Life as I know it......

Time Flies

2011-02-09T13:35:00.006-07:00

Tomorrow there will be two teenagers in the house! Time truly flies!

For Sam and Lizzie

2011-01-14T18:02:00.012-07:00

A few pictures from our Seattle trip. We miss you guys, we wish you were here.

Stephanie and her tumor. Don't ask, we're weird. Maybe it is just Stephanie that is weird.

christmas 2010

2011-01-12T13:07:00.014-07:00

Life as I know it........

2010-02-02T10:27:00.003-07:00

I changed my blog to "Life as I know it". For a long time now I have not quite understood why life is so hard and complicated. I spent this morning at the Huntsman Cancer Center with my father-in-law while he received his radiation treatment. I watched people going in and out of the clinic and wondered about each persons life and what it was like. I felt hopeful for most and hoped they did too, but couldn't help thinking why???? My own family is struggling so hard with these same questions and it has always brought me back to the same thing..........hope. This is the life we are given, it could be worse, just watch the news, but it is our life and it is the life that we know and have to deal with.

Zoe and I have been working on making a collage journal of things that inspire us, make us happy, and things that bring us peace. Zoe started making her journal as an assignment for school, but I love how she has put a lot of thought into the pages. I believe when you focus on the beauty and the good, the other stuff that complicates our lives seems a little less.

Summer Rain - U2

When you stop seeing beauty
You start growing old
The lines on your face
Are a map to your soul

When you stop taking chances
You'll stay where you sit
You won't live any longer
But it'll feel like it

I lost myself in the summer rain
I lost myself
I lost myself in the summer rain
In the summer rain

It's not why you're running
It's where you're going
It's not what you're dreaming
But what you're gonna do

It's not where you're born
It's where you belong
It's not how weak
But what will make you strong

Anybody missing summer?

2010-01-13T15:17:00.007-07:00

There is something so simple about summer. I miss the freedom that summer brings.

No homework

Sandals

Long days

Being outside with friends

Front porch(which reminds me I need to take down the Christmas deco outside!)

Flowers

Vacations

Summer concerts in the park

Family, friends, family, friends, family, and friends.

The highs and not so low lows of 2009

2009-12-30T21:44:00.002-07:00

In no particular order, here is my year.

I drove the Jeep on a Moab trail for the first time. The kids said I drove too fast, I figured if I drove fast I wouldn't get stuck.

Renan got arrested at the end of a U2 concert. Apparently he thought it was funny.
I went to the Temple Bar in Ireland and didn't get drunk.
Zoe and Ezra came in first place in a 5k. Renan did great also, but I have no clue of his time. Sorry Ren!
I was lucky enough to go to Laguna Beach twice in one year.

Zoe learned to jump serve.

Ezra broke his wrist on the last day of school, not a great way to start out summer vacation.

Made a perrenial peace garden in remembrance of my dad who died last year. The garden brought me no peace at all. Hank apparently found that it was a great place to destroy as he was running the perimeter of our property several times a day.
Ezra attempted to be me for a day. Didn't last an hour. Tough life I have.
Met Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Women. I have been reading her blog for years and I went with some friends to a book signing. She told me I have beautiful hair. I told her it was natural, but I don't think she believed me.

That my friends is my year give or take a few hundred things. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. I love you all. By the way I turned my comments section on again, apparently some of my friends were not happy that I turned it off. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to comment! Feel free to read my blog, comment if you would like or not, either way have a great day!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T15:05:00.003-07:00

Presents are wrapped and ready!!!!!!! Life is good. All that is left is a little cleaning and a whole lot of cooking. I hope this Holiday brings joy to all. Merry Christmas to all my family and friends.

I am in need of some warm weather here.

2009-12-12T19:09:00.011-07:00

A couple of months ago my mom took me and my sisters on a trip to Laguna Beach. We had a fabulous time and I have decided that I would love to go again very soon. Lets say.........tomorrow. The arctic weather here is getting very old and it is only December. So I guess looking at my pictures from the trip will have to get me through.

My sister Rachel was the trip photographer and she took a ton of pictures. At the time I wanted to kill her because every time I would turn around there she was with her camera. It was not enough just to stand there and look pretty, she needed excitement. For me not wanting to look like a fool in public............well that was just not going to happen. I gave in eventually! After all was said and done, I was glad she took all those insane pictures.

The highlight of the day was when the chocolates were out, which was about every 15 minutes.

Apparently we weren't paying attention for this picture! All I know is that camera didn't add the pounds, it was all the chocolates I ate. Yikes!!!!!

Wish we were there girls. Thanks mooooooma!

Attempting Christmas photos with Hank

2009-12-03T11:13:00.008-07:00

Yesterday we attempted to take some Christmas pictures with Hank. Well lets just say Hank had other things in mind.......

