Back From The Dead

Hellooooooooo! I was told by Allison to post before we went out of town, but I forgot. Sorry. So that's my excuse. We were out of town. Kev had a business convention, or whatever, in Vegas and wives were invited. The guys and Alyssa decided to ride a century in St. George first, so we got to spend a couple days there.
On Sunday we headed down to Vegas. We decided to stay at the hotel where the convention was at the last minute instead of staying at my Aunt Kathy's. I am glad we did because it really felt like we were on vacation. It was even a smoke free hotel...on the strip! Who knew. Anyway, the company hosting the convention had a home tour planned for us, and it was fun. I always forget to look at the actual floor plan because I am so distracted by the decor. I really enjoyed myself. We then went to a cocktail party (in jeans) provided by the conference, and in the process tried to decide what to do for the night. None of us (besides Kevin) had seen I Am Legend, so we thought we would try to catch it at the I-Max theater. I couldn't remember where it was so I called Ryan. When I told him our plans he said, "On a Sunday?" Then he laughed his head off. I had completely forgot. Oh well. What happens in Vegas...yea, so it wasn't playing anymore so we saw a different movie.
The rest of the trip for the guys was spent in a ballroom being lectured to, and the wives went shopping. We had a great time, but the best part about it was the amazing weather! I am sure that all you Vegrants and Californicators have developed a lack of appreciation for this, but it was so revitalizing! I need Spring.
The trip came to an end too fast, but we did manage to tack another day on by stopping in St. George again to pick up the bikes we left at the condo we stayed in. Sadly, we had to be on the road by 5 am, but it was nice to have the extra time to relax. The trip back took no time at all after shaving off the extra hour and a half from Vegas.
Kev dropped me off at my parents so I could pick up our kiddos. It was so fun to see them. It amazes me how big they seem after going a few days without them. Olivia is having full conversations and saying the funniest things. While we were gone she said, "You shut your mouf!" Now, I don't know how appropriate that is, but it is funny. My mother swears she had nothing to do with her learning that, so I guess I will believe her ;). She learned to climb out of her crib the day before we left, so I am sure she kept my mom a little busier than planned. She loves any and all things princess. Disney princess, of course. She also has a Barbie movie that she loves, and she asks for "Bobbie show," all day! It is Barbie of Swan Lake, and she has become quite the dancer. I can't wait for Lydia to see it! Maybe we will have a video forth coming.
Spencer is so big! He loves to play with his neighborhood buddies and keeps me busy all day. I can hardly keep him occupied. He has a real interest in becoming a chef. He makes pretty impressive hors d' oeuvres, although he needs to work on his names. Fish pizza is his specialty, and this is basically cutting a cheese stick in sections, standing them on end, and topping them a piece of folded ham. He also is considering being a Realtor because he could use those cool lock boxes that hide keys. What an incentive. We are struggling a little with his "story telling." He has a wonderful imagination, but we are trying to teach him the difference between imagination and not telling the truth. Any ideas? The joys of motherhood, I guess. He learning how to give good tickles, which he isn't too psyched about but realizes if he wants one, he needs to give one! Once again, the joys of motherhood!
It is amazing how time flies. There is such a catch 22 with raising children. You can't wait to have them grow up, but they don't stay babies long enough.

Happy ValentiMes and Happy Birthday!

You know someone had to say Valentines that way!
I just wanted to tell my hubby how much I love him. He is being such a great sport this Valentines Day. He was trying to plan something fun, but I was dead set on going to our Love and Logic class at a local elementary school, which, by the way, is complete torture for him. I know, you think I am crazy for passing that up, but it is just too busy out there tonight! Plus, we have some fun plans for this weekend, so I don't feel to bad!
I also want to wish Mrs. Tara Maxfield a very happy birthday! I am sure you got the royal treatment tonight! Due to some recent comments on my last post, I decided to fish around in some of my old pictures for some shots of our Denver trip. Sadly, I cannot find my favorite one, but the one I found is pretty good. Good times!
Also, the last one… well, that is a gem. Priceless. I don't want either of these girls writing me off as a friend for posting this, but it is just TOO GOOD! Oh really, it's priceless. Please forgive me girls! I know you have it in you! You know I love you!

