Halloween After School Snack

We thought it would be fun to do a little Halloween afterschool snack. They are little bugs made from little sausages and refrigerated dough. Taylor and Brent had alot of fun putting them together! And they were really yummy!

Brent's "School"

Brent and I go on Tuesday's out to Newport Beach for a little mom and me class. Brent calls it his "school." He loves it and looks forward to it every week. My cute neighbor runs it and does a great job. She has a slew of developmental toys for the kids and they do stories, crafts, painting, music time. It's a bit of a drive for us, but she gives us a good deal and it's a fun little spot to drive to weekly. It's technically on Balboa Island, so there are lots of cute little shops and little beach houses to walk around and look at.
This week the kids dressed in their cute Halloween costumes. So cute...

Yes on Prop 8!

I do not claim to know everything when it comes to politics, but I enjoy politics and enjoy learning, listening and reading about current issues and policies that effect everyone of us. This election comes at a time in history when we are facing an economic crisis, our national security being threatened, and if we continue this economic downturn and become a "second tier" nation economically we will really have a hard time defending our freedoms.

Our country was really built on religious core values and all of my ancestors came to this country in search of religious freedoms. I know that many try to separate these things- gov't and religion... but I really feel that our founding fathers were truly inspired by God when they built the basis of our country with the constitution. In this election I really feel that our, or my core values are being challenged and 'redefined' by our lawmakers.

In California, we are fighting to protect the definition of marriage. In 2000, an initiative was passed by 61% of Californians that defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. Last May, 4 of our Supreme Court judges overturned that initiative. Same gender marriage is now legal in California. So now on the ballot we are all voting on Prop 8: a yes vote will restore the traditional definition of marriage-that marriage is only between a man and woman, and a no vote will legalize same sex couples to be married.

Now Eric and I have been doing alot with the yes on Prop 8 campaign and I have had the opportunity to speak with a lot of people about this issue. Many people agree that they feel that marriage should just be between a man and woman but they don't want to take the rights away from others who might have another 'version' of marriage. Prop 8 does not take any rights or privileges away from same sex couples they have under a legal civil union. It's just called a 'partnership' not a marriage.

I truly feel that marriage is ordained of God and is to be defined between a man and woman. There is a God given purpose why it takes a man and woman to procreate naturally. I truly believe there are huge consequences that will affect all if we allow this core belief to be diluted through 'tolerance.' There are some things that should not be tolerated because of their sacredness. I really feel it important that I take a stand on this even if it's not politically correct or popular. We cannot sit back and be so politically correct and silent while others take away our religious freedoms.

I understand that our world has changed and we need to be tolerant of other people. This has been a very heated topic throughout California because it is such a sensitive subject for many. I know that everyone is a child of God, no matter their religion, choices, or lifestyle. But, I feel we opening Pandora's box by redefining marriage. We are facing losing our religious rights, freedom of speech and even more definitions of marriage, really where will it stop?

Same sex couples already have those same benefits and rights under the definition of a partnership without changing the definition of marriage. This choice is about protecting our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.

For example: anyone who performs a marriage ceremony in the CA receives that authority from the state. If same sex marriage becomes permanently legal and a priest, minister, or bishop refuses to conduct such a marriage, would the state revoke the authority of that person to conduct traditional marriages? The state of Massachusetts has gone through this with the school systems, with religious organizations that have had to close their doors because their tax exempt status was revoked because they chose to deny services because of religious beliefs. We can look at MA and know our certain future if Prop 8 does not pass.

There is something to be said about "We the people." WE really can do so much if we are proactive and try in our little way to make a difference. Now as a homemaker I do not have a large audience to speak out to, nor can I possibly make a huge difference, but by posting my little political spew I hope that you can know where I stand and I hope you in turn can share with your friends how important it is to not only vote in this election but truly study the issues and know what and who you are really voting for.

I have never been a bumper sticker girl, someone who posted signs in their yards, stood on street corners with signs or called down calling sheets for a campaign. But I truly feel passionate about this issue about protecting my children, protecting our religious freedoms and preserving the divine institution of marriage.