Hank: Come on guys lets just play.

Hank: No frisbee? Okay we can just run then!
Hank: Okay this is ridiculous

Hank: Okay maybe one quick one, then frisbee!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:20:00.013-07:00

There is so much I am thankful for..........

Zoe and Ezra

I love that Zoe and Ezra understand at such a young age that life is precious. They are two children that don't waste their lives, they are always up for a new challenge. I am constantly amazed at there unbelievable love of life. I am one proud mama!

Renan

I love Renan! Yep you heard me right! The last few years of my life have been difficult and he has not complained one bit and let me be. That says a lot about a person. I have changed and he is okay with that. He has changed also (he believes he is just numb to the pain of living with me). Whatever the case is it works for us because we will have been married for twenty years come March.

My family

I love my mom and sisters very much and there is not a day that goes by when I don't think about them and wished they lived right around the corner from me. We went to Laguna Beach in October and had a great time hanging out. I also love my dad very much and miss him daily. He chose not to go on the trip with us and spend the time relaxing away from the madness of our lives. What a lucky man.

I will never admit to being groupies, but this band has allowed us to go on many exciting trips in the last few years of our lives. Most recently Ireland. So thankful they are adding another leg to their tour. We will now be taking Zoe and Ezra to Seattle to see them next summer, maybe even New York. That's the life!!!!

Friends and Family

You all know who you are and I am thankful for you. I am thankful for all my friends that make me join life once in awhile. I am thankful for all the support and love I receive from all of you. You are the best!

A quiet ride.......

2009-11-17T09:40:00.011-07:00

Sometimes when life becomes complicated we need to take some time out for a little peace and quiet. A few weeks ago we did just that and for a brief moment of time we escaped the world and went for a ride...........

Not much was said on this trip, we were just spending time together. That is where we get the peace and quiet that we need sometimes.

Living life with long hair.

2009-10-30T15:38:00.007-06:00

Ezra decided to be ME for the Halloween parade at school. I thought it was pretty funny at first until he picked out an outfit at Thriftown that hopefully does not look like me. This actually was a pretty funny costume and he got a lot of comments during the parade. The problem Ezra encountered during the day was the HAIR. This is a picture at roughly 8:35am........

This is Ezra at 9:15am the same morning, not two days later, but the same exact morning!

He looks like he got ran over by a car on the way to school. The first thing he said to me was "How do you deal with all this hair!" Well first of all my hair is not quite that long, but same basic principles apply. When your hair is in your face move it!!!!! He went from somewhat looking like me to looking like "Cousin It". He later told me that there was no way he was going to go trick-or-treating in that costume, he was going to have to stick with his original plan and be "The Edge" from U2. Apparently it's not easy being me.

More pictures to come of "The Edge" and his rocker friend, Zoe.........

A Post for October

2009-10-20T16:45:00.005-06:00

I am doing great with the new energy I have about writing on my blog. I figure I better get one in for the month. I am sitting right now by a window that looks out on my backyard. I can't believe the leaves that are falling and there is definitely a "Fall" feel to the day. I love this time of the year and I also feel a little sadness to see the light fading a bit everyday. It is interesting to think about how attractive light is and how hard it is for some when there is not a lot of it around. I know I am one that loves the longer days. I know your thinking....... is there a reason for this post????..........well actually there isn't and lucky for you I have turned off the comments section so you will not have to feel obligated to leave a comment for such a lame post.

For all you that hate to see the light fade here is a bit of info that will cheer you up. It will get progressively dark until December 21st. After that date we will gain a minute of light everyday!!!!! Doesn't seem like much, but it gets me through the winter.

It's been awhile!

2009-09-11T10:00:00.007-06:00

I know I am terrible at the blogging thing.........but here are some pictures

from our trip this summer. I know there are some typos, but I am not

about to fix them, it was frustrating enough to do the slideshow. Patience is

not one of my virtues. I will try to be better. I hope everyone had a terrific

summer also!

Oh, also.......I hope you love the music, it was this or $3.99 for some good music. I opted for

crap! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Why?!?

2009-06-05T17:45:00.011-06:00

I bet you will never guess how this happened?

I bet you thought it was from this.........

or maybe this.........
Quite possibly this..............

But no, it was this..........
Okay maybe it was more like this..........

He broke his wrist from jumping over a rope! I always thought it was going to be from bunny-hopping the bleachers at the Olympus, but again I am wrong. I would personally like to go around the neighborhood and explain this to everyone that thinks I am an idiot for letting my son ride a five foot unicycle, but instead they are going to assume it is from the unicycle. The worst part about this is when he gets his hard cast on and is able to actually ride the unicycle with the broken arm. Boy...... I am going to look like a bad mom!

Yep.......This Is My Sister!

