U-Hall

Mija

2012-01-29T12:36:00.001-08:00

Mija es bonita! No?

I just don't know

2012-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

“I Don’t Know How She Does It”

I found myself renting this little diddy a few days ago and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.

I rented it because I thought “Hey there’s a title I can relate to…why I can think of several occasions where I have thought that exact thing about myself.”

“I Don’t Know How She Does It.”

Well, here’s my review: ppppfffffttttttt

I know exactly how she does it. About 10 minutes into the movie I knew. It’s called a full-time nanny, house cleaner, cook, totally unrealistic overly understanding husband, a never ending supply of cash, ONLY 2 kids, a hyper metabolism or never eating thus not feeling the pressure to exercise…ever, a personal assistant, and most nights spent in a hotel room that has room service and the luxury of watching whatever you want…all night long.

REALLY PEOPLE? Who is writing this stuff? I get that this movie is based (loosely) on the reality of some women but I would LOVE to see it based on the reality of a stay-at-home-LDS- ward calling- PTA- mother of 2+,ages ranging from 0-18, on a budget-clips coupons-no nanny-no house cleaner-lucky to shower 2 times a week- daily uni is sweats-hair in a pony tail-and then ask the question “I don’t know how she does it” and the odds are that by the end of the movie you will find that she doesn’t….and it’s OK.

I know that woman won’t get her own show. Can you imagine “The Real Housewives of Stay at home-ville”: A “procedures” free face and body, no fancy shmancy clothing on a daily basis, rarely lunching with friends, doing her own pedicure on their bathroom floor trying to maneuver her thighs over her post baby belly which is taking a lot longer to get rid of because working out a and eating healthy is a joke. Eating those little gold fish and left over Halloween candy is sooo much easier than peeling an orange or blending together a green smoothie.

One review I read said: “Fun, Sexy, and Smart” yah, I was too before I got married and had kids.

Or- “A hilarious comedy about having it all. Because we deserve it.” What exactly is the “All” that they are talking about?

I am quite certain that their “All” and my “All” are very different.

My “All” right now isn’t remotely close to the world's definition. Although- I'm not gonna lie, most days I wish it was. But right now, right now it is about frozen nuggets, tantrums, laundry, making my own chicken stock from a chicken carcass to save a few dimes, wiping bums, doing puzzles, putting my almost 3 year old in time out for the 5th time today and asking daily (to one of my 4 girls) “Why are you crying?”

Tonight my “All” was listening (in complete exhaustion-head ready to hit the pillow) to said almost 3 year old plunk out a few keys on the piano and sing at the top of her lungs “My mom’s awesome. My mom’s nice. My mom’s bootiful”

She's my ALL.

And that's about ALL I can handle!

Tomato-palooza

2012-01-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

I am a lover of traditions. I always have been. Ever since I was a little girl there were certain things I looked forward to and that I counted on happening every year. Like: my mom making monkey bread every Sunday morning of General Conference, making caramel apples during October General Conference, Buying Girls scout cookies in the spring, the first summer snow cone, going to the state fair and eating all you can for $20.00, Halloween, Canning in the fall, Christmas goodies....hmmm there may be a theme to my "traditions".

In fairness, is there really any tradition that doesn't include food?

One of our favorite traditions is:

TOMATO-PALOOZA.

Every year it is award winning and 2011 didn't disappoint!

Best ever tomato soup with a puff pastry on top

Fried Green tomato's

Broiled mozzarella and herb tomatoes

Tomato cake (not really-a delicious red velvet cake with a tomato garnish-we have yet to find a tomato dessert)

Great friends+Fabulous food+perfect weather=favorite tradition of the whole year!

at long last

2012-01-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

The Hall's are back and ready to post (finally)

Here are the pics that I kept telling myself I didn't have the time to download and post

Enjoy!

She did it! Kirst graduated from 6th grade. Can we say Honor Roll?!!!
Woo Hoo!

Jim's incredible Garden
we got lots of salsa and tomato sauce from it.
It is my favorite thing about summer

We took a trip to St George this summer
(I know, I know who goes to St. George in August? The Hall's do. It was educational... I really wanted the kids to have a frame of reference for what hell was really like)

We hiked "The Crack"

Weekend with the Hall cousins-best weekend ever!

Trip to the Dinosaur Museum

Lilly and Soph are BFF's-reading (while I get ready in the morning)

They often end up in bed together

Lilly's fabulous Dora cake for her 4th birthday (yes, way back in may of 2011)

Aunt Caralee made it and Lilly LOVED it!

Pre-school Orientation for Lilly

Her teacher Ms. Monica

Sophia wanted to be in the First Day if school Picture but Lilly refused...

And then she decided it was OK
Anna and Kirsten on the first day of school
Anna 9th grade- Kirsten 7th grade
Prettiest girls ever!

The entrance to our neighborhood at the peak if fall.

So beautiful!

Soph doing time in Nursery

More to come.......

YUM!

2011-10-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

Guess who snuck her first bites of bakers chocolate...and liked it?

At least she doesn't eat dirt any more- well mostly.

kirsten-ism

2011-08-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

True Story:

We were at the Logan Zoo on Friday ("What? Logan Has a Zoo?" you ask. Yes. Yes they do. Well actually, it's more like domestic animals in cages.)

We were looking at the turtles and Kirsten turns to Jim and says:

"Dad- I just read that the tortoise is the slowest animal in the world?"

PAUSE

"Huh. we always thought it was you."

We are still laughing.

2011-08-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

In the opening prayer given in Ward Council on Sunday there was a part of the prayer that really hit me:

"Please help us to have the Savior in mind with all that we do this week".

