Bathroom Grows Up

I had a bit of a fit last week.

I'd been making plans to redo the kids bathroom for quite some time. I shopped around, looking for just what I wanted and when I found it, I did what I always do.

I didn't buy it.

At the time, I rationalized that I shouldn't spend the money, it was nothing I needed, just something I wanted, blah, blah, blah. I figured it would always be there and that when I did have the money and I could justify doing the room, I would go and get it.

Except that it wasn't there anymore. And I couldn't find anything similar. Anywhere. And I was horked.

HORKED.

Brad was being uuber supportive and sent me out early Saturday to "get what I needed." He encouraged me to shop and told me that he would be at home waiting for instruction. Matt and Jen offered to come and help us paint, sand, hang, etc so with my crew in place, I went to get the goods.

After stops to five different stores and nothing to show for it, I came home defeated. I was grumpy and moody and all "what the farg?" It was not pretty. Matt and Jen arrived, took note of my sour mood and should have piled back into their van, but instead said "Let's go!" Jen promised me we'd find what I was looking for and her enthusiasm almost made me believe her. We made a few more unsuccessful stops and then on a whim ran into Burlington, a store I never go to and have little faith in.

But there! In the back! Hanging on the wall! The shower curtain I'd been looking for! And then over there! The towels! The perfect shade of the color I was building the whole room around! And then up there! In the accessories! A series of baskets made just for my space! And then that picture! The one with the tub and the pattern and the colors, framed in all it's 16x20 glory!

It was a Burlington miracle.

President Hinckley's B's are going to go in each frame.I figured they would be a good reminder for the kiddo's as they brush their teeth each morning.

Isn't she lovely?

Genius On Display

So maybe all my hype about how cool my idea was is a tad overstated. I mean, it's cool, don't get me wrong, but everyone's been asking me what I did with great anticipation like I figured out a way to make chocolate good for you or something.

For the record, I didn't. Chocolate will still cause your belly to bulge.

What I did, in it's simplest form, is stick a flower to a toothpick.

I TOLD YOU IT WAS BRILLIANT!

For Tiffani's shower, which was held last Saturday here at my home, I wanted to make a cute cupcake topper. I've been looking around for weeks, perusing websites and finding absolutely nothing that I wanted. And then, in my dream, I saw myself using some basic scrapbook accessories, a brad an a toothpick and voila! The cupcake topper I'd been waiting for was born.

It was actually incredibly easy and I still think that are completely adorable, but that's it people. That's it.

Sorry for the buildup. I'll try and come up with something worthy of my constant exaggeration next time.

If Only I Could Solve All My Problems This Way

I've been trying to work out the logistics for a project I'm working on for weeks now, and last night, IN MY DREAMS, the answer came to me. Dreams people!

And when I woke up, I had to really think about whether or not my idea made sense and if in fact I had dreamt up my solution.

Turns out I had. I'm a genius!

Can't wait to show you the finished product!

In other news, tonight is the big! fall! carnival! at school and while I'm slightly apprehensive that I will pull it off, I feel SO MUCH BETTER than I did last year. It's amazing what a group of people can accomplish when they get off their duff and get to work. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Great Pumpkin

Like so many other LDS families, last Monday night we made our annual pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch. We have a great farm to visit here in our neck of the woods complete with carousel, hay pyramid, petting zoo and corn maze. I balked at the price tag accompanying this night of fun but rationalized that it only happens once a year.

We got a later start than I had originally planned thanks to some really yummy chili and cornbread made by my SIL Jen and it was nearly dark when we finally boarded the tractor to find our 6 little pumpkins. After a free carousel ride thanks to the late hour that we visited the patch, I was feeling rather generous and sent my kids off to find the biggest pumpkins their little arms could carry, knowing that the additional 24 cents per pound would be money well spent. Spence found a huge one, Hannah was next in line and Sienna pointed hers out to dad to carry as it was "weally, weally, heavy."

When we returned back to the farm to pay, a nice young farmer yelled out to us "the cashier's already gone home so the pumpkins are on us!"

We'll definitely be visiting them again next year.

Probably in the dark.

Grandma, Come Save Me!

I knew what kind of day it was going to be at 4:15 this morning.

