushrooms

half a handful of cucumber

handful of crushed almonds

a whole lot of shrimp

-cook the veggies until tender than add the shrimp and almonds for the last few minutes. Than mix in the Quinoa or serve on top. (do you like my way of measuring????)

*Okay, so it’s not the extravagant but it sure taste good. My girls LOVED it but they love fish and quinoa, so it wasn’t too surprising.

Here is a favorite snack (and staple) of the girls and I…

We’ll call it…

YUMMY YOGURT

16 oz of vanilla yogurt (preferable the natural kind)

1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese

A whole lot of fresh berries ( i usually get the Sam’s club Berry Medley with rasp, blueberries, boysenberry)

T. of grounded flax seed (you can’t taste it but I like us to eat it, so it works perfects in yogurt or oatmeal)

-Put everything in blender and divide into small, one-serving containers and save for later or eat now. Our favorite is sticking them in the freezer and letting them thaw a little bit and eating them slushy.

Diggin’ for bugs

2011-04-14T18:29:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there were two girls. All they wanted in life was to catch bugs. Girl #1 searches all over the front yard day and night…

Girl #2 grabs her shovel and digs until a bug appears.

Finally, a bug has been found. A perfect caterpillar, it only lived for the first 5 seconds.

the end.

2011-04-11T07:43:00.001-07:00

Ever been to a outdoor country concert in the south?? Well, trust me when I say

IT’S THE EPITOME OF WHITE TRASH.

Jon and I drove down to Clemson University Saturday night for

ZAC BROWN BAND.

Perfect date. Perfect concert. Perfect evening.

Kinley & Aspen also loved life that night with their friends Grace, Jackson, Blaize, and Landon. They haven’t stopped talking about their slumber party. Thanks Jessica.

sleeping girls…

2011-04-06T11:24:00.001-07:00

I took out my camera for the first time since last month and here was the latest picture I took…

(As I was talking on the phone to a friend for about an hour, I realized something was missing. No one was there yelling in my other ear. No one was tugging on my shirt. No one was asking for food. or to play with them. or to fix something. During this phone conversation I could actually hear what my friend was saying. It was a miracle. Now I know why.)

Aspen requires ALL her toys in her bed before she sleeps.

Looks uncomfortable to me.

2011-04-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

We are moved in. Settled. unpacked. organized. furniture set up, Internet running. one room painted. pictures hanging. stack of wood in the garage ready for some projects. all paint colors picked out... Call me crazy, but I love all this stuff. The girls also are loving life. Kinley asked me if we could live here FOREVER. She has 6 little girls in the cud-e-sac she plays with. And Aspen screamed with excitement every time we opened a new box full of toys. Having her own room to sleep in again has brought Aspen happiness also. Jon is still Jon. He could care less where we lived. Though he does dislike the list of projects I have for him to do. We've only had one fight during a home project, so far!!! :) No pictures yet. sorry.

Random ramblings…

2011-03-14T19:27:00.001-07:00

This week is moving week for us. Yes, I’m exciting. Can hardly wait. Sadly, I won’t miss much about our apartment; maybe the location. Right now we are close to EVERYTHING…church, library, mall, shopping, restaurants, Jon’s work, park, freeways, and more. We won’t have that in a couple of days, BUT we will be close to our little friends. The girls are looking forward to lots of playing.

Let’s talk about the weather. I’ve been warned over and over about the summers. I am now starting to believe what people are saying about the HEAT. March has been amazing weather…70’s, t-shirt weather. This is June weather to me, NOT feb/march weather…I can only image August. I guess that explains the swimming pools in every neighborhood.

McKinley said “I love moving, mom. Can we do it everyday?” I use to think all this moving around, having to meet new friends, and being in a whole new environment would be difficult on the girls. Apparently not!

Aspen hates the camera. Actually “hate” probably isn’t the right word. Aspen likes to tease me when I’m holding a camera in her face. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure her goal is to drive me crazy when it comes to picture-taking. She hides from the camera, runs away, covers her face…All while giggling. This picture below happens to be of her looking at the camera WITH a pleasant look BECAUSE I teased her right back.