Those words haunted me all day.

I don't think I have ever made a conscious decision to do just that...with ALL that I do in a week...as a mom.

So that is what I fasted and prayed for on Sunday-asking the Lord for some serious help.

It's Tuesday and if you could have seen the way I just handled the fifty-millionth spill of juice (in one day) on my carpet by my 2 year old you would be certain that either God didn't hear my prayer, or that the Savior really would have gritted his teeth, groaned, and reacted in such a manner as to cause a 2 year old to utter the words "I shorry mommy!"

Oh and Monday wasn't that stellar of a day either.

This is way harder than I thought!

Maybe I should set this goal for when all of my kids are in school...all of them.

xoxo tam

oreos

2011-06-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

If she eats them with milk does it constitute a "Healthy Breakfast"?

Just wonderin'

"Oh, I don't read"

2011-06-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I met and fell in love with a new friend...Liz.
What drew me to her?
Her sense of humor, brilliance, outspokenness, quirkyness and her honesty.
When I asked her to join the ward book club with me she simply said: "Oh, I don't read books."

I laughed.

She didn't.

I realized she was serious.

I only joined the ward book club because I wanted to feel a part of something.

I'll be honest, after reading my first book I realized that that "something" wasn't for me.

Just this past weekend I was speaking to a friend about my "problem"/ issues with reading or actually finishing books not to mention my complete disinterest in book clubs.

...."Here's the deal, I feel like after all is said and done...if I do have an minute of free time, I can tell you how I don't want to spend it=reading. Reading for me is a task not an indulgence."

However, there is a part of me that wishes I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to reading.

I have a pile of "really good books" sitting on the floor all dust covered, by my bed side table waiting to be read at the suggestion of some dear friends.

I have had these books for years.

One I have had for over 12.

SO...this is my official declaration of summer:

I, Tamara Hall solemnly declare that by the end of Summer 2011 I will have read every "really good book" that has been given to me to read.

There are 11 of them

And the majority of them have over 200 pages.

Now, that's a lot of reading.

Here's to hoping I Love and not Loathe when all is said and done

Otherwise I may have start using the "Oh, I don't read books" line and join my friend Liz in her Movie Club.

Wish me luck!

kirsten-ism

2011-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

The other night at Young Women's, Anna's group did the Color Code Personality Test.

When the girls got home Anna told us all about her experience and what color she was.

Jim turned to kirsten (assuming she too had taken the test) and said:

"So, what color are you Kirst?"

Her reply: "Color Awesome!"

Most Smartest

2011-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Anna was inducted into the National Junior Honor's Society tonight.

You have to have at least a 3.8 GPA to get in.

This is a really big deal.
Almost as big as the time I was asked to be in the Who's Who Among American High School Students book... Well up until my dad informed me that all they wanted was my money which was really his loving way of saying "honey you're not smart enough to be in something like this--it has to be a scam. If you think I am sending in $75.00 to have your name typed in some book, you have another think commin" he was probably right. I mean that 12 on my ACT probably wasn't doing me any favors! but I digress

We are so proud of Anna. Jim suggested getting her something since she really does work hard and completely on her own too!
So I popped on over to the mall to get her a pair of Tom's. Now for those of you who aren't hip to the shoe scene: Tom's are very cool and all the kids are wearing them.

Why?

Well, the owner is a philanthropic cobbler who has vowed that with every shoe bought another pair will be given to a shoeless child living in some obscure and remote impoverished nation.

I don't mean to be cynical, I am all about helping the poor and shoeing the shoeless BUT the grand total for a pair of these "shoes" well let's just say I could feed my family for a week.

Hey Shoeless Joe Jackson, here's an idea: how about I bring in a pair of shoes my daughter hasn't really ever worn (there are several) and you knock off about $30 from the price. You will still make some serious cash and I can feel better about putting a pair of shoes on my own kid.

Listen, I'll be the first to admit that I'm no "cordwainer" but these so called shoes hardly seem worthy of such a hefty price. A little canvas, some thread and what looks to me like marshmallows for soles. Anna will be lucky if these shoes make it from the bus stop to her first period tomorrow morning.

We secretly put the box on her bed and awaited her reaction later that night. She was overjoyed when she saw them. She gave us both a hug and said thanks.

Worth the price now?

Maybe.

I may have not been a part of any smart society growing up and Mensa certainly isn't knocking on my door, but I do know one thing: Who ever said that money can't buy love never had a teenager!

We love you Anna!
Congrats smarty pants!

love

2011-05-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

This has my heart today:

[SIGH]

2011-04-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

I wish I could beautifully and eloquently write the thoughts of my heart. If you could read what I am feeling it would match the poetics works of Hemingway or the heartfelt musings of Jane Austen. But alas the gift of the written word is not mine...however if you need help with drywall, mudding and taping or a flower arrangement or a goofy way to remember the 10 commandments I am totally your gal.

SO here it is-what my sigh is all about and written in the only way I know how:

AHHHHHHHHH my baby is in a big bed!!!

Last night after crawling out of her crib and being put back in several times she went into Lilly's room, got in the bed and there she slept. I thought it may have been a fluke but when it was nap time today she walked into Lilly's room and got in her "new" bed.

Our baby phase has officially come to an end.

Over.

Done.

We are putting the crib away tomorrow.

I think Michael McClean wrote it and sang/spoke it best: "I cried the day that they took the crib down. And I want the baby phase to last more years round."

A dear friend (who has the gift of writing) said that she thinks most women go through some sort of grieving phase when they choose to be done having babies.

