Pollock Palooza

Parker wants in the bath

2012-01-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

Mom, it's already summer time

2012-01-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Every few days Grayson asks for the pool to be put up. "I need to go swimming RIGHT NOW!" Me too Grayson. Here's a video I finally uploaded from last year.

The kids at 9 months

2012-01-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Parker

Grayson

MacKenzie

Kennedy

St. George, UT

2012-01-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

We went through St. George, UT the week of my birthday and stayed the night with Aunt Phyllis. Justin got to catch up with he cousins, I got to be the Boggle champion and the kids got to play. Everyone's so happy in this pic... kind of. I think it's funny after a few hours of visiting Phyllis the kids always start calling her "Grandma". Thanks for another great visit!

Kennedy's targets this week

2011-12-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

So I thought maybe it might have been beginners luck last week when she did so well shooting. Nothing to do with luck here... just a still, focused 6 year old! The gun club guy scoring her targets tonight took a look at her shots and said, "Wow. Every single shot was worth points." Her teacher made sure she would be back again next week. I am SO excited for her!

And last week the kids swept up a few of the neighbors leaves to play in.

While playing in leaves it's critical you have the proper eyewear.

Where does Grayson come up with these things? Hilarious!

The Killers

2011-12-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

Junior Rifle Club, because all the other mom's take their girls to dance

2011-12-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

While I'm sure MacKenzie would enjoy a good tap class, she has the wrong mother. It would be fun for her, but where's the practicality? Shooting, now that's useful. (Insert laughing here as I've only shot a rifle once... last week, but I was awesome at it). So with Kennedy's new fur outfit on she, MacKenzie and I went to the gun club last night to see how they might fair.

I started getting excited about guns a month ago. Up until then my parents wouldn't even let me own a water gun. So it's a whole new world for me... even if part of my bedroom furniture is a 4 foot wide gun safe. I'd not touched them really. I had no idea what to really expect last night and I forgot my camera. My little girls! There were 16 year old boys and a handful of smaller kids, but MacKenzie and Kennedy were the youngest last night. Here's an example of what the girls did with an instructor by their side.

Look at Kennedy's targets!!! She was SOOOO good and a total natural.

And MacKenzie! When it was her turn she went to the gun rack and picked up the biggest gun there. Her instructor tried to lead her to a smaller one. He had no idea what he was in for.

She got one shot close to the target;) After she was done she stood right up and yelled at the top of her lungs, "I shot SO many times mom!" Unfortunately she's a little too off to be in the jr. rifles this year. Maybe in a few more years. Kennedy will be going back as often as she wants.

Gallery Wall

2011-12-06T09:04:00.001-08:00

I can't believe this is what it used to look like.

This was such an improvement last year.

(I must get the motivation to change things at Christmas time.)

Here's what I did last night while the big kids and Justin were riding

the "merry-go-ride" @ Bass Pro:

I had to bust out the ladder to hang those pictures at the top... and i didn't even fall down or break any more glass! I even got to sit down and enjoy it for a while before every one came home. It's happiness on my wall and I love it!

2011-12-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Photo session

2011-11-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

We had our pictures taken the other day. Here's one of the finished photos.

Can't wait to see the rest!

Happy Birthday Grayson!

2011-11-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

Grayson is now 4! He celebrated at In-N-Out with some friends and had a blast.

Do you love the Spiderman cake? My new friend Cassie made this DELICIOUS cake just for him.

This was the best of a group pic we got. I tried to capture the balloons from Sister Garcia. He was so happy with them until... they flew away. Oops!

A little funny fact about Grayson, he LOVES his cousin Brenden. What's funny about that? They've never met. Brenden lives in Texas, is 13(?) years old and autistic which means "he's a big kid and does really funny things". My sister posts youtube videos of him every so often on her blog and if Grayson catches me watching them we have to watch them 5 times before I can move on. So meeting Brenden would be the equivalent of MacKenzie talking to Justin Beiber or Kennedy seeing Rudolp the Red-nosed Reindeer. This morning the first thing Grayson wanted to do after opening his present was to call Brenden. We did and he was already at school, but in response Grayson got a little personalized message this evening. Thanks so much Brenden for making his birthday that much cooler!

painted chairs

2011-11-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

I got tired of black chairs. So at the crack of dawn this morning I was at Wal Mart...

buying spray paint. Do you know how hard it is to get the spray paint cabinet open at 6:45am? I'll just tell you it's not easy, but totally worth it! Look how fun these chairs are.

I pulled out my thrift store frames to paint also, you know since I was already gettin' dirty. They're boring bronze, but will look so good with lots of pics in them. I've got to brag about the Boise, ID thrift store OUTLET. That's right the outlet of thrift stores! I got all these frames and a lot of other things for $7 total! So maybe $3 for all these?

My ring looks awesome. 3 different neighbors came to visit while I was making a mess this morning. 2 loved my chairs one rolled her eyes. She's secretly jealous, I know.

Halloween

2011-10-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

It gets more exciting each year. I even got dressed up...

not quite sure what I am, but it was fun to do.

Grandma Kathy came to celebrate with us.

Good thing she did. Otherwise these may not have turned out so well. She did a great job drawing and carving all the faces on these pumpkins. Can you tell which child picked out what?

Bat= Grayson

Cat face= Kennedy

Regular old face= MacKenzie

MacKenzie the pirate

2011-10-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

She was excited to wear makeup with her pirate costume to the ward Halloween party last night. First thing out of her mouth, "Mom, I look SO cute!"