2009-05-03T20:32:00.005-06:00

My nephew Carson turned 5 today! He definitely had some"birthday attitude" going on. By the end of the night my sister Rachel was a little crazy. Don't get me wrong this is her normal craziness, but with a birthday spin. She definitely knows how to make me laugh!!!!!!

Before and After of the Hankster

2009-04-15T15:42:00.007-06:00

And..............

Hank and his new summer haircut. I am always in shock when I pick Hank up at the groomers! The poor dog, he looks so vulnerable. When Ezra first saw him he laughed so hard he started to cry. I also do not know if I should laugh or cry!

Zoe is not a vampire

2009-03-25T13:48:00.006-06:00

The other day Zoe was looking for some chapstick, I told her she could use mine, but she said no thanks. I asked her why and she said that mine has too much sparkle in it. I reminded her that she was fourteen and it was okay to wear a little lip gloss. She then told me that if Heavenly Father wanted her to have sparkly lips, He would have made her sparkly when she was born. Interesting..... all I could think about was that maybe Zoe should be a vampire and then maybe she would wear lip gloss. I am sorry if that doesn't make sense to all of you who haven't read or watched Twilight, but it makes perfect sense to me.

This makes me laugh!

2009-03-08T13:03:00.004-06:00

Praise to the yoga pants!

2009-02-18T16:28:00.002-07:00

I have been sick for three days now and have been living in yoga pants! The sick part is bad, but the yoga pants part is good. They are the most comfortable pair of pants that are out there. I did not realize it until today when I had to put on a pair of jeans. I absolutely hate jeans!!!!!!!!! Yoga pants is where it's at!

My close call with death.

2009-02-11T16:48:00.004-07:00

The other night I woke up smelling burnt toast. I immediately think I am having a stroke and get up and take a truck-load of aspirin. Then I lay in bed thinking about how I am sure I have a headache coming on and I really wanted to talk to someone so I would know if my speech was slurred. I didn't want to tell Renan because, well.................. he thinks I am crazy. So I laid there until I fell back asleep. I got up the next morning, much to my surprise, and remember my close call with death. Then comes the embarrassing part! burnt toast is not a sign of a stroke but a sign of a brain tumor. Apparently I have a brain tumor! Not a stroke! My life is sooooooo eventful!

Who is ready for SUMMER?

2009-01-31T22:35:00.007-07:00

I was looking through some photos and found some pictures from last summer of our back porch. I love summertime and this pictures make me long for the warm weather. Every year about this time I start to figure what I want to plant and maybe something new I can add to the yard. This year I want to cut out a new garden for a bigger pumpkin patch. I don't dare tell Renan, but maybe he will read my post and give it some thought. Renan..........there are so many benefits to having a bigger pumpkin patch, although none of the benefits actually benefit you, there are many benefits! If you see Renan, please encourage him, for my sake!

Things I will and will not do in 2009

2009-01-22T08:53:00.005-07:00

A new year......... a new me! Okay that's a bit of a joke, but I think I can improve upon the old me and make the old me, a better and more improved version! so here is how I will go about that.

1. For my mother's sake I will stop saying "My DAD'S DEAD". I will replace that with " My dad has passed away peacefully and he is with his Heavenly Father". Does that sound better? I like the shock value of the first because it still is so shocking, but my mom doesn't approve. I will miss seeing my moms eyes pop out of her sockets when I say that but I will have to think of something else to shock her with.

2. I will once and for all clean out my basement for all of you who want to hang out in an unfinished basement. I have no idea why but my kids friends think it is a cool place to check out. That is the scariest part of our house and for those of you who think my house is clean, it is not!

3. On a more spiritual note........... I will not procrastinate doing my lesson for the YW. It is really hard to do my lesson at the last minute when church now starts at 9:00.

4. I will change my personal quote from " Fit Before Forty" to "Fat Before Forty". I have one year and it is not looking very good for me. I always wanted to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 40. I will have to think about that one for awhile and get back to you on it.

5. I will get back to my normal social self. Okay so I am not the most social person, but I will walk outside of my house with a smile on and pretend that I am.

6. I have a lot more things to work on, but this is what I will start with. I am sure Renan has a few ideas for me, but those are just "ideas".

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-01-12T21:53:00.010-07:00

(PS: Dad, if you could help Cathy out this week it sure would be great! We love you always!)

It's a new year!

2009-01-02T10:25:00.003-07:00

Do you remember when you were young and would spin and spin around in circles? I do, and I remember exactly how I felt. At first I would feel a little bit out of control, then maybe a little numb, then comes the worst part when you want to throw up because you get so incredibly sick and you have to lay down so you will feel somewhat normal. After all of the craziness you stand up and stagger around for a while until the world stops spinning and you can begin to see clearly again. That for me describes the year 2008, and finally I am beginning to see clearly again.