After finally getting married at the ripe age of 34 years and 8 months...In my mind I was barely 21 and ready to have a whole slew of kids.

I have 4.

There are days that those 4 seem like 20.

And then there are days when 4 just isn't enough.

I guess that's part of the grieving process.

Even though my baby phase certainly was shorter than I had imagined,

I am SO grateful that I even got to have one!

SOUL SURFER

2011-04-23T06:30:00.001-07:00

SOUL GOOD!!!!

This movie is an absolute must see.
We all loved it!

Walgreens

2011-04-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

To the lady behind me in line today
who felt justified in openly and rudely mocking me and my coupon I say:

"PPPFFFFFTTTTTT!"

or

"Really?"

or

You're not even worth the change I just saved!"

or

"The Jerk Factory called...they're all out of you!"

or

"You really hurt my feelings and almost made me cry."

FHE

2011-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

After team teaching with Anna and then Jim for the past 2 weeks,

Lilly insisted on doing it...All. By. Her. Self!

So we let her.

She taped a picture of Jesus and handouts to the TV hutch

She called us in promptly at 7:00

She started off by informing us of her agenda

She TOLD Anna to give the prayer.

She TOLD us to stand and sing:
Once there was a snowman.
Singing a song if fun to do, fun to do, to do, to do....
And just the chorus of Follow the Prophet while marching in a circle around the room.

We were then instructed to sit on the floor where we were each given a coloring page and crayons.

After coloring she explained the rules to the game and shook her finger at Kirsten as she said "...And no cheating Kirsten!"

Then we played a rousing game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

We wrapped it all up with bowls of ice cream which apprised us of our lack of bowls -so we took a trip to Ikea to buy some more.

And as a side note: if you have ever wondered what I was like as a child.... :)

A short story...with no words

2011-04-01T19:40:00.001-07:00

(Hint: pay close attention to their expressions)

One dollar to the person who can come up with the best story or captions

Armageddon 101

2011-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today was our first of four installments of "Armageddon 101"

This is a weekly class that my all wise and all knowing mother has agreed to teach to my friends and me. Whoda thunk that "Pipe Down" (pet name for my mom from a few of my friends taken from a hilarious family story which I will tell another time) would be standing in my kitchen offering her pearls of wisdom on all things canning, food storage and preparedness when not 5 years ago the only thing that worried me about the second coming was if I would still be a virgin or not.

TMI? maybe but it really is the truth!

So what did we learn today?

Installment #1: bottling your own chicken

Eww sick!

Looking-Yes

Tasting-NO!

Go ahead and mock but I can assure you that when a natural disaster strikes-people will be begging me for my meat.
While they are foraging for food my family will be feasting on powdered potatoes, canned green beans and London Broil...in a bottle.

Yup... here's a look at next weeks course:

Sister Wives

2011-03-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet watched this fine Television program-you might want to.
If you haven't lived it.. you might want to try that too.
I have.
I am.
And here's my story

How's that for Drama. It's my intro when my life becomes a mini-series to rival only "Thorn Birds" Or "V". But not the recent"V" the "V" from the 80's that had us so enthralled on Sunday nights sitting as a family in our jammies with a bowl full of chocolate ice cream and milk poured over the top-to give it that crystaly? effect.

Anywho...

For the past few months, my good friend H.B. (to protect the innocent) has been coming over a couple of times a week. She has triplets that are the same age as Lilly.
They play well together-or so we think. We have sort of a "Don't ask Don't tell" policy while they are here. It usually works for us... well, up until they decide to pull all 50 or so of the alphabetized VHS tapes off the shelves and then scatter them all over the basement floor. Serves us right for having video tapes. Good thing they weren't laser discs because those things break so easily.

So she comes over and we get things done.
She grades papers.
I run errands.
She runs errands.
We watch episodes of our favorite shows that we have DVR'd
We make delicious lunches.
We make treats.
We do the daily crossword in the paper.
We talk about current events and engage in healthy debates (well not really debates, she's too smart to be bested by me. Some day. Some day.)
We craft.
We make menu's for the week.
We swap recipes.
We fold laundry.
She helps Kirst with homework while I cook dinner.
We finish up projects once started but not motivated enough on our own to complete.

I think Shel Silverstein would have written it best:

HB and me
Me and HB
I have one
She has Three
Together we are as happy as can be!

However...Our fundamental difference from the show: we don't share a husband.

In the words of my wise and highly sensitive husband..."why would i want to make 2 women unhappy?"

that girl can sing!

2011-03-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

I know she's my sister and all -

BUT....DANG!

She sure can sing!

http://www.coverstruck.com/video/index.html?v=NxCk5p461

What the?

2011-03-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

How's this for a random allergic reaction to who know's what?!

All I had for breakfast was a grapefruit

AND it got fatter throughout the day

I went to the K-mart pharmacy to pick up a prescription

I asked the pharmacist if he thought Benadryl would help my lip

"Help? You might want to see a physician about that....and soon. You might be experiencing the beginning phase of Bell's Palsy"

Bells' Palsy? For reals?

NOT my Best. Day. EVER.

Really...Bell's Palsy?!

2011-03-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

My recipe tonight called for red wine

I went to the local liquor store and bought some

I stood in line and patiently waited my turn

I exchanged smiles with other patrons (and that's an entire post in and of its self!)

My turn came and.............she asked to see my I.D.

Best. Day. Ever!

She asked to see my I.D.!

THEY'RE HEEEEEERE!

2011-03-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

My life.
My love.
My reason for living.
MY ALL!