Our Spiderman and Miss Vampire

We are continuing to enjoy the Fall here in Orange County. I love to be able to open my windows and have the breeze come through and then to have the house naturaly cooled off at night by the outside air without having to turn on the air conditioner. Here's to the cheaper electric bills the fall brings... yeah!
We have carved pumpkins in the previous weeks, toasted pumpkin seeds, and made homemade cinnnamon rolls. I originally bought two smaller pumpkins for decoration and let the kids 'claim' one each so they felt like they had their own. Well of course Brent's pumpkin quickly made it's way off my decor table and accross the floor very quickly. He simply said, 'mommie... it's bowling..." How silly of me to think otherwise. So my poor pumpkins were quite bruised and abused, but well loved from the kids. So we carved them a little early to extend their life a tad bit longer.
The kids have gotten to wear their Halloween costumes twice already; once to a birthday party where they went trick or treating and again on Friday night to our ward's Trunk or Treat. Brent is spiderman and Taylor is a vampire. (the very cute and not scary kind:)
Eric asked Brent the other Saturday as he was watching one of his college football games, " Brent are you going to be a football player when you grow up" ...starting the brainwashing a little early... And Brent responded, "NO Daddy, ... I Spiderman..." Well after some more brainwashing from Eric I think he changed his mind about Halloween. Because someone asked him this week what are you going to be for Halloween, and he said... 'Football player.' I quickly said... "Uh... Brent, no you're spiderman..." He quickly opposed and said,... no football player. I started having flash backs to the last two Halloweens with Taylor, where we had her costume purchased and planned and the morning of Halloween comes and she insists on being something else. This is when I would lose it and become really angry. Thank goodness Brent still went along with his spiderman costume. But the Football brainwashing has stopped for now at least, until Halloween is over and I feel like he's gotten his wear out of his Spiderman Costume.

My New York Trip

I visited my sister in NYC a few weeks ago, and since I am a inactive, slowing coming back into the fold blogger, it's taken me a while to post about it. My adorable sister lives in downtown Manhattan with her sweet growing family. She just had baby number three and that makes three kids, under the age of 18 months. What can I say, she's amazing. (her first two were twins:) They are great parents and make it look so easy. When Spencer her youngest was born I wanted to come out and 'help' as much as I could, without abandoning my own family too much. So I went for a long weekend and it was full of probably more fun than help on my part. My brother in law Chad was great to watch the kids so we could go to dinner Saturday night and she has an amazing babysitter that helped out so we could take a day to shop in the city. I am convinced that living in the city is a simpler life than suburbia. My sister is always telling me this and I didn't believe her. But to not have a car, and have a small place, with a minimalistic attitude about all the 'stuff' that we think we need life is really more simple. She orders her groceries online, there is a ton to do as a mom with kids, with endless parks, museums and sites. And everything is at your fingertips. I'm sure I'd be a mess living there, because I am always great at complicating things even when they are clearly simple. So here's to my big sister for making life in crazy busy NYC with three kids look simple.

Some highlights from my trip.....

**the great sushi restaurant, that I can't remember the name of at the South Street Seaport, (yes, there are many safe things you can still eat at a sushi restaurant when your pregnant
**witnessing some scary times on wall street first hand, with Lehman Brother's going out of business (also my brother in law's employer) but lucky Barkley's (sp?) bought them out and all is well.
**eating at the Carnegie Deli and checking out right next to Carlos Boozer- NBA basketball player. Those guys are so tall!



**Seeing the naked cowboy on times square. Angie has lived there for over 4 years and has never seen him. I have to say I felt very violated. Probably because I'm a prude to begin with but when another man grabs my butt and insists that I grab his and I decline his invitation even for a photo op.... He's a very friendly man, a little creepy... I have to add. I guess that 's why middle age women tourists go ga ga over him.


I loved playing with Kate and Jack and bonding with Spencer. It makes me so excited for a new baby in our house. I came home and wore a shirt that I had worn there and it still smelt like that yummy newborn baby smell from holding him. Thanks Ang for being the host est with the mos test and turning my 'helping' trip into a fun girl weekend.