A few weeks ago I heard McKinley in her room counting to herself. Out of curiosity I asked “What are you counting?” McKinley responded “ I am counting how many friends I have mom. I have sooooo many” It made me smile. I am glad she feels this way.

(pic of Aspen & Kinley with Jojo, Bailey, and Lily)

Okay I think that’s all I have for now. All of our storage is coming this weekend, which means a second Christmas for us. I can’t even remember what we own, it’s been 6 months since I’ve seen it all.

Bye

Cell phones

2011-03-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

I need some help…

This is my cell phone in it’s current state. Cracked! (I blame Jon, because he did it) You actually can’t see the back but if you could…you’d see an exposed battery that falls out at the most unsuitable times. I need a new phone.

I am counting down the days I have a home phone. I love talking on the phone, though there is something about talking on a cell phone that I just hate. Perhaps it’s the echoes, their unreliability, or counting the minutes. But there is also something that keeps me from dispensing of it, probably the convenience. Recently Jon asked me my opinion on purchasing me a Smart Phone and getting rid of his plan. At first my answer was a firm “Let’s do it”. Now I’m not to sure. Would Jon and I ever have a normal conversation again? You know those people at parties with a smart phone? The ones AlWAYS on the phone with the unless information.? Will I turn into them?? BUT… Yes, it’s true, I would appear smarter. :)

a picnic

2011-03-10T13:07:00.001-08:00

Last week I found Kinley in the kitchen placing a variety of foods in sandwich bags.

“Mom, we are going to have a picnic”

“Perfect” I thought “Does this mean I don’t have to make lunch?”

Kinley enjoys “cooking” lately and helps with every meal. Before long she’ll have full access to the kitchen and be in charge of all meal planning and cooking. Can’t wait!

Aspen absolutely hates the camera, which explains why most pictures on this blog are of Kinley.

…Happy Anniverary…

2011-03-05T12:47:00.001-08:00

Yep, it’s our anniversary.

This picture was originally suppose to be funny when we took it…now I think it’s kinda cute.

Things you may not know about us…

1. We share a toothbrush ~~sometimes~~ most of the time. Jon doesn’t agree with the idea but he deals with it. :)

2. Vacation. Jon works all year for his few weeks of vacation. He loves trips. My idea of the perfect vacation is picking a new (never been before) destination, show up, deciding what to do once we’re there, relaxing a little bit, eating sandwiches for every meal, and playing all day. NOT Jon. He plans and plans. Has it all figured out, every second from 8am to 10pm, From what museum to hike to beach to restaurant to concert to hotel before we even get there. Jon loves some good, tasty food…he knows the best restaurants in the area. So really…we are perfect together!!! Think about it…He plans and I show up.

3. Jon’s a morning person, I’m a night person. My constant rambling at night drives him crazy while his obnoxious singing in the mornings gets to me.

4. Jon is smart. Real smart. Intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, worldly, book…smart. Also a true news junky. He seems to remember everything. Except whatever I tell him. Why is that? I may not remember all the “useless” information in the world that Jon does BUT i do remember most every conversation I have with people, including him. (difference between guys and girls?)

5. We both LOVE country. We now live close to the heart of country music, hence most radio stations are full of it and concerts after concerts are being performed nearby. I am not sure if Jon has come out about his love for country yet or if he’s still hiding it. Well, I guess now it’s out.

6. Shoes! It’s no secret Jon’s love for running, but what hasn’t been said yet is how many pair of shoes he owns because of it. Any guesses? Really I have no idea. Probably triple mine though. I’d guess in the last two years he’s owned 50 pairs of shoes. (maybe when he reads this post he can answer that for us, I’d ask him but at the moment he’s on a 6 hour run in some mountain range. Crazy, if you ask me)

7. It’s our 7th anniversary tomorrow. This post is our extent of celebrating. We hardly ever celebrate our anniversary. Dinner, maybe. A few nights ago we were out at Applebee’s with the girls when Jon asked “so what are we doing for our anniversary this year?” I answered “I have no idea. We could count this dinner.” JOn replied, “sounds good to me, Happy Anniversary”. “You too”

Happy Anniversary Jon! maybe I’ll even make you dinner.