Our 3,000 mile roadtrip

2011-10-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pics:

Parker and Hunter (my brother's first little baby) in Modesto.

My Grandpa Ben up in Bellingham, WA

The Border. Justin and I will always think of this video.

Maybe those ears are from the Gage side?

Seattle with Justin's old mission companion Adam.

Riding horses in Spokane.

Grayson LOVED riding. He would've stayed all day.

There's a large gap of pics untaken. Like I never take any when I visit my sister Khristie. What's with that? But I didn't forget at Temple Square.

Such a great trip! I think we've got 4 mini travelers in the making. The kids loved everywhere we went and seeing all their family and friends they didn't know they had.

His other fav

2011-09-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Grayson's fav's

2011-09-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Brothers

2011-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

This morning Grayson wanted to watch Aunt Rebecca on youtube and subsequently all the videos of his *boy* cousins. He really wants big brothers, but a bug picking monkey will have to do for now.

Man Apron

2011-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Justin's modeling my latest creation for my dad.

In August it was my dad's birthday and being the awesome kid I am...

I TOTALLY forgot, was at his house, and didn't even bring a gift!

While visitng I noticed him wearing lovely floral print aprons. Really dad?

When we got home I found some gender neutral fabric that Justin swore was "still girly",

so I added a tie.

HA! I love it!

Mouse trap

2011-09-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

The other day I was getting something out of the garage and one of these little stinkers jumped out at me. Gross! I freaked out, called the bug man, and set some traps. They don't look so scary now.

Got started on our wood pile today

2011-09-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sisterly love

2011-09-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Justin found this in the girls room last night.

translation: "No MacKenzie's allowed on my bed"

I love MacKenzie's smile and Kennedy's angry hands.

Yay for school!

2011-08-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

The girls were SO excited. While Kennedy threw on her new favorite t-shirt, MacKenzie was busy accessorizing. Gotta wear earrings and a necklace with that jeweled backpack.

The necklace and another foofy skirt made it to day 2 of kindergarten also.

And I had to throw in this pic of Parker. He's starting to eat food and nothing tastes better than a fudgesicle. Ask Parker. Couldn't eat that thing fast enough!

My first craft idea that didn't fail

2011-08-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

And who doesn't like peacocks?! We also made clip on earrings, meaning we glued craft rhinestones on the clip on things.

And we weren't even late for church.

Happy 8 years of marital bliss!

2011-08-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting it's our anniversary today. I'm glad you put this on FB Rebecca, because I have zero digital wedding pics. What a good looking bunch we are!

To celebrate, Justin worked and I somewhat cleaned the garage. But I'd like to think I bought him a 3/4 ton hunka love.

Is it selfish to NOT share your car with your husband? He kept putting his smelly dogs in my car to go hunting. Then he'd bring it back empty and filthy. When he found this red thing I said yes please! I'm pretty sure I'm the best wife ever... again.

Last time I won the title of "best wife", I got a trip to visit my sister for a week by myself. This time I was told I can go anywhere I want. We'll see. Either way, Parker takes a bottle.

Bedazzled Backpack

2011-08-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Grandma Pennie took MacKenzie for a day to help get her ready for kindergarten. They went out to lunch, shopping and got their nails done. You know, the important stuff. MacKenzie was ready to move to Fresno after such a fun "best day of my life". She even got a sparkle pink back pack! We thought it might need a little some'n special...

And a little bedazzle never hurt anyone. That thing is screamin' MacKenzie now. Watch out kindergarten!

She and I talked about Grandma Pennie while we were there. I told her when Grandma goes to work she's the boss and everyone has to listen to her. MacKenzie responded, "Well when I go to school, I'm gonna be the boss of ALL the other kids."

You do that sister. Can't wait.

Made for Kennedy

2011-08-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

I saw dalmation fabric at Hobby Lobby a few months ago while in Henderson, NV. I thought, "What would I use that for?" While visiting Visalia Hobby Lobby... I HAD to buy it. So I did. Then I found this pattern here and I knew where I was using it.

All of a sudden my daughter who hates skirts won't take this one off!

Because:

1. Her mama made it

2. It's animal print

On the way home from camping...

2011-08-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

I opened a new can of formula.

Just so you know, don't open formula after traveling up 9,000 feet and back.

It might blow up in your face, oh wait... it did.

Justin about peed his pants.

Did ya get the memo?

2011-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was wear your Halloween costume to the doctor's office day.

MacKenzie and Parker chose not to participate.

Parker vs MacKenzie

2011-07-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Look at his cute floppy ear. Everyone thinks he looks JUST like MacKenzie.

She STILL smiles like this. They both were and are chubby babies. Same skin coloring, but I don't totally see it. Their personalities are so different.

Bishop Garcia

2011-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is the first bishop the kids really knew. They LOVE Bishop Garcia! He got released last week, which would explain the hop in his step and extra big smile when the kids were visiting the Sunday prior to the big change. Thanks Bishop for all your hard work the last 5+ years!

Mail box face lift

2011-07-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

It looked like this:

And now... doesn't it make you smile? If not the mail box the couple of flamingos eating our lawn will.

While painting my neighbor came over and couldn't understand why any one would pick such a bright color. Heh, heh.

And the kids helped paint the post, can you tell? Nothing can make the horrible sidewalk look worse than it already is. Even those sweet dribbles of paint.