As I sat on the couch with my family on New Years Eve and watched the countdown, a huge sigh of relief came over me when finally this year came to an end. I am so thankful for new beginnings! Never have I been so pumped to make changes for a new year. So......... for all my family and friends Happy New Year to you and your families. I hope this will be a year full of happiness for all! And a huge thank you for putting up with me!

Did you get your tickets?

2008-12-25T18:03:00.004-07:00

No, not to the gun show! But to the circus that will be performing in our very own front yard. Ezra and his friends Jake and Brayden asked for 5 foot unicycles for Christmas. Seriously Santa.......are you going to pay the medical bills??? These kids are nuts and who are their parents??? Zoe on the other hand asked for something a bit more sane. She received a flip camcorder, which is absolutely perfect for her and our family. Zoe is the one that takes all the pictures and now we will have amazing videos. I didn't have to feel guilty this Christmas about all the video I didn't take, because Zoe did it all for me. She is a great girl!
Zoe and Ezra got a tandem cruiser bike from us and they are having a blast on it. You can't miss them because the bike is bright yellow. I call it the yellow submarine! Christmas was spectacular for the kids this year and I hope it was for everyone else. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It definitely better be a huge improvement from last year!! On to better times for all!!

I've always wanted more children...........

2008-12-13T17:34:00.005-07:00

............and now I have a two year old and I would like to give him back. Hank wears me out!!!!! I am constantly chasing him around the neighborhood, yelling his name, and occasionally swearing. The neighbors look at me like I am an out of control mother with an out of control child. Maybe I am too old for children!

Today I am thankful for......

2008-12-02T11:40:00.004-07:00

........My sister Rachel for being so quirky. On Thanksgiving she turned up the music and did an awesome dance to Run DMC's Christmas rap. She made everyone laugh as usual!

Today I am thankful for........

2008-12-01T15:42:00.004-07:00

....... My DAD! I am extremely thankful for such a great dad. He was someone I could always talk to and count on. I will miss having him here with us for the holidays.

Today I am thankful for.........

2008-11-26T21:30:00.011-07:00

......My sister Stephanie, or as I like to call her Sneffie. Today is her birthday! This has been the year from heck for her. She is definitely a very strong person and I love her very much.
Happy Birthday Sneffie.

I am also thankful for my mom and my sisters. It is very nice to have such a great support system when things are rough. It is also very hard to find a picture of all five of us where someone doesn't have their eyes closed . We are definitely not the most photogenic family.

Today I am thankful for......

2008-11-24T18:42:00.005-07:00

I love getting in my cozy bed every night and watching an episode of Eli Stone. I am always behind the times when it comes to television, so I am watching the first season.
I am extremely thankful for the incredibly good weather we are having right now. These are the things that make me happy today. Renan is complaining that I didn't mention him........ so again I am thankful for Renan.

I am thankful for...........

2008-11-22T19:30:00.002-07:00

Renan: For all the hard work he is doing to finish our remodeling project before the holidays. He is sick, but still he keeps painting and painting. What a man!

Zoe: For keeping her room somewhat clean this week. She is fabulous at everything, but hates to clean her room.

Ezra: For surviving another week without a major injury! When I say major, that doesn't include his tooth going through his front lip or falling and bruising his shoulder. Those are minor things.

The many things I have to be thankful for.......

2008-11-20T15:30:00.003-07:00

There are many things to be thankful for this season. I know I have concentrated on all my losses in the past 5 months, but I know there is a lot of good in my life at this time. I want to spend the next week or so concentrating on the positive things. Everyday I hope to add one or two things to my blog that will bring me peace during this season. Feel free to share your own thoughts on my comments page. I believe this is a good way for me to heal and at the same time make my father happy, because I know he hates seeing me sad.

And The Winner Is.................

2008-11-04T22:25:00.006-07:00

Obama.

I have friends on both sides, so I have..........no comment. I am hoping for a great future for all with peace,love, and happiness.

October Madness

2008-10-04T18:04:00.011-06:00

This is Renan and I when we moved into the neighborhood. We didn't fit in very well, so we had to conform. Actually we had a "Halloween party" so we could dress the way we feel most comfortable in. I think our friends did too.

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The good, the bad, and the ugly of summer 2008

2008-09-11T20:11:00.005-06:00

This is how we deal!

2008-09-02T21:05:00.001-06:00

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Hank

2008-09-01T11:11:00.005-06:00

We have had Hank over the weekend for a "trial run". This has been no trial run! The minute we brought this dog home I knew there was absolutely no way the kids were willing to give this dog up. He is pretty cute and I have to admit I like him quite a bit. I am a little bit worried though when the responsibility is all mine and I know it will be. Renan and the kids assure me that they will help out. Hmmm..........we'll see.