Thoughts on decorating a house…

2011-03-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

After many months of searching for the PERFECT (that’s my problem) house, we decided to build one. That was not even in our plans at all!!!! I searched and search online all day for the perfect house in the perfect location, for the perfect (low) price. As always, i found out those combinations are impossible. Why does money always have to influence everything? dang. Well, some friends in the ward invited us over for dinner in their adorable home which happens to be in a cul-de-sac (exactly what i wanted). Cuter than any home I’ve seen in all of my searching!!! The next day we talked to the builders…they had the exact floor plan I drew up for Jon the day before. Coincidence? ALSO…the landscaped yard, wood blinds, and ALL appliances are included. Is that too good to be true? Then we found out mostly all upgrades are included. Really? This home we’re building, which should be done in two weeks, is 800 sq ft bigger than our last home and nicer for less. Really? And I thought Logan, Utah home prices were low. The neighbors told us the cul-de-sac was full of little girls…my girls are going to fit right in.

Okay, so that point of this post wasn’t to talk about the house. It’s to talk about decorating the house! Which is ALL I think about, ALL I search for online, and ALL I talk about. Poor Jon. I already made a long, long list of projects and set aside a Saturday for him to help me do some woodwork and decorate. Luckily, he doesn’t know the extent of my ideas yet. Jon and I have an understanding…He humors me in decorating the home and I humor him in his obsessive running antics. It works.

Rosenberry rooms

Happy Birthday, Marci

2011-03-02T03:25:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday, my love. Have fun and enjoy your french toast! I love you!

[by Jon]

Grandma came to town…

2011-02-28T14:02:00.001-08:00

Jon’s mom came to visit us this last week. The girls were in a constant state of Happiness!! When the time came to drop her off at the airport, Aspen cried the whole way home.

The girls loved visiting the Butterfly Garden with Grandma (we saw zero butterflies)

We did see turtles in the pond…

The girls loved showing Grandma the Princess’s Castle (The Biltmore). It’s our 3rd time going since December…they are starting to think it’s theirs. A favorite is the farm…

And the bark pile…

The girls also loved showing Grandma their soon-to-be new rooms. (only 2 more weeks left of apartment living)

We miss you Grandma. Thanks for coming!

Short sports

2011-02-23T12:26:00.001-08:00

The last month McKinley has been playing “Short Sports” at the YMCA. This program is perfect for 4 & 5 year old. The kids play a different sport twice a week for a month. They’ve played basketball, baseball, soccer, kickball, football, track & field, volleyball…Kinley’s favorite so far is football. She loves putting on her “fast shoes” , her “running pants”, and showing up all the boys.

Only took my camera to Basketball Day. Too bad.

vday party

2011-02-21T08:41:00.001-08:00

I’ve been out of town (in Idaho where i froze, I’d forgotten what a frozen face feels like) the last week, so this post is a little late. Valentine’s wasn’t real exciting at our house this year. Jon gave me some roses that I saw for a few moments before I caught a plane and Jon received some chocolates that I threw at him on my way out the door. We saw each other for a total of 15 minutes. Valentines was way more fun when I was little...

Kinley decided she wanted to make the flower valentines. BUT really I ended up making all of them. I think next year I’m sticking to the reliable Dollar Store premade valentines. :)

McKinley got invited to a preschool Valentines party and loved it. They spent a few hours learning new things with different valentine candies. Some mothers think of so many fun ideas…i just copy.

Miss you, Grandpa.

2011-02-13T20:18:00.001-08:00

My Grandpa passed away yesterday. It was a sad day. Though it was also a day to reflect on all my favorite memories of my Grandpa…and I have many. I grew up not far from my Grandparents. We’d get together for most every holiday, where some sort of sport was always involved and the room was FULL of laughing. Most of it caused by my Grandpa’s sense of humor. I can’t remembered him ever being serious. Not once. :)

Him and my Grandma went to most all of my games. All the way from t-ball to high school volleyball & basketball. They’d even show up at my soccer games though my Grandpa said it was the most boring sport to watch.

Grandpa also liked to cheat (or make up his own rules) in board/card/dominos games. He’d say there was no fun in cheating if you don’t get caught though.