And I can't believe Grayson has no "painting" clothes. But, 3 years old and not a drop of paint on him! Way to go mama's boy! (although if that were true he would've sat on a paint can lid or something. His cleanliness comes from his father for sure.)

Family pic

2011-07-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

facepainting

2011-07-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing says "Happy 4th of July" like a tigers, rainbows, butterflies and pirate skulls.

Homemade

2011-06-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

Justin told me it "looks homemade" or was it that I looked homeless? Homeschooled? Either way it's so freakin' hot outside and this skirt screams summer breeze to me! I had to wear it. I asked Kennedy how I looked before we left to church today, but she's got a blind eye to fashion. So do I. We're hopeless, but we can work it in whatever we're wearin'. We should name this pic horses and baby poop.

Maybe I do look a little homeless. And my necklace may not go with a single item of clothing I own, but I was rockin' my homemade skirt. (Kennedy's loving her horsey dress too. I've never seen her so excited to wear a dress in her life!)

Lazy girl toquito/enchilada meat filling

2011-06-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

A chub of this:

Some generous shakes of this:

2 cans of this:

And what, 5 minutes of my time? I think I heard angles singing. Maybe we could call it high class ghetto meat? Either way it's delicious and fast. (and I almost ate all the meat myself) Where were these ideas 8 years ago when all I could make was Easy Mac?!

PS. While stealing the roast beef image I found it's also good for this here.

Big Bear Lake

2011-06-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Has no beach. No one told us, but it's prettier than Victorville. And the kids didn't seem to mind.

Even the lizards are prettier. And what's a trip to the mountains without a little lizard catching?

School's Out

2011-06-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Kennedy finished kindergarten!

Here she is with her teacher Mrs. Hobson. Doesn't Kennedy look excited? And yes that's Parker in her teacher's arms. Can I just say this year we got more than just Mrs. Hobson the teacher. She's Jamie my friend.

When I was getting ready to have Parker she gave me her cell phone number and told me if I were to go in labor while Kennedy was at school I could call or text and she would help get Kennedy where she needed to be. How thoughtful is that?!

The fancy apron I made her, thanks for the pattern idea Rebecca. This is the best gift! Your friends think you're super crafty for making it... when it's really just an EASY pattern with a little sass to it. (Thinner, lime green ribbon next time? I'm no good with the choice of fabric and colors.)

And because she and the Book of Mormon are what helped Kennedy learn to read this year, I gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon too. I'd been thinking about giving her a copy forever so what the heck. Guess what? She was excited to get it and said she'd read it! Sa-weet.

Yard sales

2011-06-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

We just went by a few yards sales on the way home from school this morning and I found this sweet little wagon:

Guess how much they wanted for it...

Iwas willing to pay $10. The crazy wanted $40 for it! Are you kidding me?! I don't think so. A few more dollars and I could buy it brand new at the store. What is wrong with people?

All about Parker

2011-05-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this? I had to get a pic of the explosion going up the front! I think we've been saving money on wipes. No amount of wipiness can clean this boy up.

The girls really do help out a lot. They love to carry Parker around, but they also get bored with him. Here's what I found the other day when MacKenzie was done "babysitting". I don't think it's fair that he didn't even whimper. If I would've left him on the couch like that he would have been hysterical.

And look at this cute little face! If you look really close you can see his grandpa ears complete with wild, out of control ear hair. My poor kids. The only thing they'll inherit from me is acne and hair where you don't need it. I'm pretty sure I could grow a beard before my husband.

Oh, I almost forgot! Parker's 2 months stats:
14lbs 6oz
24" long
Not a fan of shots:(

Made me smile

2011-05-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

I found this pic on my friend's facebook page. Where was this when we were potty training on the go?

What we do in the front yard

2011-05-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

A little eye poking.

A little sleeping.

A little pop drinkin'. Our kids had never seen soda in a bottle. I remember drinking Sprite in a bottle at my great grandma's house when I was little. When I saw these in Wal Mart I had to buy some just for the memories they brought. The girls couldn't believe they used to fill the bottles back up. I don't think I explained the concept too well because they got up the next morning disappointed their bottles were empty. MacKenzie asked if the soda man forgot to come. Blast that soda man!

A little training. Kennedy's puppy learning to point at a duck wing and I think he's got it. I know this just is a pic, but I swear that dog didn't move for 20 minutes! Not even that little foot up in the air. You couldn't pay me to do that. (Someone can't wait to take him bird hunting in the fall.)

Our neighbors must roll their eyes every time we open the front door. Between the kids running wild in the street and Justin chopping off duck heads you'd think we were white trash livin' in the front yard... well, you are what you are I guess.

Sewing with barbies and blogs

2011-05-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

The girls went to a princess birthday party and you can't just buy costumes past the 3T size, so I tried making them. I was a little surprised that they didn't turn out totally ridiculous!

Kennedy was "Tangled". And these pics are AFTER the party and apparently after they'd dribbled food all down their skirts.

MacKenzie was "Swan Lake Barbie" which I'm pretty sure is not really a princess, but it didn't matter because everyone thought she was Ariel.

I've been meaning to do this shirt for Grayson since I saw it on this blog (MADE).