Happy 97th Birthday Granny!

Last weekend we celebrated Eric's Great-Grandma's 97th Birthday! We all gathered at the Sizzler- of course- before 5pm. :) And joined the rest of the town who was 65 and older. (No disrespect to my sweet grandparents, it just makes me laugh) It was fun to be with Eric's Grandparents and his Great Grandma and her other daughter and their family. It's another perk of living in Southern California... they are our family here and it's lots of fun to be wtih them. WE LOVE YOU GRANNY!

We love the Fall

I love the Fall! It is my favorite time of year. I love everthing that goes along with the season: cooler weather, soccer games on Saturday mornings, Conference weekend, pumpkin bread, pumkin anything, apple spice candles, dressing up for Halloween and getting ready for Thanksgiving. It just makes me happy thinking about it. I decorated for fall yesterday so I'm all in the mood officially. And I woke up this morning to clouds and cozy weather... pure happiness.

We have been enjoying watching Taylor's new soccer team, "The Shooting Stars" on Saturdays. She is in the u6 division out here and so practice is right before the game on Saturday for a half hour and then the game. So it's done all in one shot. Part of me wishes she had it during the week too because she loves it so much. And I must say that she's pretty good. In her first game the other team only had two girls show up, so the other coach asked if one of our players would change jersey's for the game and play on their team so the girls could at least play a three on three game. Taylor graciously volunteered, (We'll I think Dad bribed her) and she ended up scoring 9 goals! The other parents on our team kept saying, we want her back on our team. They still don't have goalies in this division, or keep score officially. But of course the girls know and the parents are all keeping score, espcially Eric. He is the assistant coach and does a great job encouraging the girls. Taylor has done really well and even scored 7 goals last week. It was probably her best game. She just loves it and doesn't mind getting aggressive and going after the ball even if it means a few collisions. Brent is so cute and cheers her on from the side line, yelling, "Go Tay, Go Tay, Go Tay"

Back from Hibernation

I have avoided blogging for the last few months. It just seemed too hard, I know, sounds pathetic but I felt like if I just boycotted it for a while, it was one less thing for me to do. So I'm back and I'm going to try to be a little more consistent. I have been struggling to find energy and feel good.
So... I'm pregnant. Some of you probably already know this. But we are expecting and IT'S A GIRL! Taylor has had her little prayer answered. I am relieved, her little heart was so set on having a little sister, I wasn't sure how she'd take the disappointment. Luckily we didn't have to go down that road. I am just grateful I have a healthy growing baby inside of me. So between pregnancy and the doctors trying to get my thyroid medication right, I've been really tired, down and drained the last few months. I think I'm starting to feel myself. I'm still concidered having hypothyroidism but since my dr. increased my meds last time around I think it might finally be right. (I got my thyroid removed in Feb. before the move and they have to slowly find the right dosage, so it's been interesting.)
This summer has been nice. The weather couldn't be more perfect. People around here complain about the heat, but we think they're crazy. Upper 80's during the day and it cools down at night. We have loved it. We have had a relaxing summer of going to the pool for Taylor's swim team, hitting the beach, library, movies, and going to Utah and Seattle for little vacations.
We went up to Provo for the 4th of July Stadium of Fire and to see my sister, Sarah and her family. Miley Cyrus was the headliner for the event, with Glenn Beck (aka, my secret boyfriend) as the MC, so it was a must for us. Eric's brother, Curt got married in Seattle so we all flew up there and enjoyed the wedding and the beautiful city for five days.
Taylor starts first grade next week and Brent is keeping me busy, being my little mischevious two and a half year old.