Happy Birthday Tiff!

I just wanted to give a little B-day shout out to my bestest friend, Tiff! 29 for the rest of our lives baby! Tiff and I met at the bus stop the first day of our sixth grade year. There was an instant connection. People always asked us if we were sisters, and she has always felt like it. My parents loved having her around, and so did the rest of my family. She knows all of my cousins on BOTH sides and fits right in with the whole famdamily!
She is definitely the softer side of our duo. She has always had such a sweet spirit (I totally mean that in the truest and most non insulting way), and makes anyone she is around feel loved. She is also the best because she laughs at every joke! Hey Tiff remember Groundhog Day? Geeze.
Anyway, I truly appreciate having her as a friend. She is a rock. I know she will always listen to me when I need her, and she always makes me feel better when I am down. She is the best at calling, and she never makes me feel bad when I forget to call her back!!! She has always been there for me, and I only wish the same could have been said about me.
We have seen each other get married, have babies, build homes, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. We will be at our children's weddings before we know it. Life has a lot of uncertainties, but Tiff is a constant.
Thank you Tiffany! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Kissy

Snowed Inn

Last night Kevin and I were able to go to Park City for a business dinner. This wasn't just any normal dinner. We were taken to a restaurant that can only be reached by horse drawn sleigh! The restaurant is only open in the winter, and the only days it is closed is Christmas day and the Super Bowl. Priorities, right? We made sure we bundled up (last year Kev's feet froze), and we even got a little hot chocolate before the trek up the mountain. Once we arrived to the little cabin restaurant, we were serenaded with live country music and warmed by a cozy fire. The restaurant is called the Snowed Inn. Appropriate considering Park City hadn't seen this much snow in eight years. They actually had to dig the door of the restaurant out of the snow. It is so nestled against the mountain that the snow was up to the first roof line!

Trying to be somewhat health conscience, we chose our meal of chowder and trout. It was delicious and so was the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Once our meal was over, they gave us the option to go "plating." That is, taking a clean dinner plate (those speckled metal ones) and slide down the hill outside. We were not about to get even colder once we were outside, so we passed, but it was really funny to see people attempt it. The ride back down was fun, and the horses even tried to warm us up. I figured out that as soon as a horse lifts its tail a little, I better stick my nose under my scarf! So, if anyone is up here before the snow melts, I say give it a shot! I must say that it is one of the few times I was out in 20 degree weather and didn't feel the need to complain about it!

Experience 3ality

Have you ever been front row to one of the greatest rock bands in history? Well, here is your chance. U23D. It is more than a movie. It is an experience. I have acutally been front row TWICE at U2, and it was an unforgettable experience. It wasn't just the music or getting Bono's and the Edge's guitar picks, but getting shoved against the rail, toes stepped on, and inhaling B. O. from the guy next to you who waited in line for the last 12 hours. We also made it to the Vertigo Tour where we had floor tickets, BUT being six and a half months pregnant with the above described conditions made it a little less desirable.

Well, here is your chance for front row tickets with comfy seats and plenty of leg room. I can't promise the guy infront of you won't have B.O. (we weren't so lucky), but it is something to be seen. There are amazing arial shots of Larry Mullen Jr. on the drums and moments when you feel Bono is about to bless you with his own hand. I have to admit my favorite perspective is from the stage facing up because it gives you a completely realistic view of the front row. You even get the sensation of crowd surfing sans hundreds of sweaty hands groping your body.

I give it two thumbs up. Even if you aren't a fan on U2 it is a 3D movie like you have never seen before and is well worth the ticket. Added bonus: the super cool glasses.

*This is our brother in law, Garrett. Doesn't he look so burley and masculine in his new beard?

We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet

At 7:00 pm last night we lost our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinkley. Kevin came upstairs and told me. I felt a rush of shock through my body, but I was surprisingly not sad. All I felt was gratitude. My thoughts went directly to the sweet reunion he must have had on the other side with his sweet Marjorie and with our Savior. I am sure the emotions of this even have not really begun to set in considering just a few weeks ago I pondered his nearing death and began to weep. However, it is also hard not to remember his amazing sense of humor and just smile at the very thought of him. He was my prophet. The prophet of our days. His energy, dedication, optimism and enthusiasm will never be forgotten. In fact, is should propel us into action ourselves. Let us take advantage of his work and attend our temples, teach our children, and prepare ourselves and our homes. I love this man, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to experience his love.