I had to make a skirt for MacKenzie while I was at it too.
Grayson can't stop looking at his shirt;)

Silly sisters

2011-05-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Aunt Khristie,

2011-04-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

The kids LOVE their sleeping masks you made them! Nothing funnier than checking on the kids in the morning to find Kennedy still sleeping... with her mask on;)

My sister Khristie spent a few days with us before Parker was born and I was exhausted just thinking about all the activities she had lined up! Of course my kids were livin' it up. They still talk about our trip to visit her 2 years ago like it was yesterday. So that leads me to the conclusion... she needs to live closer. A lot closer!

For example, things I miss about my sister, she (and Rebecca) are some of the only people I know that wouldn't be embarrassed to go out in public with orphans like this:

Those kids of mine can work it too. In fact we made a shopping trip to Win Co with just such "face painting" on everyone including myself. We live in Victorville who cares. Everyone else here dresses in pajamas and house slippers to go out on the town. A little makeup like this may even be classy for here.

In the pic on top, the other kid on the far left is Brian. He's the cutest and her nephew who she now has legal guardianship over. He's given up calling her Aunt Khristie and just calls her "Mama" with the sweetest little boy voice you ever heard. MacKenzie's thoughts about Brian: "we're not really related so we could get married when we're big." That's my girl. Always planning a wedding.

Great Grandma Jungle Gym

2011-04-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

No Girls Allowed

2011-04-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Twinkle Little Star

2011-04-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

They say all babies look the same?

2011-03-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I had to dig through my blog and pics to find all the hospital ones of our kids in the hospital. And wouldn't you know it... we never got one of Parker Monday night in the delivery room. Only in postpartum and even those pics were more of the other kids looking at him, no close ups of Parker. That tells you right there... taking drugs keeps you sane!

Kennedy

MacKenzie

Grayson
And Parker

They all do kinda look the same. Maybe it's just the closed eyes?

This hunting nonsense just went too far... get outta my craft room!

2011-03-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

I love my husband, but this is an all time low. I went to my craft/sewing room in the garage today and found this:

What the? Who the? Okay so let's not get carried away, this room is never really in a state of organization, but there was no straw, feathers, cd's, paper and other miscellaneous things on the floor earlier this week! It's like he let all these birds loose to do what they want with my stuff. Oh I was mad. Not to mention 40 weeks + 1 day pregnant!!!

I was fine with the chicken coop of quail... it's in the BACKYARD. But 4 chuckar and 2 pheasants in that kennel in my sewing room? MY room?! Outside Justin, outside. Why are these guys getting the 5 star treatment they're just gonna get shot.

He got them to go shooting with our brother in-law tomorrow morning, which I am also fine with. We can eat them for lunch. My problem is I hate animals, I'm allergic to feathers, I'm grouchy and after sweeping and vacuuming this up today I'm still not in labor. Dang it!

Doesn't everyone have a chicken coop full of quail?

2011-03-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Because my husband does. He brought home 10 of these little things in a box the other day. While showing MacKenzie "her" new birds Grayson so helpfully opened the box ALL the way and there were quail flying crazy around the house. Nice. Justin should've been a park ranger/zoo keeper/crocodile hunter.

5 days until the due date

2011-03-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

At which date I have a midwife appointment scheduled. There is nothing more disappointing than going to the dr. ON your due date, still pregnant. But I'm thinking this will be the 3rd time this has happened to me so what the heck, let's make a mess of the kitchen! The kids helped make beer rocks tonight.

Flour castles and man do I need some solid counter tops.

Even this little guy helped.

Until he got hungry. Then he ate all his dough raw. YUCK!

Well this baby's not comin anytime soon, but I think I've found a new project to occupy my time

2011-03-21T09:36:00.001-07:00

First look at this pathetic excuse for a mail box in my front yard!

I've been looking for inspiration for months now and this morning it came. This was on better after! A sign from the heavens to do something (although the heavens are also rainy and wet today, so maybe I'll just be getting some supplies).

And I think I need some color on mine because look at our numbers on the curb. Very underwater themed. Any color suggestions for the mailbox post thing?

I was hoping a fun colorful mailbox would distract from the HORRIBLE sidewalk cement job Victorville prides itself on (and the chairs blown over in our 20mph winds last night that I'm too lazy to pick up).

MacKenzie playin the sax

2011-03-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

She found the sax all covered in dust in the garage and asked to play it. What a little musician we've got on our hands and only 4 years old.

Fix it up Friday?

2011-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

The girls cut a hole in the middle of this new shirt! So I looked up a few sewing blogs and came up with this idea. It's MacKenzie's own hand print, which she thinks is the coolest thing ever, made with fabric scraps I already had! And of course we had to add a little ruffle on the bottom. Looks much cuter than it was to begin with and for free. Love that!

She thinks she's pretty hot stuff, or did until the neighbor stopped and asked where her helmet was;)

Grayson watched. Poor little guy with his purple trike. He does own a big wheel, his feet don't reach the pedals quite yet, so his preference is the purple tricycle. I guess it worked for my little brother to have girl hand me downs. Lucky for Grayson he at least has frog boots and not pink snow boots like his uncle did.

AAA with a gun

2011-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

And a ticket book. Look at that face of intimidation.

Repurposing the Spiderman sunglasses

2011-02-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

We were out the door to a baptism Saturday night and Grayson came running down the hall with a few accessories. In our house we teach self reliance, so when I wouldn't help him find the lenses he popped out for the 100th time, he got creative all on his own and popped the other out as well. It was a win/win. He was now able to see great even in the evening.