An entire case of thin mints. I love that Jim bought an entire case without consulting me first-because he knows. Who needs a surprise bouquet of flowers of even jewelery. My man surprises me with the thin mints.

Jim thought it would be a good idea to freeze them and eat them throughout the year. And if by "throughout the year" he meant until roughly next week-I concur.

The Horror!!!

2011-03-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Human Hair

It's amazing what one can do with a pair of "First Aid" Scissors
(and 15 minutes to kill)

Pretty sure you can guess where this is going....

"Shear" Genius that Lilly-

There's no contending- She's got skills...

If you were going for the Appalachian/backwoods "ma just done' give me a hair cut with her army knife-pass me another piece of beef jerky and a beer" look.

So I did what any mother would do at 9:00 p.m. knowing we have her "Little Gym" class at 9:30 a.m. the next day... I trimmed it up and threw on a bow.

Not bad. Not bad at all. My favorite part...when I started cutting she started crying and said, "I'm going to look like a boy." And when I finished she looked in the mirror, started to cry again and said through her tears: "I look like Justin Beaver!"

If only Lill...If only.

shower

2011-02-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

This morning Sophia wanted to take a shower.

I told her no.

Lilly felt sorry for her,

And gave her a shower-Lilly style...

Using an entire bottle of Dasher's Apple Mint hand sanitizer

Thanks for caring Lill'!

Sophia ended up getting that shower after all

mockingbird

2011-01-27T14:29:00.001-08:00

I just finished reading this book.

I know, I know....Superfudge....

But it came highly recommended by my mother-in-law Ann as well as my daughter Anna.

And now I am highly recommending it to you.

Oh, and my recommendation comes with an idea: read it with your children.

You can read a review here: mockingbird

Or you can read mine:

"Wonderful!"

This book takes you inside the mind of a young girl with Asperger's syndrome and it tells an incredibly moving story through her eyes. I have a dear friend who gets it in a way that many of us never will and I thought of her as I read this book. I wanted her to be here by my side so I could ask her questions. I want to know how she is able to do all that she does in light of this difficult situation. The only word that comes to mind is Finesse: the ability to skilfully and adroitly handle a difficult or highly sensitive situation. I sure could use a dose or two of that!

Amazing

2011-01-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

"Don't knock it till you try it. Rats are amazing."
(Actual Youtube quote)

Just off the top of my head I can think of about 100 more amazing things than rats. In fact, remember that "game" (older sibling torture device) you played where you would tap on your siblings forehead or chest and yell "Name 10 cereals" or cars or colors or whatever and then you would stop. I am confident I could have named 10 amazing things AND in less time than it takes to feel sick watching this clip.

AMAZING. When did this word become the catchall for those times when you think: "ummm I have no words for your weirdness so I will go with amazing and call it a day-cuz it sounds nice...?

As horrible as this was, I don't even want to think about what caused him to get to this point...or how close I may already be! and I don't even like animals!

bed time

2011-01-18T08:04:00.001-08:00

Lilly loves to go t bed with books. In fact, she refuses to sleep unless she has a stack of them perfectly placed on her pillow. This of course is a far cry from her mother who still maintains that the last book she ever read was Superfudge.

This is how I found her asleep last night:

Just a little light reading before bed time.

Thanks Grandma Ann for her new favorite book!

stomach flu

2010-12-22T19:18:00.001-08:00

Not so Merry
Not so Bright

My Lilly

2010-12-15T06:37:00.001-08:00

(Thanks cousin Ally for taking this picture!)

Merry and Bright

bad mom?

2010-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

"There are some days when I have to choose between being a bad mom or an embarrassed mom. Today I chose bad mom...I gave in and bought her the candy. " ~Kathy

When my good friend said this I laughed hard.

First because she is just so darn funny.
Second because I mostly felt sorry for her inability to control her child.

Well....guess who chose bad today?!

That's right! Go ahead and judge

But when it came right down to it I had to give in.

My girls wouldn't stop screaming. I tried everything. I tried talking calmly. I walked away from the temptation. I hugged and loved. I even offered choices ya know, the whole love and logic thing. Well love and logic simply fly out the window when you're dealing with 2 kids under the age of three and baked goods are involved.

Lilly ate an entire cinnamon roll from Kneaders for lunch.

Sophia ate nothing but a chocolate chip cookie and rootbeer for lunch.

Me? well, I ate a delicious turkey ranch sandwich with chips and a large half coke/half diet coke.

Bad mom vs. Embarrassed mom.

hmmmmmm-the verdicts still out

But today's results were pleasant

AND

We all ate happily ever after!

eBay

2010-12-01T20:38:00.002-08:00

eBay-ers I have 2 words for you:

Garage Sale

I love the eBay and have had several good experiences but one thing I would like to point out is that there are WAY too many tings being sold for WAY too much.

"Used", "Slightly Used", "Some Wear", "Used -but in Excellent Condition" are all nice ways of saying "not new, will never smell new, will never wear new, it's a crap shoot so good luck sucker and there is no such thing as a lemon law or buyers remorse- Or in the life lesson words of my uncle who sold me a car that gave up the ghost the next day "You sorry you bought the car? well, then there's your buyers remorse!"

eBay

2010-12-01T20:38:00.001-08:00

Help Jim See

2010-11-13T07:38:00.001-08:00

I entered Jim in a contest last week
If we win he get's free lasik eye surgery
If we loose Jim get's to wear glasses until...