Here is a sweet letter he wrote to his wife Marjorie after the publication of her latest book. Please take the time to read it!

"My Darling,All that is said in this book concerning your virtues is true. Your own words and those spoken by a host of friends bear tribute to your worth. More, much more, might have been included.It is now more than sixty years since we entered the Salt Lake Temple, there to be married for eternity. I had known you for a long time prior to that. I knew what I was getting into, and it has turned out as I had hoped it would. What a treasured companion you have been. Through all these years we have walked side by side as equals before the Lord. There have been good days and bad days, but the good days have far outnumbered the bad ones.Life for the most part has dealt gently with us. During the Depression, when we were newly married, we were poor and didn't know it because we were so rich in the things that really count. The laughter of happy children graced our kitchen table. The presence of a loving mother blessed our home. The Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered down blessings too numerous to mention. He has smiled upon us in a wondrous way.We have found comfort and gladness in one another and in our children. Now they have families of their own and grandchildren. All of our posterity have brought joy to our hearts.When our children were young, you seldom traveled with me. I would be gone for as long as two months at a time. There were not even telephone calls permitted in those days. We wrote letters. You never complained. How wonderful it was to come home and be held warmly in your arms and those of our children.Now in more recent years we have traveled far and wide together. We have visited every continent. We have held meetings in the great cities of the world and in many smaller ones. We have met the distinguished of the earth. We have spoken to millions who have appreciated you greatly. With your familiar words you have won the love of all who have heard you. Your down-to-earth good sense, your sparkling and refreshing wit, your quiet and unfailing wisdom, and your tremendous and ever constant faith have won the hearts of all who have listened to you.You have been my critic and my judge. You have seen to it that my shoes were shined, my suit pressed, my tie straight. You have pushed aside the flattery that comes with public life, and winnowed the kind and sincere words of honest and loving friends. You have held at bay that old fraud of adulation and kept my feet planted on the solid earth. How I appreciate you.Your voracious appetite for reading and your relentless pursuit of knowledge have kept you alert and refreshing throughout a long and fruitful life.Now we have grown old together, and it has been a sweet experience. We have shrunk in stature and move a little more slowly. We are more forgetful. But as of this writing we still have one another--and that is so good. And when in some future day the hand of death gently touches one or the other of us there will be tears, yes, but there will also be a quiet and certain assurance of reunion and eternal companionship.'Trusty, dusky, vivid, true...'*The God of Heaven fashioned you.I love you, dear,Gordon"

ATTENTION!!!

Attention everyone, attention. Ryan is blogging again!!! Yes, it is true. He has been resurrected and is back in the blogging world. I think this deserves a round of applause! The only down side to all of this is that I had BIG intentions of discussing his current "single" situation with all of you, but I guess we will just have to let him participate.
Well, since we are now on that topic...lets discuss. Ryan, anything to say about that? Besides your current state of jaw clenching, of course! Ha!