And let me tell you, he worked those glasses (and his credit card) the whole night! My kids may look like Pollock's, but there's no taking that "Phillips Girl" outta them.

And if you look close you'll see his church shoes, complete with some stray tape from the morning's crafting. "Woody" boots. He loves them! They look much more manly than Benjamin's pink snow boots no? On the rare occasion (once a month) that we can't find both boots on Sunday morning, they're quickly replaced with the second favorite, frog boots. Nothing says reverence in sacrament like galoshes.

Family Furlough Day!

2011-02-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

2 grandma's came to visit this last weekend, my mom and my grandma. The kids LOVED every minute of their visit!!! My Grandma Barbara is known for telling stories, whether you want to hear them or not and the beauty of this visit... my kids wanted to hear it all! She can move in as far as I'm concerned. Not only did she tell them stories, but read to them. As you can tell by the look on Grayson's face he was deep in thought the whole time;)

And Mom had a Valentine's Day activity for the kids.

And then they had to leave. We let Kennedy stay home from school on Monday to get every last second in. My mom took the day off teaching- just ask her about her allergies due to dead cats rotting in her classroom and her LAME administration and janitors who don't seem to care about it. So we named this past Monday, "Family Furlough Day". Has a nice ring to it and if the state can do it just because, so can we;)

Duck Hunt

2011-01-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

Well there's a reason they have "duck hunt" on Nintendo and not "chucker hunt". This was "the best hunting ever! SO much fun!!!" Now we all know. If we want to go bird hunting pass on the chucker.

Are these pics too graphic? Not so bad as that fox?

This is Justin and his ranger buddy and what they shot together. His buddy's from Wisconsin (totally has the accent too, but currently lives here in the high desert) and a major duck hunter so Justin was excited to go with a "pro". The duck with pretty green head his buddy took home to get stuffed and we got to keep the other 4.

MacKenzie and Grayson loved watching their dad pluck the feathers out of 2. If you want the details you'll have to call Justin and ask him about the dead duck that wouldn't give up the ghost;)

We ate some last night, delicious! I'm not kidding.

The Birthday Party!

2011-01-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

The birthday girl! She was so excited to invite her friends over to share her big celebration.

As Justin was cleaning up the back yard I thought maybe we should fold up the trampoline...

Pinata, a must have for our kids. Justin does such a great job making sure everyone has a turn (and that no one gets smacked in the face with the bat).

Kennedy's big kid friends.

She loved every minute of her party including the strawberry soda;) This prize is from her kindergarten teacher. So sweet of her to come on her day off!

After everyone left, MacKenzie found some leftover party favors. "They're ALL mine!"

Thanks to all her friends for coming!

Happy early Birthday Kennedy and Justin

2011-01-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

She got herself a puppy! WITH spots!

Is it a coincidence that it also happens to be a hunting dog?

Male

German Shorthaired Pointer

Name: Tick

She was up at 6:30AM this morning putting on her boots and sweater to go play with her puppy. So was Justin. Normally... they both sleep until the last minute possible.

Maybe I should've gave in and got her a puppy last year;)

And look at Kennedy's face, it looks kind of like this:

The girl is obsessed with deer and puppies!

I got a new calling!

2011-01-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

The church must be true because after 2 years of service I am no longer the Young Women's President! I am so relieved. I went into this calling thinking, "oh what's the big deal?" The big deal is when you have no advisors, teachers, secretary, camp director... and thus fill in all those positions with one person. Myself. I had counselors who I love, but was never sure where they were on Sunday. Hmm.

I will miss seeing the girls every week, I love the Young Women! I won't miss the anxiety of all the things I wish I could do to make YW better, but just couldn't do it alone.

What's funny about this calling, as a teenager I didn't go to Wednesday nigth activities all the time because I didn't see the importance. As a leader... I feel the SAME WAY! Really? Every week? I could do without that. One of the many reasons to kick me out;) Although when I talked to the girls on Sunday I told them I was released because one too many parents sat the bishop down and complained about me. The girls took a collective sigh and looked around at each other wondering who's mom it was, HA!!!
I was kidding, but they believed me for a minute;)
Such innocence.

Anyway my new calling, and captive audience to corrupt, Primary Chorister! I am SO excited!
Sunday only calling... YES! My favorite.

Reindeer stocking redo

2011-01-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

Before:

After:

Snow Day

2011-01-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

It snowed last week and it's melted now, but it was so pretty while it lasted.

MacKenzie in her snow gear:

Kennedy was out there for hours!

It's my birthday!

2011-01-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

And if the stars align correctly this afternoon I'm getting a new piece of furniture!

I found this thing on craigslist. Good price and they say it's solid wood, we'll see.

Baby names, can't ever find one.

2010-12-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

Girls are always so hard for me, but I couldn't stop laughing at this one:

Lakinzi. I guess it's not as bad as Kermilda. I haven't found a girl name I like yet.

The favorite boy names so far are Parker and Morgan.

Even if Morgan is also considered a girl name.

It's Christmas time in the desert

2010-12-24T17:27:00.000-08:00

I finished these stockings just in time for Santa to come tomorrow.

4 days of my life for "real" Christmas stockings.

Manuel drove through crazy traffic to make sure we got our Christmas prizes from him and my mom before the 25th. Thanks!!! Do you love it Rebecca?

Grayson got a car track game and won't stop screaming from happiness.

Complete with his new Spiderman hat.

They are so lucky to have 3 sets of grandparents. This is just one of them.