Sophia stops breaking things

Harmon's lowers their prices on "Atrisan" bread

Businesses get rid of the tip jars

My hair suddenly stops turning gray

Jim no longer craves the House Lo Mein at Fong's

Kids stop having birthdays

Things in our home no longer need replacing/repairing

The kids are done with college

We've paid for 4 weddings

We win the lottery...in Wyoming :)

You can see our entry HERE

(You can also vote for him in that same page too-wink wink nudge nudge
Oh and you can vote EVERYDAY too)

The Blow-Out of all Blow-Outs!

2010-11-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

So I searched the Internet for a definition of today's little set back and here is what I found:

Blowout (well drilling), a sudden release of oil and gas from a well (Pretty darn close!)
Blowout grass (Redfieldia flexuosa) is a grass that can be found on sand dunes
Blowout (tire), a sudden loss of tire pressure.
A sudden rupture or bursting, as of an automobile tire. (again-pretty darn close to today's reality)

blowout - a gay festivity-(I can assure you, there was nothing happy or gay about today's occurrence)

And then this little diddy was found on the Urban Dictionary web site:

"1. When a baby or anyone ( ANYONE?) who wears a diaper had a bad poopy accident full of diarreha and poo goes everywhere (perhaps on your pants and your really cute flowered Lucky Brand sweater) making a mess and getting everything stinky (like the high chair at Chik-Fil-A that had to be taken out of commission...forever).

Examples:

1. Upset mom: P-U! I think we should pull over on the side of the road to take care of the kid's diaper problems. (I wish we had been in the car. I would have been so lucky!)

2. Grumpy dad: Darn that diaper blowout is so stinky!"

3. People at Chick-Fil-A trying to enjoy their lunch: Ewww does that mother know that the child in her arms has poo running down her legs, into her shoes, on her dress and it is now getting all over her cute flowered sweater?

4. Friends with said mother: Holy Moses! Let us help! Here are some wipes. Use my daughters extra outfit I packed for school, here are some socks. Can we get some of your courtesy hand wipes? And throw in a few of those mints too!

That was the first round-when she had blow out #2 I picked her up and ran to the car. And Blow out #3 thankfully was in the car and no I didn't pull over to the side of the road to take care of her diaper problems-I drove like a bat out of you know where, knowing full well that bad things really do come in three's!!!!!

bump da bump bump BUMP!

2010-11-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

She hopped down the hall in full glee
Sophia's blanket she did not see,
she tripped and she fell
and gave out quite a yell
A large bump and a bruise was to be.

Happy HALL-oween!

2010-11-02T13:12:00.001-07:00

Here we are in all our glory!

Princess (Lilly's 3rd costume for the week) and a Carebear

Crazy Oakland A's fan (She was going to be Darth Vader but this last minute costume came together as soon as we found out that there are no masks are allowed in the school parade)

Little Devil (one of three costumes this week)

Jazzercise Instructors

We never tire of this Hall-iday! ;)

A Little Note of Thanks

2010-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Joann's

I just want to take some time to thank you for thinking of your "paper subscribing patrons" this last weekend by placing your colorfully inviting add with your more than generous coupons on the side.

Imagine my delight when I saw that there were not one but two 50% off coupons with an entire week to use them. I can't tell you the good it did my soul to see such a generous offering and in such turbulent financial times. My exact thoughts were "Yes! Finally someone get's it! I can't wait to use these and get started on some seriously overdue projects!"

I couldn't wait to get started!

I hired a babysitter so as to really enjoy this ...sans the little kiddies.

I cut out my coupons.

I sang a happy tune all the way there and gave thanks to the fabric and craft God's who had made this moment possible.

I walked in and noticed that many other women had the same idea as me. I smiled thinking that we were all there for the same reason: discount!
As I continued walking through the store I also noticed red signs...and not a few. Those red signs were ubiquitous! (really they were!)
Everything in that blasted store was on sale. Literally everything!

"Everything?" you ask

"Yes Everything!"

To prove my point, I needed iron on letters. IRON ON LETTERS people. Imagine the throng of coupon cutters that are going to Joann's to buy iron on letters!
I can understand material, or scrapbooking supplies, or jewelery stuff but for crying out loud Iron on letters? Seriously?
They were 25% off.
And as you can probably guess, the coupons exclude everything that is already on sale.
And you can probably guess what some of my thoughts were at that exact moment.
And yes I bought those blasted Iron on letters at 25% off because some % is better than none right?

Well Joann's... while you may have won this little battle, the war is not over. I am planning a boycott on all things Joann's.

And it starts today.

Posters will be everywhere and I will be enlisting the help of others.

But first I'm going to need some posters, markers, cute paper and glitter.

Tomato-Palooza

2010-10-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 16th brought about the Second Annual Tomato-Palooza and good times were had!

This years menu:

*Jalapeno Jelly and cream cheese appetizer
*Bistro Jeanty Tomato Soup (recipe sent to me from the chef with a mini sticky note that says "Enjoy")
*Yummy Bruschetta
*Sweet potato fries
*Dill and cilantro dip
Razzleberry Pie with ice cream

We love this (new)tradition and have look forward to celebrating it again with the Lambert's and Liz all year.

However we have unanimously concluded that we really need to incorporate more tomato foods to the menu. So, for next year we have committed to Fried Green Tomato's and some sort of cherry tomato hors d' oeuvres. BUT...we seem to be stuck on a tomato dessert so if you have any ideas send 'em our way before next October.

Baptisms

2010-10-13T19:27:00.001-07:00

Tonight was Kirsten's first time doing Baptisms for the Dead- Yup she is 12 already . I know, I know I can't believe it either-didn't she just finish the first grade or something?

Kirsten was super nervous so Anna stayed in the font and assured her that she could do it AND she was sure to let the volunteer know that her sister was nervous and to be extra careful. Later tonight her leader called to let us know what a great job they both did.