Looking Back!

2008-08-21T20:44:00.011-06:00

I spent some time looking back at a bunch of pictures of the kids, it is amazing how time flies! Zoe will be starting 8th grade and Ezra will be in 5th. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Ezra went through a serious rescue hero phase. For Halloween that year he was "Billy Blaze". I spent an incredible amount of time on his costume and I thought it was awesome. The other day Ezra told me that he loved that costume, but was a little disappointed that it didn't shoot out real water. I am glad he waited to tell me that!

Zoe being her usual goofy self. I wonder where she gets that from?
Zoe would love me to braid here hair in little tiny braids. It would take forever, so I would make here wear the braids for at least a few days. This is what she looked like when she took them out. It makes me want to rub her head really hard. Only girls would know the good pain that comes from doing that.
This was Ezra's first black eye. He didn't even think it was cool.

Ezra and Carson

2008-07-22T19:01:00.007-06:00

Stuck in a moment

2008-07-20T22:52:00.007-06:00

It has been exactly 1 month since my father died. You would think that the pain would ease up, but it doesn't. I miss my dad terribly and I absolutely hate this whole ordeal. When I look around and see all the sadness in the world and I know that I am not the only one that feels like this, it makes me feel worse. I hate to feel like this, but I also feel sorry for everyone else that is struggling in this hard world. I know there is a lot of good in the world, but I definitely feel like I am stuck in a moment.
I used to have the song by U2 "Stuck in a Moment" as the ringtone for my cell phone. I loved it when my phone rang and I would hear.......

I'm not afraid
Of anything in this world
There's nothing you can throw at me
That I haven't already heard

I'm just trying to find
A decent melody
A song that I can sing
In my own company

I never thought you were a fool
But darling look at you
You gotta stand up straight
Carry your own weight
These tears are going nowhere baby

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And now you can't get out of it

Don't say that later will be better
Now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it

I will always miss my dad and I will always feel the sorrow but I can definitely work on my attitude a bit and get myself together even though I am stuck in a moment.

This is how I feel!

2008-07-16T18:40:00.007-06:00

I know I should probably have something better to say but I am not quite there yet. Today my sister Stephanie found out that she will be losing more of her hair than she thought from the radiation. Some how that does not seem very fair, but again LIFE IS CRAP. My mom thinks life sucks sounds better, but I am sticking with crap. I definitely need to start working on my attitude because my father is probably looking down on me right now and shaking his head. Well Dad, Life is crap sometimes!

Farewell to the Best Dad Ever.

2008-07-05T22:48:00.006-06:00

My dad past away June 20, 2008 from pancreatic cancer. It is hard to put into words the devastating feelings this has brought to me. Grief is a feeling that brings so much sorrow. I will miss my dad immensely and the important part he has played in my life. He was someone I could always count on no matter the circumstance and never judged.He spent his life serving others and will be remembered for the wonderful man that he was. I love you Dad and I hope you are at peace.

I don't quite understand yet.

2008-06-18T22:36:00.003-06:00

These are some of my favorite pictures. Someday soon I will be able to talk about the last week and a half of my life. But for right now, all I can say is that I love my Dad and my sister very much.

Is it a cold or allergies?

2008-05-23T12:34:00.005-06:00

As much as I love this child, she has made this a very miserable week(not by her choice). It all started with what we thought were allergies and ended up with both me and Zoe spending the week in bed. I was laying there giving her moral support as she coughed and coughed all night long. Little did I know her "asthma" cough was filled with bad cold germs that took a great hold of me. So here we are the two of us sick as can be, all because we thought she had allergies. Sometimes it is very hard to tell the difference. Now I know that when you have a fever and don't want to get out of bed because your head might fall off, quite possibly it could be more than allergies.

It's the End of the World as We Know It.

2008-05-13T09:42:00.013-06:00

My sister Rachel and I like to sing the song by R.E.M "It's the End of the World as We Know It". We especially like to sing it after listening to "political talk". Every time you turn around someone is giving you their views on which candidate is the best. It's not that I don't care, because I actually do, but a lot of times when I am listening to someone I am also thinking about how I am going to get to a baseball game, track meet, volleyball tournament and make dinner in between. I love an election year and this one has proven to be the best( a bit of sarcasm). For those of you who know me well, you will be laughing. For those of you who don't, please don't take me serious. For my sister Rachel.....It's the end of the world as we know it(and I feel fine).

A Few Jeepin' Photos

2008-05-06T15:20:00.005-06:00

Moab is a whole lot of fun. It is also a whole new experience for a city girl like me. I actually think I am a natural at this whole thing, as long as I can have a good meal and a nice shower at the end of the day. It is quite surprising!

What's up with the weather!