They are so grateful for ALL their grandparents, and the gifts too!

Further proof that my brother has 4 older sisters

2010-12-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Justin would cut off his left foot before putting on a woman's shirt. He would die of hypothermia first. And that's what attracted him to me, because I come from a family full of people like this:

Thank the Lord he held off on the pink thong!

(Did I say that out loud?)

Don't worry he is married, to a woman.

And here's what happens when my oldest sister gets that pic combined with some photoshop;)

YW theme 2011

2010-12-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've been stealing ideas from this lady at aLittleTipsy.com for Young Women's. Her latest great find I had to steal, I also had to modify. The 2011 mutual theme for the youth is the 13th article of faith, with what looks like an emphasis on what "we believe". Here's the inspiration. And here's what I came up with. It's SO easy to do and you don't have to sign up for anything! wordle.net Thanks lady I've never met, for putting this stuff in your blog.

(If you click on that little pic you can print it right on out.)

Baby update

2010-12-16T16:00:00.001-08:00

Monday night I could swear I was experiencing the worst gas ever! After a chat with the midwife and my sister it sounded more like gall bladder problems. The midwife suggested trying a low fat diet. What? Who wants to cut fat from their diet when they're 6 months pregnant? Not me!

Then yesterday I had cramps for 5 hours straight. I thought I was going to die (again) and I made a trip to labor and delivery. Of course once I sat down I was magically fine. They hooked me up to the monitors and everything was totally normal.

Today I had my regular visit to the midwife, everything looks good. Especially my weight,

14 lbs in 7 weeks. Beat that! Or not. I might have almost cried when I found out.

But then... I got a date for my big ultrasound! December 21st everyone. AND... I will not be finding out if it's a boy or a girl. Are you so excited?! Justin doesn't think I can handle not knowing, which only adds to my reasons for not finding out. Okay, so I don't really have any reasons for not finding out besides the part where it ticks everyone else off that I don't already know. To be honest, it ticked me off for weeks a few months ago when an ultrasound was NOT scheduled when I thought it would be, but I finally got over it. And then I thought, "how many people in today's world don't know?" I can't name one. When I mentioned to the midwife I wasn't finding out she about peed her pants with excitement. She said it's WAY more fun to deliver an "unknown" baby because everyone looks to see what came out.

Hey Ben & Jessica, maybe I'll have a zebra;)

Piano duets with Grayson

2010-12-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

I've been teaching piano over at our friends the Petersen's for a while now. Grayson and MacKenzie LOVE to go play while I teach the older kids. This last week Grayson and his buddy William got to playing a duet. Click here for the pic. Cutest thing ever. Maybe they'll actually pick it up one day;)

Rudolph mobile

2010-12-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's not the best pic, but those are antlers on my partially rolled down windows. I bought this for my dad last year. He is the biggest grinch when it comes to Christmas, I thought a car costume would help get him in the mood. My stepmom LOVED it! My dad walked home from work. Kennedy can't wait to take a spin in her new ride.

The wall- that huge one with the retarded canvas painting above the piano

2010-11-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

I took it down. I've been looking for replacements for a long time, but nothing. After my trip to Texas I began thinking about this and this.

I laid out my stuff. Once on the table I realized it needed a little Christmasication, hence the snowflake art. Funny how after taking the picture I could see it a little more objectively also.

And I threw it up on the wall. This wall is SO high.

Should I keep the pics going straight up to the top? And what color should I paint my $2 yard sale lamp? I have another matching that will probably take Santa's spot later.

And then that leads me to the curtains, now that I'm all sewing machined up I'm wanting to make some new ones. And slip covers for the chairs AND want to paint the walls again. I think the pregnancy is kicking in.

A little something to get you ready for Christmas

2010-11-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

SO GOOD!!!

Setting up for Christmas, day 1

2010-11-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

(Photo's by MacKenzie and Kennedy)

I finally got a deer for the front yard!

But this is about as far as I got with the assembly. The head and neck are inside the body. Couldn't get them out without ripping the whole thing to shreds! So it's goin' back to Lowes. Dang.

Meanwhile Kennedy was inside embellishing some Christmas decorations here,

here,

and here.

And while we're on Rudolph and Bambi, look what I found on someone's blog. How cute and easy is that for a little gift?!

Baby it's cold outside

2010-11-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is what MacKenzie's idea of "warm clothes" are. I did have to put my foot down on this one, especially the rolled up skirt, but the boots and the shirt kind of go, yes?

Lampshades by Kennedy

2010-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

She could open up her own line of original home furnishings.

Might have to share the title with her sister or whoever MaeKize is.

Everything is always reindeer. Looks like the fox-turkey didn't make it.

What makes me a little sad is I JUST BOUGHT THIS! Maybe I should give her markers for color and keep it. It's kind of cute.

Good thing Grayson got a train set for his birthday

2010-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

The big 3 for Grayson

2010-11-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

Motor skills: can take lids off markers

Can draw on face, arms and legs

Can decorate birthday cake (especially after attempting the Spiderman cake Khristie swore was so easy, it wasn't)

Loves fire

He's been a big boy climbing up and down from the top bunk where he loves to sleep. "I'm up on top, I'm up on top!" He's a clothes boy. Grayson can be found in 4-8 different outfits a day and not one of them dirty. He's still my sweet little boy. We're so happy he's in our family.