House Arrest & Co-Pays

I am sure we are all dealing with our fair share of winter ailments. Mine is winter itself. I have officially been suffering from it since December 26th. I keep waiting for that "January thaw" that is supposed to happen, but I have lost faith. In search of a cure, I will be heading south to St. George. If 80 pound 80 year olds find reprieve there than so can I. At least for a couple of days. Unfortunately for my little guy, that is another story. He has been suffering from a good old cough and intermittent fevers.
He has been battling this since last Thursday, and in our house that is a long time. We are used to 24 hour flu's and relatively short stints of runny noses. This has been a particularly hard week because he has missed out on a show and tell, primary activity, birthday party, play dates, church, and school. He is was on house arrest.
Poor kid. Little did he know that I debated on borrowing a surgical mask from my father in law, so I could haul him around, but I feared people would think he had Saars disease. With that option out of the question, it meant that Olivia and I were his cell mates. The week actually fared well enough, but then he started asking, "Mom, can we do something fun today?" I actually almost gave in at times to let him go somewhere because he seemed well, but at the last minute I would reconsider, and it always seemed to be for the best. We had never dealt with such a virus. The fever decided to come and go every other day, and the cough even changed through out the week.
Finally, last night I caved and decided we better figure out if this was really something. After all, I didn't want to leave Kevin with an infected child if something could be done about it. At 8:15pm we drove to a doctors appointment only to find out that he was 42 lbs. with a perfect temperature, blood pressure, oxygen intake, and clear ears, nose, and throat. Twenty dollars well spent. Pssht. The only thing positive was that the doctor said he seemed well enough to go back to school. I had already decided to keep him home one more day, just to make sure, but was trilled to be able to tell him playgroup was a go for Thursday.
Well, the next morning, all was well (besides the plumbers fixing a leak from the ceiling of the downstairs guest bedroom from our upstairs master tub) for a few hours. Suddenly, he began shrieking in pain and demanded I clean the wax out of his ears. I was taken back and wondering what all his fuss was about. I began to fear that something had crawled in his ear last night and was making a nice home in there. Later, I blamed that on watching too many episodes of House. He begged for another doctors visit. I refused. I had just paid 20 bucks the night before to have his ears checked out. Instead, I changed the subject and offered lunch. Fish sticks and pears seemed to do the trick, or so I thought.
Two hours later he wanted to go again. The idea of naps was slowly beginning to slip through my fingers, but I realized I better be thankful I have a child that can communicate with me his pains in detail. We threw on our shoes and piled in the car. Remarkably there was no wait in the Quick Care (because there was no way I was driving all the way back to his doctors), and $20 later we were getting weighed, squeezed, gagged, and probed. After all the froo froo was over we saw the doc. He asked a few questions, checked the ear, and low and behold...an ear infection! How can it possibly be that not even 24 hours later he developed this? Well, now I know. If you have a cold that lasts about a week, an ear infection can very possibly follow in children.
I was happy I listened. He was happy I listened, and Olivia, well, she got two suckers. After all that was over, I rewarded them with a sprinkle doughnut and Spencer even got his own special bottles of Amoxycillen! Even better, they BOTH took a little nap when we got home.
Hopefully now everyone can have a fun happy weekend...especially ME! Thanks Kevin! You are the best!

Can I Tell You A Secret?

I HATE WINTER!!!

That's all.

Business In Front, Party In Back

This weekend, Kevin and I have a birthday party that we are going to that has an 80's theme. So, in preparation, I decided to pull out the ol' mullet wig, and give it a good brushing. Just for fun I threw it on Miss Olivia to see what she would do. Ahh, she LOVES it. We are going on day TWO of her wearing it. I am pretty sure she thinks she is Rapunzel, not Joe Dirt. When I see her run around it it I get flashes of E.T. dressed up for Halloween. Remember that waddling wig? She keeps me laughing all day!

I think I am a bigger fan of the cute little ponies!

For The Sake of Journaling

Ok, ok. I know that was some serious time that I let lapse. I can't even claim things to have been too crazy. I have a really dumb cord on my laptop that is broken and won't charge my computer. I have a new one, and I need to use it.

Anywho, Christmas was great this year. We had a great time at the Bailey Family Christmas Eve gathering. It was a super snowy night, but over all I think it just made it more festive and cozy. It was also so great to see Kevin's sister and her hubby that were here from Louisville, KY. Those visits are few and far between because of dental school, but we had a great time while they were here. The kiddies were crazy, of course, and had a blast. The highlight of the night was the pinata. The boys beat the tar out of this thing only to find pencils. The adults had a great laugh, but were soon quieted when we were told each pencil had a clue on it for a treasure hut to a gift. It was very creative on my mother in laws part, but it was so hysterical to see the faces on all the kids when they saw six pencils drop out! THE BEST! I think I still laugh about it.