Father and Son Campout

This weekend was Brent's first father and Son camp out. In past years Eric has put a hat on Taylor and had her 'pose' as a boy and taken her to the father and son. Eric couldn't miss the opportunity to go camping with the boys. But this year was Brent's turn, being the old age of two Eric thought he was old enough. I still worried.... we have mountain lions out here!!! They had lots of fun.... they had turtle dinners, smores, and Eric made breakfast the next morning with the other YM leaders. (Eric is the Varsity Scout coach, and I'm teaching CTR 5's in our ward here)
Earlier this week we had FHE to prepare for the camp out. We put up the tent in the living room, roasted smores and had a lesson on Heavenly Father's creations. The kids had so much fun with the tent, they slept in it Monday night. And then napped in it on Tues. :)
Brent had lots of fun camping, but is used to waking up to mom, so he was calling for me, but super dad did a great job of distracting and entertaining him. They bonded and shared the famous Henry Weinhardt root beer, so it was an official boy trip. I love my cute boys!
Taylor and I had a fun girls night. We went to Disneyland just the two of us and had a ball riding roller coaster and watching the Fantasmic show.

A Mother's Day Tea

In Taylor's kindergarten they have a special tradition of hosting a Mother's Day Tea every year. It was so special and they planned and prepared for weeks. As we walked into the classroom each child took their mother by the arm and escorted her to her place setting. Taylor took me by the arm and said, "Welcome to the Mother's Day Tea," she was so proper. They had made personalized place mats, programs, books for each of us, and a hand print that was glazed in a kiln. My favorite was the description she did of me, my favorite color- green, my favorite food- lasagna, my height- 7 ft, my weight- 4 lbs. :) I loved it! She knew what I wanted to hear.
The dads helped serve a lunch, that the kids brought to our tables. It was so special. Taylor was so excited all week for the big day. She kept saying, Mom, this is this your favorite day?" Of course it was! They sang mother's day songs and then they had a slide show of each of the kids with their painting that matched the line of the song What a wonderful world, by Louis Armstrong. They played the music as they played the slide show. ... I see skies of blue, red roses too... It was a tear jerker. It was a wonderful morning. I am so blessed to be a mother to the two cutest kids in the world. ok I know I biased, but it's my right as a mother. It is such a privilege to be their mom, I am so grateful that I've been entrusted with these two special spirits.

Our going away party in the desert

On April 11th we headed back to the desert for a 'little' going away party. Or so we thought... (the 'little' part)




The thought of going back to the desert was my saving grace through the move. I kept thinking, I don't have to say goodbye because we are coming back to see all our friends. Becky Jones, Lori Jackman and Christine Jones were the orchestrators of the shin dig and I should have known they wouldn't have settled for a simple get together. It was a big bash. We were so spoiled and frankley I feel like I don't need a funeral after that amazing party. We walked up to Becky and Rhiem's home and there was this great sign hanging on their garage. Becky designed this great graphic of our family, it's so adorable. She depicted everyone perfectly. Especially me in my bikini. :)



The party was so fun, it had great food that everyone was so great to help bring. And it was yummy food... bruchetta, procutto wrapped asperagus, gourmet brownies, cookies, dips, drinks. There was so much great food, we didn't even cut into the beautiful cake, that of course had the 'theme' of the party on it.
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All I can say is Martha Stewart can't even hold a candle to Becky Jones. That girl knows how to throw a party. Every thing she does is 200%, and the party wasn't any different. Becky gave us stationary with the theme on it. Lori made us a tray table with pictures of my young women, and some of the activities I was in charge of. And Christine made an amazing shutterfly book where each page has a picture of our friends with a letter to us from that family. I just cried when I opened it up and read them. I stayed up till 1 in the morning crying as I read the book. I can only imagine how many hours Christine spent on the book. I know that working on computers doesn't come easy for her. ( I usually make their ebay purchases for her) So this was truly a labor of love.







We played a mad libs game and another game that Roxanne Risenmay so creatively tweaked so it was personalized for us. We had such a great time visiting with everyone and hanging out. We love our friends in the desert and hold them near and dear to our hearts. We are grateful we are only a couple of hours away so we can visit often. And we hope that everyone takes us up on our offer to come and visit us. I have to include the adorable personalized napkins that Becky had done, and the AMAZING take home. It's a gigantic Hersey's candy bar that she designed a new wrapper for with a picture frame of us and a surf board key chain. I am still amazed and taken back by everything. Thank you Becky, Lori and Christine. And everyone else who helped prepare and bring goodies. We are so blessed to have such great friends.