Kirst came home grinning from ear to ear and excitedly told us that it all went well.

Jim asked her what her favorite thing about it was and she said "The Big Hot Tub!"

Kirst, you're the best!

love

2010-10-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

(Learning how to wink)

Lilly loves to love!

Everyday and totally out of the blue she tells me that she loves me. and not just me but all of us
These moments are so random and in no way are they an attempt to get something like her way.
Take last night-
She was eating dinner outside with the "Rawlin gs 3" (of the 5) and she quickly ran inside and yelled "I LOVE YOU MOM!" and went back outside to eat.

Tonight while watching a video on the "computerroom" (her word for computer) she looked over at me and said "Mom I love you the best!"

Man, this kid makes my heart smile

WE LOVE YOU LILLY!

CHEERS!

2010-09-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure how it got started but at dinner time we do a family cheer.
Someone holds their glass up into the air and says a cheer and then of course we all klink our glasses together. Even little Sophia gets into it and holds her sippie cup high waiting for anyone to oblige.
Best cheer yet (from kirsten) "Cheers to the old man in white sneakers!" (I have no idea)
and Lilly's version tonight: "Cheers to the old white man!"

"He's never been more real"

2010-09-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain Go Away...

2010-08-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Man did it rain!

Storm of the century some were saying

We only got a little bit of flooding thanks to our fabulous neighbors who saved us!

Although we never did see a rainbow afterwards

Convinced Draper was on the radar for being flooded out!

All Done

2010-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Is it really over? I can't believe how fast this summer came and went. It seems like it was just last week that is was the first of June and I was seriously on a ledge wondering how in the world I was going to make it? Well, I made it and it kinda makes me sad that it's over. I actually miss the girls. Now my days are more quiet, less crazy, cleaner, pantry filled, fridge filled, free of damp/grassed up towels, sunscreen-less, friendless, activity-less, craft-less, etc.

I miss the girls. We had a great summer.
(Here are a few pics-but there are plenty more to come!)

My view from above while going on early morning walks with the babies

Nephew Talmage who broke his arm after trying to "fly" off the play house in the basement (Sorry buddy)

Lilly's outfit for the day: Tights and a Tank Top

Drinking water from Noah's Ark- Thanksgiving Point

First day of Summer Pedicures

Me at the insta-care barely able to breathe only to later find out that I have asthma-who knew?
Jim making good on his offer at the family auction. He auctioned off a 5 minute massage and Aunt Connie won. And did she ever!

The LION KING! Lilly's first Broadway Show. Yipee!!!

The girls sitting in the drivers seat during one of our many 30+minute road construction stops on the way up to Yellowstone

Boondocks with Aunt Kristy

Sophia and Maddox sharing a snack

all in a day's work

2010-07-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ya know how "THEY" say: "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger"?

Well apparently "THEY" never had their dryer go out on laundry day!

(I would have made a horrible pioneer)

Barbecue Sauce and Chicken Nuggets Guest Blog by Jim Hall

2010-07-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

My children love Chicken Nuggets and with every order of chicken nuggets we have to get barbecue sauce. No seriously, we have to. My kids will not eat the chicken nuggets without barbecue sauce. But we have a problem, for some reason I can never get the knuckle heads at Wendys and McDonalds to put barbecue sauce in the bag when we go through the drive through. Just the other day this is how the conversation went at the McDonalds drive through.

Jim: Yes, I would like the 10 piece Mcnugget please and for the love of all that is holy, will you please put barbecue sauce in the bag.

Knuckle Head: Yes sir we will include the barbecue sauce, is that all?

Jim: Did you hear me ask for the barbecue sauce?

Knuckle Head: Yes

I pull forward, pay, and he hands me the bag.

Jim: Is there barbecue sauce in the bag?

Knuckle Head: Yes

I looked in the bag and there is no barbecue sauce. At this point I am as close as I have ever been to committing a crime. I dont carry any weapons, but this knuckle head was skinny enough I was pretty sure I could jump through the drive through window rip his head off and flash fry that thing with some fries.

Jim: There is no barbecue sauce in the bag!!!

Knuckle Head: Did you say you wanted barbecue sauce?

I spoke no words, I gave him a look that I have never given before. The look clearly told him he had better get me some barbecue sauce or he had just taken his last order... And he did.. And he lives to flash fry another day.

On a side note, look for me on the Pioneer Day Parade route, I will be selling my "Free Lindsay Lohan" T-shirts and Flasks.

Lilly-ness

2010-07-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

It was nearly ten o'clock when I did the rounds and found Lilly WIDE awake.

She was playing with her cell phone (one of jim's old phones)

I quickly got after her and told her to say goodbye to her friend and put the phone away.

Her exact words to me were:

"Mooohhm...I'm not talking - I'm just texting."

She's 3

kiddie meals

2010-07-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Lately there has been some media surrounding McDonald's and the "research" claiming: that there is a link bewteen childhood obesity and the the toys found in Happy Meals.

(In that case there should also be a correlation between obese children recklessly driving themselves to McDonalds and the toys found in Happy Meals.)

Today however we as a family came to our own scientific conclusion:

If McDonald's Happy Meals had toys as great as those found in the Wendy's Kids Meals, no one would be complaining at all!!!!

Eclipse

2010-07-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE movies. They don't even have to be good as long as I have a tub of popcorn in one hand and a 1/2 and 1/2 in the other with some milk duds at my feet I am good to go.