Christmas day we woke up WAY to early to open gifts, but I think Spence and Oli thought it was worth it. Santa brought Spencer his coveted golden telescope (thank you Pottery Barn) and Olivia's favorite gift was a last minute $3.99 purchase of tacky princess shoes from Walgreens. Who knew, but I love it!
Later we went to my folks to eat some traditional quiche and some laid back time. The kids got entirely too much, but I am sure they didn't think so. The only thing that didn't go over well with Spencer was the solitary outfit that my parents got him. Which, by the way, he now loves to wear. Christmas was a hit. I think we just spent the rest of the night playing Guitar Hero.
A few days later we hit Vegas. It was so fun to see the family down there. The highlight was seeing AND holding little Miss Claire H. Nelson! Can I just tell you how sweet she was and how good she smelled! Ohhhh!

We had a great time...except for my four hour bout with some cruddy puking. Bleh. Let me reiterate how my body just does not accept drainage. I was perfectly fine later that night except for the sore back from retching.

I was sad to leave and excited to get home all at the same time. I always feel like I never have enough time with our family there. We just have such a great time.

Now, life is back to normal. What ever that is. I need to set some goals for myself for this year. I need to actually write them down so I am a little more accountable. Maybe a post for tomorrow to make up for slacking! I got a few floating around, but need to get going on them. Happy New Year everyone!

This Is More My Style

This has kind of become a little tradition of mine to share this version of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" with my friends. I know some of you have heard it befo', but like I said, tradition. Enjoy, especially all you Chey-Town Alumni. No, this was not written by Snoop. Just seems like an appropriate picture!!! Let me apologize now to my in laws, who sometimes read this! This is hard core gangsta :/

'Twas da night befo' Christmas and all in da hood,

Not a homie stirrin' cuz it was all good.

The tube socks was hung on da window sill,

And we all had smiles up on our grill.

Mookie and Bebe was snug in da crib,

In da back bedroom cuz dat's how we live.

Mom's in her do-rag and me wit my nine,

Had just gotten busy cuz my girlfriend's fine.

All of a sudden a lowrider rolled by,

Bumpin' phat beats cuz da systems fly.

I bounced to da window at a quarter pas'
'Bout ready to pop a cap in somebody's ass!

Well anyway, I yelled to my lady, "Yo peep dis,"
She said, "Stop frontin' and jus' mind yo bidness."
I said, "For real doe, come check dis out,"
We weren't even buggin', no worries, do doubts.

Cuz bumpin' and thumpin' from 'round da way,
Was Santa, some reindeer, and a sleigh.
Da beats was kickin', da ride was phat,
I said, "Yo Red Dawg, you all dat!"

He threw up a sign and yelled to his boyz,
"Ay you give it up, let's make some noise,
To the top of da projects and across da strip mall,
We gots ta go, I got a booty call."

He pulled up his ride on da top of da roof,
And sippin' on a 40, he busted a move.
I yelled up to Santa, "You ain't got no stack?"
He said, "Dayim homie, deeze projects is wack.

But don't worry black, cuz I got da skillz,
I learnt back when I hadda pay da billz."
He slid down da fire escape smoove as a cat,
And busted da window wit a b-ball bat.

I said, "Wassup Santa whyd'ya bust up my place?"
He said, "Nigga you best get up outta my face."
His treads was all leatha, his chains was all gold,
His kicks was Puma, and they was five years old.

He dropped down da duffle, Clippas logo on da side,
Santa broke out da loot and my mouf popped open wide.
A wink of his eye and a shine of his gold toof,
He Cabbage Patched his way back onto da roof.

He jumped in his hooptie wit rims made of chrome.
To tap dat booty waitin' at home.
And all I heard as he cruised outta sight,
Was a loud and hearty...WEEESSSSIIIDDDEEE!!!

The Three Dreidels

Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay. Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, with you I'll always play!

Oh, could life's moments get any more precious than this? Nope. Three of the coolest boys in Mr. Syresons's first grade class in tights. It is even better that they have to wear a box. But the best part of all, that, my friends is when the box is too short. Now I am in the Christmas spirit! Thanks to Mikey Hardin, Mr. Ben Harber, and Tay for your help.

P.S. I will live in daily fear for forthcoming photos of myself that would be worthy of blackmail.

The Stockings Were Hung...