All for the sake of fire wood

2010-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here's our trailer full of wood. You like my slanted backup job? I couldn't see in the dark.

Women just don't think to chop wood like this. I call this forest-fire size.

But don't get me wrong, I didn't go get the wood I backed the trailer into the driveway.

So while Justin was loading this thing up, with his wood gettin buddy, one of these "logs" rolled with all its weight into his knee. It bent his knee all the way in the opposite direction! Somehow Justin's knee popped back into place, but he found himself laying on the ground in pain for a while. Lucky for him his buddy is an EMT and checked things out right there.

Justin called me to let me know what happened and continued to drive himself the hour ride back home. Can't believe it!

2 different dr.'s agree it really doesn't look like the ACL was injured. His knee feels very stable, but an MRI is being scheduled and he's off work for 2 weeks doin' something like this:

The green balloons are for Grayson's birthday. To celebrate Justin got a fancy knee brace and new crutches from the ortho dr.

If you look closely you can see hairy legs and slight swelling. I'm considering this a serious blessing from the Lord (the lack of more serious injury, not the hairiness). Could have been a lot worse and the quick priesthood blessing afterwards didn't hurt either. Glad we said our prayers that day!

Jane Austen's Fight Club

2010-11-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

So my friend Liz showed me this a while ago and I was thinking about it the other day and had to share. If you haven't seen the real fight club trailer click here. And then watch this one!

MacKenzie's Rapunzel Hair

2010-11-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

and the "law enforcement" hangin on the wall in the back.

Mini MTC mission call letters

2010-10-30T13:36:00.001-07:00

So here's what we're doing this week for combined activity and I hope it's good. I stole the idea from a parent, who stole it from THIS blog. Only I am even lazier and have asked the full time missionaries to take it over after I print out the mission calls. I took most of the wording straight from my own mission call and while doing so tons of memories came rushing back. I remember my WHOLE family crammed in our living room. I couldn't see a thing through all the tears. I think I cried a good 12 hours from the moment I heard my special mail had come to well after it was finally opened.

Anyway blah, blah, blah best 18 months of my life!

Here's the fake letter.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Office of the Parkview Ward

12860 Amethyst Rd, Victorville, CA 92392

31 October 2010

Miss Holly Evlyne Garcia

Address

Victorville, California 92392

Dear Sister Garcia,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Provo Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 1 hour.

You should report to the mini Missionary Training Center at Victorville, California on Wednesday, 3 November 2010. You will prepare to understand and preach the gospel.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an unofficial representative of the Church. As such you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by wearing appropriate Sunday attire, acting in quiet dignity, and following the counsel of your leaders.

Great fun and refreshments await you this Wednesday evening. Please prepare yourself by learning all you can about being a missionary and the place you have been called to serve.

Please send your verbal response to Sister Pollock before you leave church today.

Sincerely,

YW/YM Combined Mutual Halloween Dance

2010-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last year we threw a Halloween dance for mutual and invited the other 2 wards that meet in our building. The youth LOVED it esp. the 12 year olds who don't normally get to attend dances. This year they asked to do it again... heck no! But then, like always, I caved and started the planning process of 1. getting a DJ and 2. Inviting the other wards. It must have been in the stars because we have a DJ in our ward who was more than willing to do it AND the others wards about had an excited panic attack when I extended the invite. So there you have it, but I was NOT going to decorate.

So you really had to be there to enjoy the full extent of our not-decorating, because the pictures don't do it justice. The sad part, when we were finished I wanted 10,000 yards of black fabric to frame the DJ area. Wouldn't that have been awesome?! As it was I went to get cups and ice and got lost at Joann's instead of Costco. All the Halloween stuff was 60% off. And my good friend Sister Garcia let be barrow a bunch of things complete with REAL cobwebs! She also helped donate to the 25 milk carton ghosts waiting to make an entrance.

You know it's a Mormon party when Hymn books are included. Might I add, BEST DJ EVER!!! You couldn't help but to dance to every song played!

As you can see, no one dressed up.

Halloween costumes

2010-10-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

MacKenzie picked this out from a magazine and let me know it HAD to be her Halloween costume.

After a little velcro and a few stitches it's not perfect, but it does look kind of cute on her.

As for Kennedy, she wants to be Rudolph. They say imaginations are good, but what ever happened to a ghost or witch? I can find those pre-made at Target.

My little boy

2010-10-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

He "took a nap" in his sister's room this afternoon and came out happy as could be,

wearing his new found "piggy shirt".

What surprises does your husband pick up on his way home from work?

2010-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Justin usually brings home snakes or lizards. Last night it was a fox that had been hit by a car because you know, "We could skin him!"

The first thing Kennedy said when she heard the news was, "YES! I totally need a fox skin to hang on my wall! That's perfect Dad!"

And then it stunk. Really. Bad.

The skinning lasted about 10 minutes until Justin decided it was a little too decomposed. The tail and legs were falling off. Kennedy's comment, "Well, I thought Dad could get that skin off, but I guess it just stinks too bad for him to do a good job. Maybe next time." Cause you know, there's always tomorrow. You never know what might be on the side of the freeway tomorrow;)

The makeup artist & her model

2010-10-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

And we don't discriminate here. Makeup goes on clothing and faces.

I made clam chowder and it was delicious!

2010-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how good this turned out! My judgement may be swayed a little as I made it thinking "this is going to be a total flop". I'm so glad when I'm wrong. Even Justin slurped it up, bowl and all;)

I read the first 2 reviews for this recipe and this is what it produced. Little drips and all.