2008-04-29T19:22:00.002-06:00

Does this picture make you scared of me? Well, it should! I am going to show this picture to my kids when I need them to get something done real fast. All I can say is......Don't Mess. Now on with the weather rant, seriously, I have been so excited for Spring and where the H E Double hockey sticks is it? I have been waiting patiently and I am ready to pack up and call it quits.

Last Ski Day of the Season

2008-04-14T15:35:00.016-06:00

Ezra and Zoe sluffed school to get the last bit of skiing in. 60 degrees and skiing, not too bad they say!

This actually makes Zoe laugh when she sees her jumps compared to Ezra's, even better when she tries to grind the rail.

Zoe is an excellent skier actually. She doesn't really enjoy all the tricks Ezra makes her try, but she is a good sport. Ezra on the other hand is all about the tricks.

At the end of the day everyone was happy and that's all that counts, right! Say goodbye to a great ski season and hello summer.

In Response to Streets of Terror.

2008-04-11T13:47:00.006-06:00

My friends, Sam and Brodi talk about I-80 being the "bobsled horror show." Read their blog, it is very funny. You can link on to it from Renan's website. Here is a small portion of it....

"I just close my eyes while I drive that 5 mile stretch, crying and screaming and praying to just make it through. Rocks pelting the windows, dodging 57 ton Semi trucks, 16 year old boys texting as they drive, and others just swerving all over the road. When you are trying to keep up with the flow of traffic and hitting speeds of 55 miles an hour and you have about 2 inches of clearance on both sides of your lane, it gets your heart pounding."

In response to their blog........ You haven't experienced true horror until you have driven I-80 with Renan at the wheel. 55 is nothing!!!!!! nothing I tell you, when the norm for Renan is 80. I have no idea why our family is still alive. I am constantly trying to put on the imaginary brake on the passengers side, while Renan is rolling his eyes at me. When we finally arrive at our destination, I have to mentally tell all the muscles in my body to relax, then I reach over in my purse and pull out the meds that I wished I had taken before that awful experience. You may think I am exaggerating , but truly I am not. This is not for the wimps of the world, you have to be hard core to drive with Renan.

The Big Event.

2008-03-31T16:19:00.008-06:00

Easter egg dying is a huge event at our home. This year was no different. We spent a great deal of time the Saturday before Easter dying eggs. Monday came and we felt as if we still hadn't had enough dying time. So Monday night, yes the day after Easter, we spent dying eggs for a second time. It is so much fun to see all of the unique creations the kids make. But it is not just the kids that enjoy this. I remember several years ago, Renan went to the store after the kids went to sleep to pick up a couple dozen more eggs to dye by ourselves. Apparently we love it as much as the kids do!

Hours of practice and this is what you have!

2008-03-21T20:54:00.002-06:00

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Bloggers Block!

2008-03-15T19:52:00.004-06:00

I can't think of a decent thing to blog about. Apparently I have bloggers block. It's not that it has been an uneventful week. There are plenty of extremely exciting things to write about. Check out the list. Everyone likes a good list!!!!!

1. Monday - Orthodontist appt. for Zoe. She thought she lost her retainer. We had been searching for days. Right before her appointment I remembered to check the dryer, because that's where any smart kid would keep it. I am truly amazing.

2. Tuesday - Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts, need I say more.

3. Wednesday - YW Fondue Party!!!

4. Thursday - My visiting teachers came that day. I know what you are all thinking, 3 consecutive days of church activities. Well that's just me, like I said, truly amazing.

5. Friday - The kids went to stay with my parents that night. That might be worth writing about, but I will spare you all.

6. Saturday - Ezra tried on Zoe's Easter dress. Now that's what I really wanted to talk about and maybe even post a picture or two. But for the sake of saving my life, I will not.

That, my friends, is a small bit of my ever exciting life. Maybe next week I can tell you about when I get my visiting teaching done. I know you can't wait!!

Yes, They're Strange!

2008-03-07T14:19:00.003-07:00

The sun comes out and something strange happens to my kids. Zoe and Ezra spent the day outside taking funny pictures and making very creative movies. They had a great time while entertaining the neighborhood.

Here comes the sun..........

2008-03-03T16:34:00.003-07:00

George Harrison wrote one of the best songs ever. I love the song "Here Comes the Sun". It was written at a time when he felt like winter in England was never going to end, then comes that first bit of Springtime sun and everyone is deserving of it. I love this time of year. Everyone is coming out of hibernation, people are smiling and happy, and all because of a little bit of sun. Yes, Here comes the sun.............do and doo doo. I know you are all singing this with me. Have a great day and keep singing!

Riding the Duck!