I finally got some of my Christmas decorations up! Hooray! Who knew it would ever happen. I wish I had more, but I have the hardest time paying full price for any holiday decorations. One of these days I will finally give in, and our house will look as festive as I would like. I have really been in the baking mood, but Kevin is trying to get back in shape, and is doing really well. I almost sabotaged it last night when Spencer and I made some yummy peach crisp. It just seemed like a cozy dessert to have on a cold winter night! Anyway, he held tough and didn't have any. Good job dude! More for me! We got the tree up too. I thought it would be a fun Family Home Evening activity. WRONG! My poor, poor children. It started out fine, but Olivia was a little too into all of the decorating. She almost pulled the tree down twice, and I can't believe we didn't end up with any broken ornaments! I ended up sending them down to the basement with Kevin so I could finish! My ribbon was for our old tree, so it's a little short, but I think it turned out OK. I wanted a red, gold, and white tree, and this is what we ended up with. I had to add some of the kiddy ornaments just because that is who the tree is for of course! Now, I just need to figure out how to keep Miss Oli out of it!

Speaking of Olivia, look at her cute hair!!!! I love it! I can't believe she held still for it. It even survived two car seat rides, but by nap time it was thrashed. Oh well, it is nice to have options other that the nappy mullet.

I can't leave Spencer out. He has been really into making crafts and Christmas activities, so he was so pumped when he got to make a ginger bread house at his neighborhood playgroup. He did a great job! I love the disgruntled snow man! He also had a blast in his bath last night. I think we could call this the Abominable Snowman. This is what happens when Dad gives baths. Party!!! Mom, on the other hand, is all business. He thinks he is getting a tub full of bubbles every time now! Olivia was supposed to get in, but I freaked her out too much before Spencer got it, plus the water was to warm for her. Oops.

There you have it folks, a new post. Sorry for the delay, I was struggling with some computer issues. Now, I should probably try and get some shopping done. Yup. I have only gotten ONE gift so far! I am in trouble.

Thanksgiving Update

Thanks to Tay, I finally decided to write a post on Thanksgiving. Not really, I was just being lazy, and I was going to get around to it eventually. We had another successful Thanksgiving. Lots of food, laughter, and Quick Care. Yup. I said it. ANOTHER stop at the quick care for our family. This time, however, it was Kevin and not Spencer. He was having some chest pains (yikes!), so after freaking ourselves out, with the help of Mom, Aunt Kathy and webMD, we decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Saying the word "angina" is funny, but having one...not so much, if you know what I mean. Three hours and a chest x-ray later we got to leave with a clean bill of heath. They told him it might be gas, but both of us thought that he is always gassy, so we would wait it out. All is well, and as far as I am concerned...it was gas! Ha ha, sorry Kevin!

We had a great time visiting with everyone. Our children were about as well behaved as kids can be when 900 things are going on at a time. My parents, less Susan, took all us kids out for our annual Thanksgiving shoe shopping! Gotta love that. Spencer had a great time too. All you need is Uncle E to come along, and you can have your four year old transformed into a Shoebertron. Sweet. Hey Eric, want to come shopping with me every time?

The actual feast was over in no time, of course. All those that slaved away all day in the kitchen watched their efforts be consumed in 30 minutes. Mmmmmm. No worries, the party continued. The family had a great time hanging out, even though we somehow cannot seem to shut our computers off even for an hour or two!

Oh well, it was worth the laughs!

The day after, none of us braved Black Friday. Instead the girls decided to make candy and have a Guitar Hero jam session. I suck, but it was so fun! I need that game. We also stayed at Cal and Jeanette's that night. It was fun to be able to see that side of the family too. It seemed a little off not having two Thanksgiving dinners this year. All the Nelson's were at their cabins except Cal's family. We were happy they decided to stick around. Spence and Oli had a blast "making science" with Alli and Jessica. We don't get to see the Vegas clan nearly enough these days.

I am truly grateful for our families. They are so wonderful to us. I can't imagine not having that support system. Having parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins that you can share your life with is such a blessing and makes everything so much more colorful. I have the best husband ever and two amazing children. I feel like they help me grow everyday. I am so blessed!