Because at 4:15 my son woke up crying as he sometimes does, not really awake but not really asleep, crying because he wants his mom or dad. First up was dad, who rocked him quietly and put him back to bed. Twelve minutes later it was my turn. I rocked. I put him back to bed. I tried to go back to sleep myself but didn't until 5:57.

Brad's alarm went off at 6.

The girls came in at 6:17.

Spence followed at 6:30.

Austin awoke again at 6:32.

Yep, I knew what kind of day it was going to be right away.

The kind where I go to put my contacts on and find that one of them is ripped right down the middle.

And I am out of replacement contacts.

And I hate wearing my glasses.

And I had a meeting this morning with people I'm just getting to know.

And my daughter decides to throw the mother of all fits and I have to leave the meeting early, completely embarrassed for losing my cool and mortified at my daughter's behavior.

And I have to make three trips to the car: one, to haul out a hysterical Sienna; two, to carry out an exhausted Austin; and three to carry out Lily who I am watching this morning. I'll tell you this: people who have twins are AMAZING because I am not built for it. Austin and Lily are 15 hours apart and it is tricky business watching those two.

And I have a PTO meeting tonight and I am vain enough to be completely insecure in my glasses even though I see women wearing them all the time and I think "wow! she looks fantastic! I wish I had cute, funky glasses like that!"

Maybe my glasses just aren't funky.

Maybe I just don't look fantastic.

Maybe I am unusually grumpy.

Because.

Because.

Because.

I'm off to do the floors, my most beloved of all household chores. Let's hope the funk passes quickly.

Hard At Work

In Love With Today Because...

One, I had to be at the high school bright and early this morning (who takes a zero hour anyway???) so Brad was in charge of getting everyone up and at em. Listening to it all made me laugh. "Get your shoes on!" "What do you want for breakfast?" "Come on guys, we have to hurry!" I'm still smiling thinking about the circus that takes place every morning in our home.

Two, I'm only subbing two periods this morning which means I'll be done by 8:30 but they have to pay me for a half day. How fab is that?

Three, I have redecorating plans for my upstairs bathroom that I'm hoping to get done this weekend. I guess I should discuss it with the Rizz since I'll need his help.

Four, my kids are having sleepovers with some of their favorite people tonight and they are literally bursting with excitement. Was there anything better than a sleepover when you were a kid? I don't think so.

Five, it's cold out which means Rizz and I can curl up and watch a movie later tonight. Maybe one of my fall favorites like this or that, but most likely another episode of House because we. are. obsessed. That show rocks my socks. I heart me some Gregory House.

Six, I'm almost done with the shirt orders. After a few mix-ups, they should all be distributed later today...until the next order comes in. I love PTO.

Seven, I have on cute purple shoes. I know, purple, the color I'm currently obsessed with but I can't help myself. It's dreamy. And these shoes are perhaps the most comfortable things I've ever put on my feet. And the school color here is purple so the kids think I'm fabulous. Go Bulldogs!

Eight, it's fall. I love everything about it.

Happy Weekend!

Don't You Wish You Were PTO President?

Over 350 shirts and sweatshirts to be organized and distributed. If this were a paying job, how much do you think I could earn?

Look Ma! I'm Mormon!

Ever since my sis-in-law moved to town, I have been seriously busy getting my craft on. On my own, I am not crafty. I can copy things, I can try things I think might look cool, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, but real crafting has never been a part of my life. But Jen? She's majorly crafty. Always thinking up ideas and trying them out and always with amazing results.

On Sundays, after everyone is fed and the boys are busy watching football, Jen and I get to work. I've been wanting to do my kids' silhouettes forever but had never gotten around to it. Jen made it happen. I put together a whole wall based on a fantastic idea I saw here and it came together beautifully. I seriously smile every time I'm in the upstairs hallway now.

There are no words. Quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen.

My dad snapped this lucky shot last Christmas. I'm completely in love.

I love who you can totally tell who's who in the silhouettes. My Hannah is beautiful.

My brilliant brother-in-law shot this several years ago and although Spence is much older now, I love this picture. It completely sums up Spence to me and I think I will always think of him this way. Happy, content, at ease in his skin. I love that kid.

The whole wall in all it's glory. I purposely asked Brad not to hang them too symmetrical even though my brain begs for it. I love the way it turned out.

It's the first thing I see as I make my way from bedroom every morning and it literally has an effect on me, making me smile, adoring the family I've created, and being so completely happy to be me.

Thanks Jen, for finding my inner crafter.