Grandpa gave everyone of his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren a nickname. McKinley is McChuck, Aspen is Tree, and I’ve always been called Marcia.

I’ll miss you Grandpa. Love you forever.

(March 2004)

(June 2008)

A conversation

2011-02-09T16:20:00.001-08:00

McKinley has a way of cracking me up. Here is the latest thing she’s told me while I was putting on my makeup yesterday morning…

McKinley- “Mom, Don’t put on too much make up”

Me- “Why??”

McKinley- “It might give the boys the wrong idea”

I couldn’t stop laughing. Apparently she heard that one on “Enchanted”.

valentines

2011-02-07T09:26:00.001-08:00

McKinley has a few Valentine’s Parties coming up. I’ve been search for some fun homemade Valentines that we can make. Here is what we’ve come up with…

(Hopefully ours look just as cute)

Quiz time...

2011-01-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

50,000 Blogger bonus points to the first person to identify what is on Aspen's cheek.

On an unrelated note, Marci has been sick but finally is well enough today to get out of bed for the first time since lunch Friday. Being sick is no fun.
[post by Jon]

Color Bags

2011-01-28T10:18:00.001-08:00

Today for Field Trip Friday we made Color Bags…

Objective: It teaches the kids about colors changing and textures. The kids squeeze and press the cornstarch mix together to make a different color.

Materials:

1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups cold water
Food coloring
2 gallon-size ziplock bags
Duct tape

Instructions:

1. Over med. heat, combine cornstarch, sugar, and water in a saucepan, stir continuously.

2. Once the mixture begins to thicken, remove the pan from the hear and stir for another minute until it thickens to a pudding like consistency. Let cool 30 min.

3. Spoon mixture into two bowls, stir in a few drops of food coloring, divide the colors between ziplock bags. Seal the bags with Duct tape. Let the kids mash the colors together. more info go here.

McKinley LOVED it..especially making it. Aspen might have been a little too young to fully understand but she did like mixing.

Monkey

2011-01-27T12:08:00.001-08:00

Here is Monkey. I got him for Christmas and now he’s apart of the family. Kinley, Aspen, and I fight over him…I mostly win. HA! Just wanted to introduce our new favorite ~~person~~ animal. Monkey is always happy with a smile on his face. He’s also a big cuddlier at night.

We love you Monkey.

January

2011-01-17T20:26:00.001-08:00

Normally January is a refreshing month for me. It’s the month I get all caught up on my scrapbook. The month where crafts are constantly being created. The month my house gets thoroughly cleans. The month where home projects get planned and finished. The month where millions of amazing TV shows are being watched.

Here is the problem, people…

I have NO home to decorate, NO craft supplies (in storage), and NO television.

What is a stay-at-home mom to do? Seriously, I want to know. I’ve decided to take up running again after a 3 months break. Yes, THAT is how bored I am. ha. BUT, really I’m just complaining, We’ll be in a home in less than 3 months and apartment living will be completely forgotten about…

“Mom, you can start calling me Princess McKinley if you want” -Mckinley

My tummy hungry

2011-01-12T18:53:00.001-08:00

Aspen is ALWAYS hungry. ALWAYS. The very first thing she says every morning is “my tummy hungry” and it’s seriously the last thing she says at night as we tuck her in. AND every 1/2 hour in-between. This is no joke.

Here is what she ate today BEFORE noon…this is typical.

a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheat with Milk, a whole banana, a whole apple, a piece of toast with jelly, a bagel with cream cheese, a frozen burrito, 2 spoon full's of mustard (gross, right?), a bowl of salad with vinaigrette dressing, a whole grape fruit, a yogurt, 2 mandarin oranges, a few pieces of carrots and cucumbers and a handful of Dots candy she found in my hiding spot.

Remember this is just in the morning. I don’t think it’s normal.

Her last doctors appt she was under the chart for weight, so I’m not worried…I’ll just let the girl eat.

A Snow Day…

2011-01-10T16:10:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks I’ve missed snow, I’ve hardly seen any this year besides the few flakes we saw on Christmas Day. I thought that would never happen…miss snow? Well I have. Today was perfect, it felt like January. We all woke up to snow and the girls asked why Santa didn’t bring them presents.