That said, I now will turn into a Debbie Downer. I don't know what my problem is. I am having such a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit. I have yet to pull out the decorations, which I am sure will help, but I am just not excited to do it. Poor Spencer has been asking for days, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I love listing to Christmas music, but I am not into the jingles and whatnots. I only am moved or filled when it is something beautiful and spiritual. The traditional songs are just songs on the radio and do not even feel festive to me. I find myself actually feeling sad. I am sure part of it is me missing my girlfriends. Life just isn't the same in our new neighborhood, but I know life in our old neighborhood isn't the same either! Everyone has moved, or is thinking about moving, so there is nothing to be done. I know I will get to know people in our new neighborhood, but life is just crazy for everyone this time of year, so I am sure it will take awhile.

I miss not being close to my family. I know they are just an hour away, but it is the everyday buzz that I miss being involved in. I feel like I am missing out on so much, even though they are busy with their day to day stuff too. It isn't realistic to go down there very often especially when there are schedules to keep and when I have a car that requires premium gasoline!

I have even lost the desire to Christmas shop! What you say? Can it be? It is true my friends, it is true. Actually, I don't know that I ever really liked Christmas shopping. I have a hard time with how commercial everything is. It makes me crazy to hear my little guy ask for everything on TV when he doesn't play with his entire toy room full of toys. Now, I know all children do this, but it just makes me sick to think of how much we have and how many more there are that go without. Go without the simple things, at that! Good thing Santa only brings one present to our house, and they only get a few from Mom and Dad! I do, on the other hand, like the idea of spending time with people I love. I love being able to walk the mall with family and friends laughing, people watching, and shoving my face to satisfy a craving of greasy food court offerings. That is what I want. It isn't to spend money and to get more of the unnecessary, but to be around people I love. I feel like I have been removed from all of that, and maybe that is why I am feeling this way.

I recognize the season has just begun, and I am one who does not begin celebrating the Christmas season until Thanksgiving is over. I have time to warm up to all that the season brings. I also recognize that I need to reach beyond myself and think of others. I need to think of our Savior. I must admit that I have been sluggish in my temple attendance. I have been feeling, or more appropriately, yearning to go. Maybe that is where my sadness is coming from. I am disappointed in the lack of service I have been giving to others. I hope that I will take this opportunity to turn it around. I think that is why I am writing this. I think it will make me more accountable for my actions.

After all that venting, I really must say that even though all my friends live away from me now, as well as my parents and siblings, I love nothing more that being able to be with MY family. I love being home. I love when Kevin gets home and the kids are so excited to hear the door. I love the chaos of our nightly routines. I love jammies, stories, crazy night time hair, and most of all quiet time with Kevin. He is my rock. He loves me even when I am not being loving. My family is the best gift ever, and that is all I need.

So if you read this far, thank you! More importantly, Olivia and Nick Nolte wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!!

Headbangers BRAWL

Well, we got Spencer's stitches out. Our friend John came over to do the deed because he does this on a daily basis. I thought, hey, lets have a friend do it at our house so it is a more comfortable setting for Spencer. Plus, why not save on gas and a co-pay. Yea. Sadly, I have no pictures or video of the incident. When I say incident, I mean it. There was weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth here. Sorry for the vulgarity, but people, this kid near lost his damn mind! I'm telling you, I wasn't sure we weren't going to be taking that kid back in for more stitches last night. He obviously did not understand that someone was holding scissors to his face! In the end, I had to sit on him, Kevin had to hold his head, and John had to do some quick snippin'. When it was all over Spencer was sweaty and sporting a ma-hor fro from all the wrestling. Now that I think about it, it is probably good we didn't get it on video because Kevin and I would have looked like complete idiots trying to get him under control. John, on the other hand, had a blast. He thought it wouldn't have been nearly as fun if he just sat there.
So what did I learn from this? Either I will just slap a butterfly bandage on the next wound that requires 3 stitches or less, OR I will have a roll of duct tape ready for restraint purposes.

This guy is amazing!