As for the kids 2 of them liked it. I take that back Grayson just ate his bacon pieces on top.

The other did not. I thought for sure this one would be all over soup in a bread bowl. First thing she said was, "I want a regular bowl" followed quickly by, "that looks disgusting!" I can always count on my kids to tell me what they really think.

What the kids do while I watch conference

2010-10-03T15:42:00.001-07:00

First of all let me just say conference was totally inspired! I even prayed to feel the Spirit, and would you guess what happened?! I found my camera charger! Been looking for it for months. (Okay fine, I blamed Katelyn for stealing it. Same thing.)

Kennedy found the stapler.

MacKenzie jumped into all the markers, half of which I just realized are permanent. Oops.

I'm pretty sure that's the 3rd outfit Grayson's had on today.

Stuffed animal arrangements.

And a monkey. However if you're looking at the markings all over the beds, that was done a long time ago. Don't you remember drawing your name everywhere? And then insisting your 2 year old brother (who can't write) did it. Although pictured here really does look like Grayson's art. He can go to town with the scribbles complete with a sticker.

I need a new camera

2010-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

While I wait here's a few links from my trip to Texas to visit my sister. And earlier this week Justin and I took the kids to visit our friends Ben & Jenna in San Diego. But for the sake of having at least one pic, here's one from Katelyn's wedding in between both those trips:

3 mormon boys, 3 ukulele's and a new churchy song I would love to add to my church playlist of songs.

2010-09-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

(It takes a while to "buffer") Do you love it sisters? They're not professionals, but how sweet they sound!

The one picture that made me buy my first magazine while waiting in line at the grocery store.

2010-09-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

You'll have to excuse the lame computer pics, but how fun is this wreath?!

What they did:

styrofoam wreath

black duct tape wrapped around the styrofoam

glued on candy corn

That's it! I can do that.

Okay and remember the blossoms on the sticks from my back yard?

I've totally got more sticks;) And I'm sure there's black spray paint somewhere.

Katelyn's wedding slideshow minus the Obama photoshops (although if I knew how to do it I would have LOVED to put something in the background!)

2010-09-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

She asked me to come up with a slideshow for her reception and this is all I could come up with. (Thanks Rebecca for the Kindle commercial song.)

Spray painting those ugly (but useful) security screen doors!

2010-09-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Half way through painting these I wanted to yank them off! (who am I kidding I wanted to yank them off the minute we moved in, but it's so nice to leave the front door open all night long and let the cool breeze come through). But here's the thing... they don't come off!!! I killed myself getting one already loose screw off only to find the rest were entirely NOT loose. The one-way screws are sloped and ridiculous. I even got a fancy drill bit from Home Depot claiming to get them off. Didn't work.

I finished painting them. Notice the one screw missing- only to tease me. Now I can't get it back in. Also if you look closely the porch lamp is at a severe slant. Might have broken the blue box thing that holds it in the stucco. Opps. (You can fix that right, Justin?) And then I need a new handle and deadbolt. Whatever. I always do these jobs half way.

Best Wedding Slideshow Ever

2010-09-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Justin

2010-08-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's been 7 years and the entire 7 years has been sprinkled with comments of, "Man I REALLY want to go deep sea fishing!" Justin has never been. Dang, I've even been deep sea fishing (a long time ago) and I don't like to fish. When I heard about this fishing trip from my old family friend Jay I called Justin and told him to hop online and sign up to go. Subsequently I became "the best wife ever", that's right.

Justin, Tad (Jay's brother-in-law and my cousin's husband and I've known him since I was born) and Jay. Is it just me or does the short guy have the biggest fish?

They sliced and diced those things right there on... plastic patio tables? That had to smell.

They saw killer whales! In the Sea of Cortez! Not common. Justin's guide said he's NEVER seen them there before.

I assume this is the guide, but Justin caught this eel. It was thrown back, but an exciting catch.

And he caught this sand shark! I think these animals are attracted to him.

This big huge thing is a totuava. It's endangered and he had to let it go. Bummer.

He was gone about a week and had a blast. He'll definitely go again.

The Barstow Mustache Growing Contest

2010-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Justin's office had a mustache growing contest in memory of the fallen officer. For a long while I thought Justin would definitely fall into the "nice try mustache" category. He proved me wrong.

Have I ever told you how much I dislike facial hair? I don't like it! Who is this man that keeps coming in our home? I don't know him.

Hair cuts

2010-08-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

MacKenzie can't stop cutting her hair. I never actually catch her in the act, but she's no so smart about cleaning up the leftovers (which are usually ALL over the bathroom counter). A few weeks ago she had to get her self induced mullet fixed. Thanks Brenda!

Her reply to all this hair cutting business, "I just LOVE short hair mom!" Followed by a toothy smiley and a sparkle in her eyes. I mean what do you say to such charm.

And then someone mentioned that she looked like Julie Andrews. And who doesn't like the Sound of Music?!

Kennedy goes to kindergarten

2010-08-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I NEVER thought I'd be the mom secretly crying underneath her sunglasses, but I AM! What a nerd! Kennedy did so good though, no tears, but I could see the relief in her face when she saw her little primary friend in her class.

My nerves were kicking in for her. I've been hoping this day would come for so long (while also scheming on how to get MacKenzie in there too... she looks old enough) and it's here. And look how cute. She was SO embarrassed!