The town is closed. Nothing is open. Nobody is on the streets, at school, or at work.

A true snow day!

Here is Jon after a run…

Tomorrow is a snow day too!!!

Nerf Wars

2011-01-05T14:05:00.001-08:00

For Christmas I got the kids (which included Jon) Nerf guns. I’m starting to regret it. HA!

…Check out the violence…

Look closely at the picture below. This is right before the dart hit the camera.

Washington D.C.

2011-01-01T20:27:00.001-08:00

I must apologize in advance. This post will be long and informative. More informative for me for future references. My journal and scrapbook are packed up somewhere and this blog is now my record. My whole mindset for blogging has changed over the last few months…this blog is now to inform my family and friends of all our happening while reading all your blogs keeps me connected. Thanks. In the past, I was hesitant to write things we’ve done for fear of appearing boastful but now I’ve come to the conclusion that if we judge each other on our blogs then really are we good enough friends to be reading each other blogs? We all have fun vacations we go on and exciting things that happen to our families so let’s rejoice with each other. Brilliant. right?

…Okay on with the post…

Jon, I, and the girls went to D.C. Never been there before so why not now, it helps that we can drive there these days. We spend 4 BUSY, LONG, informative yet FUN days to fit in everything we wanted to do. Jon and I judged each activity on a scale from 0-8 with 8 being the highest.

Here are our days and what we did…

{Tuesday}

*The US capital. (rating of 7)

Beautiful building. I think I was almost more interested in the design and architecture of the buildings then the history. Almost.

*Library of Congress (3.5)

Aspen actually set off the alarm in this building by running thru security.

*Supreme Court (4)

*Botanical Gardens (7)

Girls favorite, especially the train exhibit. Can’t you tell?

*Air and Space Museum (8)

Our top favorite Museum…lots of airplanes of course.

…………………………………………………………………..

{WEDNESDAY}

*The White House (4)

We didn’t get tickets in time to look around inside. Apparently the President is in Hawaii while we're freezing our ends off staring at his house.

*Washington Monument (4)

We didn’t get to ride to the top, maybe next time.

*Korean War Memorial (4)

*Vietnam War Memorial (5)

My Dad is a veteran from this War, so it was neat for me. Every soldier that died had his name engraved on the wall.

*World War II Memorial (4)

*Lincoln Monument (6)

*Natural History Museum (7)

This is the only picture I took in the museum. Millions of Christmas trees were decorated all over D.C. The Natural History was amazing. The Hope Diamond was spectacular. The kids loved looking at the animals and “pretty rocks”

*Smithsonian Castle (2)

Nothing too exciting about this. But my two princesses needed to visit the castle.

*Carousal (8 rating from the girls)

……………………………………………………………………

{THURSDAY}

I got sick of using the camera by this point.

*Air and Space Museum, the one by the airport. (5)

Jon posing with the Space Shuttle. He’s proud of it. He helped designed it for the last 8 years of his life. Only one more flight left. goodbye.

*Manassas (2)

*Pentagon (4)

*Arlington (6)

The Changing of the Guards. What a neat place!

*Washington D.C. Temple (8)

The Temple was beautiful with lights, 121 nativity scenes, and concerts. I felt like I was at Temple Square in SLC, UT. & almost as crowded too.

…………………………………………………………………………

{Friday}

*The National Geographic Museum (5)

*Georgetown (7)

LOVED it. Wish I could have spent a whole day here. If I redid college again and had excess amounts of money I’d lived here. And I’d even stand in the Georgetown Cupcake line that wound its way around the block. AND then there’s the shopping…

*The National Archives (6)

Sadly, no pictures allowed. This was neat to see the actual U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, AND the Declaration of Independence. Did you know that Pennsylvania is spelt wrong in the US Constitution?

*The Smithsonian Art Museum (7)

One of Jon’s favorites. He’s a sucker for Art and History…

*Natural History Museum

We just had to go back.

*New Years!

Decorblogs

2011-01-01T11:02:00.000-08:00