So it came as a total shock last night when I had some not so pleasant moments:

First. NEVER, NEVER NEVER attend a show on a weeknight. Those minimum wage-"you need a job during the summer"-"I hate this job my parents made me get"-teenager is not as attentive or discerning to the necessity of "fresh" popcorn on the weeknights as they are on the weekends. The girl actaully sifted the kernels from the popcorn that she got from the bottom of the machine before putting it in my bucket. UGH

Second. The snacks and their price. If I am willing to shell out in dollars the equivilant of a tank of gas, is it too much to ask that the box of milkduds be fresh?

Third. "HEY LADY! Take your kid out of the theater!" This isn't sacrament meeting for crying out loud!

Fourth. The movie. Going back to my earlier comments, my expectations are set pretty low for movies. Again, the treats but mostly I bask in the glory of not having to wipe a bum, answer a question, break up a fight, sweep the floor or say "the kitchen is closed" for the hundreth time.

So we saw "Eclipse" last night. Anna read the book and like any GOOD mother of a teenager who wants to know what vampire smut her daugher is reading... I too read the book.

Did anyone else see it? It was somewhat entertaining -once you get past the bare chests, the dowdy Bella, the controlling boyfriend who sleeps in her room everynight unbeknownst to her father all underthe guise that he "loves" her -hmmmmm, and then there's the dialogue.

I'm no writer and so far be it from me to critique it BUT

Did anyone else.....

have a hard time.....

with the way that they.......

spoke.....

and the.......

cadence of........

their lines.......

All I know.........

is that if someone I .............

loved.......

spoke like that........

to me.

I would probably have........

to....

beat.....

them....

(pause)

up!

REALLY PEOPLE?! really.

Sadly enough.....

I am once again reminded ......

that if everyone in the world .......

could just be...

as awesome as me....

hahahaha

My Girls

2010-07-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago I FINALLY had pictures taken of all 4 girls.

I am in love with them!

Mickelle Marston is the photographer and she did an amazing job!

You can a few more of the pictures at www.mickellemarston.blogspot.com

wow, do I love my girls!

enjoy it now...

2010-07-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have come appreciate it when someone older puts motherhood into perspective for me by saying:

"Enjoy it now because it doesn't last forever!"

OR

"Enjoy it now because it goes by so fast!"

I always agree with them and I recognize and give thanks every day for how blessed I am to have children and be a mother. It is better than I could have ever imagined

HOWEVER

I am quite confident that I will NEVER miss this phase of motherhood...

Ahhh cute right? yah, until you recognize that it is dirt(a daily occurrence!)

For reals?!
I don't even know where she found the blue scout face paint

ewwww

2010-06-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

So Lilly needed a band-aid yesterday for her "Owie"

Being the independent soul that she is she insisted that she take care of it on her own. . .

I'm just a bit grossed out that she wasn't independent enough to dispose of it properly!

EWWWWWWW!!!

Kirsten-isms

2010-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Kirst was telling me a story today

She was explaining a situation that occurred that she did not agree with.

While giving the detailed particulars of the incident she paused and said: (with a hint of sarcasm and drama)

"Can you even believe that mom? I mean I was like-What the cheese?"

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

2010-06-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few reasons why today was so fab:

1. Breakfast at McDonald's

2. Road trip to Logan (for a funeral-not so fab)

3. Road trip with Jim

4. Road trip sans little kiddies

5. Fun :Tour de Jim in Logan

6. Meeting many of Jim's old buddies at the USU Library where he worked (10 years ago)

7. Seeing how much said buddies still loved and missed him

8. Seeing and holding (barehanded-no white gloves) a First Edition Copy of the Book of Mormon-signed by Jospeh Smith-(actually had to hold back the tears- it was incredible)

9.Eating lunch at "Le Beaus"

10. Going to J&J's Nursery in Layton

11. Buying lots of shrubs and flowers

12. Getting an amazing deal on said shrubs and flowers

13. Coming home and having my girls run to my arms with excitement

14. Dinner at Taco Bell

15. Chortled in my joy for a frabjous day!

I love my life!

over heard

2010-06-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

(Pretending to be sad dad was gone- take 1)

I got into an elevator today

There were three other people there with me

All three were over the age of 70

and this is the conversation I was privy to hear:

Man #1: "Gettin old sure aint easy"
Man #2: "Yah, and it isn't much fun either"
Woman: "Whatever happened to the 'Golden Years'?"
Man #1: "If these are Golden...I'll take Bronze!"

I laughed as I got off the elevator...

and then I pondered

I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all day

I have often thought about how great it would be when the kids are gone I finally get to be alone with Jim

After the elevator today- Maybe the phase of life I am in right now is Golden!

(Pretending to be sad that dad was gone take 2)

bath time

2010-05-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

Gave the girls a bath last night

I got Sophia all dried off

and lotioned up

then I dressed in her warm snug jammies

and turned for a second(okay maybe a minute to two) to help Anna with a school project

when I heard a scream from Lilly...who was still in the bath

AND.....

RATS!

the game

2010-05-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thanks to my dear friend for her:

Last minute-totally unexpected-amazing seats-to the Jazz game Monday night.

How did you know I was on a ledge and needed to get out of the house?

You REALLY are a good friend to have sacrificed so much for me

I Love benefiting from your sacrifices-(and I have on more than one occasion!)

God bless you for your kindness!

Hey and who knew I would run into my mom working her Part-time gig at the Papa John's kiosk- (That's a whole other blog entry-Oh wait, you can actually see what her funds go towards by returning to my blog entry from Saturday May 10, 2008 Mother's Day Blog entry. It helps to pay her dues)

The Race

2010-05-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

We did it!