Thanks Matt, for taking amazing pictures of my kids.

Thanks Brad, for following my not-so-clear directions and satisfying my every whim.

Thanks self, for bring four beautiful kids to this earth.

FARG!

For surviving last week in the house of nasty-sicky-grodiness, the universe gifted us with a visit from our dear Cabo Buddies, Kelly and Connor and their amazing kids Nick and Nolan. I once again learned things about myself that I didn't previously know and loved every second.

Lesson #1: I Have A Thutt
Kelly and I were discussing the torturous ritual of lunges and squats. The poor girl could hardly walk as she tried to recover from a particularly hard workout and I commiserated as I've been trying to change the shape of my rear as well. I use to have a rather large tookus but a tookus that stood on it's own. As I've changed shape, my bum and thigh have melded together in a nice little marriage of Thutt (thigh and butt for those of you lagging behind.) Squats and lunges are the answer but I. hate. them. So does Kelly.

Lesson #2: I Am The Worst Settlers Of Catan Player On The Planet
This isn't really shocking as I have hated that game from the first time I was aksed to build a road. The game is stupid. I have no interest in trading sheep for wood or building settlements and risking it all on a development card. This was painfully evident when we played a rousing game and three of the players were all tied at nine points and one player only had four points. Guess who I was. I managed to make it through the entire game without throwing something however so I'm making progress.

Lesson #3: I Cannot Cook Bacon
Bacon is one of Connor's very favorite things, and since I thrive on feeding my peeps, bacon was on the menu for Sunday morning. I was excited for the chance to redeem myself after last years bacon debacle where I basically served up raw flesh. It was nasty. This year I opted for higher heat in my bacon cooking which resulted in charcoaled flesh. Connor had to go to the store for more bacon. I hung my head in shame.

Lesson #4: If You Are Currently Raising Pre-Teen Boys, Call Kelly and Connor
Their sons Nick and Nolan are about the nicest kids I've ever met. They are a few years older than my kids and I always worry that they will be bored stiff at my house, but they are all too happy to play with my kids. Nick is incredibly talented and smart, offering up insights that don't occur to most adults and Nolan is a ball of happiness. He jumped on the tramp with my 4-year-old daughter and genuinely had a good time. They are kind, have impeccable manners and are a complete joy to be around. While I know they came to earth with stellar personalities, Kelly and Connor are doing an amazing job. Their family is divine.

Lesson #5 I Cry At Inapprpriate Times
As we discussed life plans with our dear friends, Kelly mentioned casually that they've considered moving to Scottsdale, AZ or Santa Barbara, CA to be near family. I broke out in tears. She didn't say that they were moving tomorrow, or that I would never see her again, or that she hated my guts. She said it was something they've considered, casually, that may or may not happen years from now. I cried like a baby. Although I've adored Kel for 31 years, I didn't realize how dependent on her I was. She is my connection to a happy childhood and a time when life was very simple. I've always known that she would be there for me in every area of my life and the thought of her being farther away then she already is shook me to the core. It was an unexpected reaction but one that makes a lot of sense. I love her.

Saturday Afternoon Walk

Kelly and Austin

Thanks for coming guys. We love having you and can't wait until next time.

A Series Of Letters

Dear Amoxicillan,

Thanks for kicking some nasty throaty mess in the Witt. He is finally sleeping comfortably and returning to his old self. I heart you.

Sincerely,
Formerly Freaked Out Parent

---

Dear Mr. Buble,

Thanks for having a face that matches the beauty of your voice. You are dashing and if the Rizz wasn't so perfect for me, I might become your stalker. I'm dancing around my house mopping my floors and loving every minute because you are singing to me. Just me. I seriously heart you.

Your #1 Non-Stalkerish Fan,
Karen

---

Dear Kelly & Connor,

Thanks for braving the House of Infection and coming to visit. It's been way too long since Cabo. I'm fully prepared to kick your trash at Settlers. BRING IT.

Infamous Sheep Harbor Builder,
Kiz

---

Dear Spencer,

Thanks for being you and teaching me again and again what it means to be a good person, through and through. Your insight and perspective once again knocks my socks off. I heart you the most.

Love,
Mama

---

Dear Jen,

Thanks for being the best sister-in-law in P-Town. Your help is invaluable to me and I can't thank you enough. I'm happily waiting to return the favor(s.) You rock.