2008-02-26T19:35:00.006-07:00

Zoe and I went to sunny Seattle last week to visit my sister Stephanie. You may think, sunny Seattle?????? But yes, it was sunny and warm up there the whole time we were there. I believe it was because Zoe and I brought a little bit of happiness to the city with our sunny dispositions. Whatever it was, it was wonderful!

We took a little tour of Seattle on the duck boat/bus. This is a great way to see all the sites of the city with an unbelievably crazy guide. Our bus driver was Helen Wheels, she sang, she danced, and she played with Barbies, while showing us the city. Zoe was so entertained by Helen, I really don't think she saw much of the city. It was my second time on "The Duck" and I think I would go again. And yes, the bus actually goes in the water! Amazing!

Merry Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T08:58:00.003-07:00

I am not to sure if it is Christmas or Valentines! I was truly surprised at all the snow we woke up to this morning. Even better was not being able to find the snow shovel and having Ezra tell me it could quite possibly be buried somewhere in the backyard. After kicking the snow around back there and saying a few choice words, I decided to go across the street and steal my neighbors. My neighbors, The Johnson-Ashton Family, are truly tired of me by now because I borrow just about everything from them at any time of the day or night. But all I need to do is make a few cookies and everything is even again. So........... I am off to make some cookies. A Happy Happy Valentines to all my family and friends.

Birthday weekend for "The EZ"

2008-02-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to the single digit! Ezra will be 10 on the 10th. Woo hoo and party on! Ezra has dreaded turning ten, he has made it very clear he does not want to grow up. Ezra is a child that definitely enjoys the life of leisure and knowing that he is getting older with the possibility of more responsibility is killing him. You're still young, Ez. Enjoy life!

Ezra's Motto:
I am here to live life out loud.

He's not afraid to be himself.

Happy Birthday Ezra!

Happy 40th Birthday Cathy!

2008-01-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

It's the Big 40 for my wonderful sister Cathy. Happy Birthday Cath!!!!!!!! I have been thinking about you and all your many accomplishments in life. I have put together a list of the top five accomplishments in the life of Catherine Stevens and here it goes.........

1. She has written an important book containing incredible facts about Charlies Angels, The Loch Ness Monster, and Bigfoot.
2. She managed to run over her younger sister with a bike and amazingly enough did not get in trouble for it. Not many people have accomplished that.
3. She secured the starring roles of both the beautiful Jill and Kelly, while "letting" her sister be plain Sabrina, time and time again.
4. She was able to save several companies from bankruptcy. J Crew, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie would like to thank you for all your support.
5. Most recently, and the most exciting accomplishment in the life of Catherine Stevens is..........
HAVING THE FBI AFTER YOU. Seriously the things you do for attention.

Happy Birthday to an incredible sister, fantastic mother, and unbelievably generous person that is loved by all. I hope this year brings you all the happiness you can handle!

I am not that desperate!

2008-01-28T16:48:00.002-07:00

As desperate as I might feel to go somewhere warm, I couldn't imagine relaxing at this beach. I would have a complete panic attack. There are certain things that are important in a good beach spot.

1. At least 10 ft of sand around me that is not occupied by anybody I don't know.
2. A good view of the kids in the ocean.
3. At least two beaches away from any bad country music blaring on a boom box.
4. It's always a plus to stay away from couples that spend the whole time making out and what not.
5. Bring extra family, you never know when someone will separate their shoulder out in the ocean, and you will need a little bit of extra help.Thanks for all the help, Matt!

Follow these simple rules and a good time will be had by all!

The Man Cold

2008-01-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Renan has been very sick this week. He has definitely gone beyond the man cold, and has settled into a real cold. I don't think I have seen him this sick in a long time. Several times a day I hear a voice from the back of the house yelling "Laura!" He at least has a sense of humor about the whole thing. I on the other hand will not if I catch the cold. But for now I have 999 on speed dial just in case of a man cold emergency.

A painting for a month.

2008-01-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

When Renan and I first got married, like most newly married couples, money was a little tight. One of our favorite things to do was go to the downtown library and checkout a painting. Maybe many of you didn't know that you could do that, but at that time you could. Every month we would go there and spend time deciding which painting would look great above our fireplace for a month. It was always an exciting time for me because I loved to decorate my house. The painting that spent the most time in our house was this beautiful Van Gogh painting. Whenever I see this painting it brings back some great memories. The library is one place I couldn't do without. I love walking into the library, knowing I will go home with a good book, maybe some new music and a movie.

Some favorite photos, some favorite times.

2008-01-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in Hollywood. My friend and I seriously thought this was Bruce Willis. We spent a whole lot of time following this car around, almost missing our flight home, only to find out it wasn't Bruce Willis. Doesn't it look like him? When the car stops and you get a good view of him it absolutely doesn't. But it gave us a good laugh!