This Weekend Was a Bust...Literally

This weekend I decided to head down to Vegas with the kids to go to Rachel and Miles' wedding. The drive was relatively uneventful, thank heavens, but I can't say that much for the rest of the weekend! On Saturday morning we headed over to Grandma Christensen's to pick her up to go to the temple, and I needed to change into my church clothes as well. I went into the bathroom to change, and when I came out I saw Spencer running and then fall. I heard my dad say "You are OK," so I turned back around into the bathroom to grab my keys. As I turned back towards the kitchen I saw everyone scrambling and Spencer screaming. I kicked off my heals and ran into the family room. Apparently Spencer had pulled a Superman into the coffee table. His face was covered in blood, and so was my dad's shirt. My dad was holding his head, and when he lifted his hand blood just kept pouring out. We got some rags and got the bleeding under control. Once I had a second to get my thoughts under control I started to feel light headed!!! How do people in the medical field do this daily? I am totally not cut out for that crap!


After I changed again, my dad and I took Spence to the Quick Care to get checked out. He was crying the whole way. I tried to prep him for the idea of stitches, but that was a bad idea. He just started freaking out even more. Good thing my dad was there...he told him he could have the biggest size Slurpee when we were done. That totally helped! Thankfully the quick care was empty, and we only had to wait a few minutes before we were taken back. We got a wonderful doctor who Spencer really liked. In the end, Spencer had to get three stitches.


I have to say the whole experience was exhausting. I didn't quite have the energy to last very long at Rachel's reception, which was beautiful, so we headed back early to get everyone in bed. I still haven't quite figured out if the weekend was a bust, but we did have a good time. I am still considering making him wear a helmet for the rest of his childhood. I CANNOT HANDLE ANY MORE HEAD INJURIES!!! Enjoy the pictures. Sit down because they will definitely make you legs hurt!
Eek, my legs hurts us!
Not happy
Blood Brothers
Happy now
Mr. Crazy Eyebrow

Boys & Girls of Every Age???

OK, I will get to this picture in a minute.


















Where do I begin? What a Halloween we had! It all began Monday night when we had our annual Bailey pumpkin carving and chili Family Home Evening. We had a great time eating and demolishing Kevin's parent's home. I think we carved about a dozen pumpkins!!! The kids had a blast running around outside in the AMAZING weather while the adults did all the work. This was the first pumpkin I carved since I was a kid! I had forgotten how fun it can be!




















Tuesday, Olivia came down with a fever, and we were worried that she wouldn't be feeling well enough by Wednesday. Luckily, the fever had gone and we were able to take the kiddies out for a little Trick-or-Treating. I would have been so sad if her cute Dorothy costume went to waste! I swear I was breaking a sweat just trying to get them to take a picture! Spencer didn't mind posing for a cool Ninja shot, but then Oli kept trying to pose like one too. Oh well. I am learning that trying to get a decent picture of my children is like trying to heard cats. Anywho, we went to Kevin's office first and walked around with some other kids getting candy from the employees. We had a quick pizza dinner and were off to the Trunk-or-Treat. Can we say mini van? HELLO! The whole parking lot looked like a mini van dealership! We beat it out of there pretty fast because we ran out of candy, and we had a HUGE bowl of candy!















We went home and Oli and I got our jammies on (Spencer had his under his costume) and were done for the night. Kev took Spencer to a friends house where lots of kids got to hold and pet snakes and spiders! Spencer loved it and now wants a pet python. Thanks John! BTW, John is our friend that hosted this little shin dig and is the one sporting the French maids uniform. Again, thank you John. The word I hear is if you drop a pen, he will pick it up for you!!! Maybe that is not such a good idea.

Oh yea, after Oli went to bed I threw up FIVE times! That is another story, but I am better now. Peace out.

Happy Anniversary

I can't believe it has been 8 years since Kevin and I were married! I remember when I couldn't wait to say we had been married a year, and now I am not sure where the other seven have gone. I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful husband who loves me for who I am. He knows how to love me, encourage me, and also knows when to put me back on track. Kevin is a wonder father. My favorite part of the day is when he gets home and seeing Spencer and Olivia get so excited when they hear the door open. He is always looking for activities to do as a family, but he also knows how important it is to have some time together just as a couple. I truly appreciate his hard work. He has gone above and beyond in trying to provide for our family. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile, and he even makes me mad at times, but all of those things just make me love him even more. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. I am so grateful for who he is, and that we in this for the eternities. Happy Anniversary Dude ;)