Your Crafting Pal,
KJ

---

Dear Brad,

Thanks for sharing rocking duty with me the past few nights and helping with Austin and more importantly for having a happy heart while doing it. Being your partner makes everything better. I heart you forever.

Yours,
Bug

---

Dear Weekend,

Thanks for coming. I'm so excited you're here. Let's have a ball and celebrate my family. Aren't they the best?

Completely Stoked,
Special K

This Little Piggy Sucks

Yesterday morning I was told that my two youngest "most likely" had the swine flu. They each passed the "regular" flu test but were obviously incredibly sick so the nice lab tech at my pediatrician's office offered up that sound advice.

Most likely.

So Brad and I went home and equipped ourselves with gallons and gallons of juices, Tylenol and Motrin and settled in for an exhaustingly long day. We had already survived an exhaustingly long night with one or both kids up almost constantly and now that we had a diagnosis in hand, we felt ready for battle.

Wihle Sienna rebounded nicely all day long, the Tylenol and Motrin did little for Austin's fever which steadily hovered around 103. When he spiked back up to 104.4, I called Brad in a panic who came racing home and off to the local Doc in a Box we went. We were luckily seen almost immediately and once an actual doctor looked him over, he said "this kid doesn't have the flu!"

Which was a huge relief because I had intermittently spent the day planning their joint funerals. Because, you know, it was the swine flu. The one with all the nasty publicity and taglines of Death! Destruction! Deformity! All because of some silly little piggy.

So to hear that I could continue on in life and sporadically enjoy bacon again did wonders for my mental state. This left the question, however, of what in the world did my poor little sickies have?

"Extremely nasty, puss-y, swollen throat infection."

That's a direct quote from the doctor.

When the poor doctor went to exam Austin's throat, Austin gagged and sprayed the good man with a combination of chunky, puss-y, nastiness. It. Was. Foul. After that, he opted not to do a culture for fear of another chunky shower but swiftly prescribed antibiotics and off we went.

Here's the thing: when Brad talked to our pediatrician's nurse yesterday, she immediately said "sounds like the flu. Come to the lab to confirm." We never saw a doctor yesterday morning and spent most of the day treating the wrong symptoms with the wrong meds in a baby who was miserable. It seems as though the swine flu has everyone all aflutter in panic and while I understand the concern, I hope we're not treating people under the assumption that everyone has The Pig Problem while the real culprits of strep and colds are running rampant.

As for Austin, once we started him on the antibiotics, he quickly turned the corner and slept soundly all night.

Except that's not true. He slept soundly until 12:30 am and then cried until 5:30 am. At least I got to watch 3 episodes of Glee while holding a waling Austin. That Kristen Chenoweth was a hoot!

Today's lesson, my dear friends: follow your gut and eat more bacon.

One Short Day In The Emerald City

6:45 am
A very sleep but completely excited Hannah and I get ready to head to the land of Oz



7:01
Viera's Bakery. Duh.

7:09-10:14 am
Hannah and I sing the Wicked soundtrack over and over and over and over. We love it. Hannah knows all the songs by heart.

10:15 am
We meet Grandma and Kelly to shop. An even more excited Hannah gets loaded up on clothes

12:10 pm
We grub on a yummy lunch at Grandma's before getting ready for the big show




1:32 pm
We see the huge Wicked poster outside the Paramount and pose for a quick picture



1:41 pm
We stop at the top of the stairs to take in the beauty of the Paramount. It feels magical inside.


1:55 pm
We giggle in our seats as we hear the orchestra start warming up


4:47 pm
Hannah starts crying uncontrollably when she thinks Elpheba has died. "She's not even mean Mama! Everyone just thinks she is!"

4:53 pm
Hannah is incredibly relieved. She now thinks Elpheba and Fiyero's "trick" was brilliant.

5:40 pm
We eat a yummy meal at Red Robin, per Hannah's request, and talk about our fantastic day

8:00 pm
Hannah and I drop Kelly off at her house

11:12 pm
We pull into the driveway at home, exhausted but loving every minute of our wonderfully Wicked day. Hannah mumbles "call Grandma and thank her for me Mama" as we lay her in bed.

Thanks Grandma. We loved it.

We're Off To See The Wizard

And we're most definitely stopping here first.




And go here to be ridiculously, overwhelmingly, dreamily happy.