Since not all my family lives here in Utah, I like to look at all the many pictures of them and remember all the fun times we have had. I love my nieces and nephews as if they were my own!

Renan and I can't take a good picture together to save our lives. It all started with our pictures for our wedding announcement. We were supposed to look into each others eyes and there you would have it. Every time we would look at each other we would start to laugh. We truly annoyed our fabulous photographer(Renans brother, Greg). So to this day there really isn't a photo that Renan and I both look our best in. In this picture it looks as if I have my face tatooed and Renan has an upset stomach. But there you have it!

How I deal with JANUARY!!!!!!

2008-01-08T16:13:00.002-07:00

About this same time every year, I start to feel a little crazy. I long for summer and being outside. The best thing for me is to plan a trip. Not just any trip, but a trip to the beach. Last summer we thought we could get away without going because the remodeling of the house took a lot. By the end of July, we knew something was missing from our summer. So we packed our bags and headed to the beach. Just as I thought, that did the trick. What is it about the beach? I believe we love it so much because it is so relaxing and kicked back.

Our favorite place to go is Laguna Beach, California. It is a home away from home. I went there as a child and loved it. When Renan and I got married, I was worried to take him there, because I wanted him to love it as much as I did and still do. Why worry, it's Laguna Beach, of course he loved it. It is so beautiful there and I love the smell of eucalyptus when we are walking down to the beach. Zoe and Ezra love it there also. So, here I go making plans to go to the beach and that is how I deal with JANUARY!!!!

Am I a bad mom?

2008-01-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

I've been told that people avoid driving down our street because of all the kids and the crazy things that their moms let them do. Does that make me a bad mom? I don't think so. But then again I don't take criticism well. I do in fact tell Ezra to be careful and clean up as soon as he is done. There was one bad experience when Rachel Heath's Grandpa Joe almost tried to jump his big Grandpa car off Ezra's ramp(not on purpose of course). But other than that, we have not had anything major go wrong. I usually watch the kids, when it is warm, of course. I have also heard Sam, our neighbor, yell at his kids "Gutter". Apparently that is supposed to make them go to the side of the road. So far it has just ended up making his kids laugh and run faster in the opposite direction. But we all try!

This year for Christmas Zoe and Ezra got unicycles. Now this could truly annoy the neighbors. I have watched my kids try to master this skill. If they are on the unicycle and moving, nothing will stop them, not even a car coming. It takes so much effort to get going they are not about to hop off for any old car, maybe the garbage truck. They have been known to be afraid of that big truck. But watch out to all my neighbors, for my kids have dominated Saturn Ave. The road blocks will be put up soon! They are good kids with sweet spirits, I promise.

Some serious relaxing time is headed my way!

2007-12-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am looking back to see if my relaxing time has arrived yet. I think it is almost here. I love the holidays and all, but the idea of sitting down for two seconds without worrying that I have forgotten something really important, sounds tooooooooo good to be true. Something even better would be a heat wave in January. I like winter up until about January 2nd, after that it's old and boring. When I drove in my driveway today and looked at my porch, I longed to see my adirondack chairs and some nice flowers. Most of all I would love to see me sitting out there with a magazine, maybe some tea and my good friend Brodi. Apparently that is going to have to wait a few more months. For now, I will be content with my new living room or maybe Brodi's new kitchen. For all my friends and family.......... Relax and enjoy the new year.

Happy Birthday Zoe!

2007-12-27T22:31:00.001-07:00

There's a teenager in our house. Yikes! What will we do with her, and am I old enough to take care of her. Zoe will turn 13 on Friday. As all parents say...... it's seems like yesterday when I brought her home from the hospital. Zoe was so itty bitty, a bit premature. When we brought her home she weighed a big 4 1/2 lbs. I was so worried for her and especially for me, but it all worked out just fine. I hope I can say that about the teenage years for her sake and for mine. You couldn't ask for a better daughter and great friend. Happy Birthday Zoe!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends. It's Christmas Eve and the kids have had an extra amount of enthusiasm as well as I have. It definitely feels like Christmas with the all the new snow we have had. Ezra, of course, is looking up the snow totals for Brighton and planning all of his skiing trips with or without the family. Zoe cleaned under her bed today to get ready to shove all the new presents under there. Renan supposedly worked today (I think he may have gone to a movie to avoid cleaning the house). I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned and cooked and cooked and cooked. After all that excitement I took a long nap and now I am ready for Christmas Day. I love the holidays and being with family and friends. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas and be careful driving in all that new glorious snow!

The Beginning................

2007-12-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to start my own blog to tell my side of the story. As much as I love Super Jeep, there is more to life and my families life. Don't get me wrong, going to Moab with the family is great but we actually do other exciting things. Be patient with the blog, I am learning. Feel free to comment. Positive comments of course, I don't take criticism well.