We finished the Race for the Cure

We started last and finished last (literally)

We missed out on all the "Schwaag"

But still had a fabulous time

And I cried my eyes out (like I always do) during the parade of Survivors

Special Shout out to Jake and Kerry who planned it and to Michelle's family who we ran/walked with- We love you guys!!!!!

today

2010-05-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

I was in a much needed outing today.

For some odd reason I was literally going out of my mind and thought "If I don't get out and go somewhere soon there will be serious repercussions!"

So I did what any sane stay-a-home mom would do

I went to Target and bought a box of these:
Then I took her on over the the VF Factory outlets

ummm because I had never been there before and was dying to know what was so great inside that managed to keep that hole afloat!

AAAAAND?

well let's just say I could have (should have) stayed at home today, and had myself an ice cold Tab wearing a tube top and short shorts, eating pork rhines, watching re-runs of the Jeffersons and had a better time not to mention come out $94 dollars ahead (don't even ask!)

Ahhhh a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom - Niiiice!!

2010-04-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was in the computer room this morning and in the distance I heard the fridge door open and then the sound of clinking bottles...

Lill~
What are you doing?

"I'm just cleaning up mommy."

And she did just that and then put everything back in it's proper place
(whatever that means)

best ever

2010-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Might be the best story I've read in a long while!

Tears I tell ya! Tears!

Read it on my sisters Blog:

http://watsonvile.blogspot.com/

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T18:27:00.001-07:00

Best Easter Sunday EVER!

Why?

Because we got to go to the Sunday Morning Session of Conference

And sit in awe of the enormity of the conference center

And sit in wicked good seats (Thanks Elder Cook-Ann is friends with him-not name droppin, just sayin)

And feel the spirit so strong as the choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus

And stand as the Prophet entered the room

And cry when we saw that picture of the two brothers on the jumbo tron who got called on missions at the same time (what a great talk)

And watch the many, many men on the stand wipe their eyes as they heard the story too

And it was the first time Jim and the girls had ever been to a Session of Conference

And the Easter Bunny was secondary (we didn't even look for eggs until 4:30)

)
But my favorite: we were sitting three rows in front of Sheri Dew
Which makes me like her even more
because she was sitting among the masses-with the mere commoners if you will and not in one of those fancy shmancy seats reserved for the "Special Mormons"

Best Easter Sunday Ever!

She's 1

2010-03-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Eating your first ice cream cone on your first b-day

I can't believe you are one today
This year has flown by
Last night I snuck into your room and watched you sleep
I stared at your beauty
I wished for your future
I gave thanks to Heavenly Father for you
I am blessed to be your mom
You are so delightful and
ALL girl
Your sisters adore you and it is so kind of you to let Lilly love/torture you (you never even cry)
Happy Birthday Sophia Jenee Hall
We love you very much!

"Stay-cation"

2010-03-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

We took our first 2010 Hall Family "Stay-cation" this weekend.

We wanted to go somewhere we had never been. Somewhere we could have a real cultural experience. We wanted to get outside of our comfort zone and try new things. SO, we headed down south to get ourselves of some good 'ol fashioned southern comfort food.

Our destination comes highly recommended.

This old country store comes chuck full of:
fun, food, wonderment, bric-a-bracs, curious folks, antique decor, and old time candy.

The girls dined on mac-n-cheese, chicken fingers, steak fries and were excited to see the special dessert: Chocolate Coca~Cola cake

Here's what you get when you ask for a light vinaigrette for your salad-do it yourself oil and vinegar (hmmm is that malt vinegar-why yes, yes it is)

Where else can you find a life size jawbreaker on a stick?

Or a bag of Chick-O-Sticks?

If you do go be sure to order the 1/2 LB hamburger with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, smothered in ranch dressing without a bun found on their low-carb menu. Jim recommends the trout and the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw was pretty tasty. Needless to say, we left feeling extremely comforted! We had such a fabulous time that the girls have already asked if we could do it again-

We'll see kids, we'll see. You know what they say about getting too much of a good thing . . .

Random pic's I forgot to Blog

2010-03-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

Another awesome morning bed head

BUBBLES!!!!! AHHHHH

First almost-spring afternoon walk

Kirsten and Lilly just being

Jim scoutin' it

finger paints- what a splendid idea for a 2 year old!

Jim gloved up getting ready to take the cooked turkey out of the

"Ronco -Set it and Forget it" Oven

Bowling for dollars

She was so proud of this outfit. How could I possibly tell her to change?

First Costco run when Sophia could finally sit in the cart-yeah!

All of us trying to fit in the Kia when the burb was being repaired.

Lilly's bag

2010-02-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

Here's what you get when you let your almost 3 year old pack her own Sunday church bag:

1 pair of sun glasses
2 cell phones
1 pen
markers and crayons in a zip lock bag
magnetic "paper" dolls in a bigger zip lock bag
2 lip glosses
1 littlest pet shop figurine
3 pair of Hello Kitty Panties (nicely rolled up so as to fit in little bag with limited space)

AND, complete shock and a good laugh is what we also got when we made the mistake of not approving it before leaving for church

Kirsten-isms

2010-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Kirsten's teacher this year deserves all the praise in the world (for more than one reason but today I'm sharing just one)

Book Reports

No big projects, no shoe boxes to decorate, no posters to make or videos to produce

All she has to do is write a letter to Mrs. Sharp telling her what she read and how she liked it.

Hallelujah!!!!

So Kirsten wrote her letter

and at one point she wrote something like this:

"Juliet the fairy found two girls to help her, Kirsty and Rachel who are BFF's."

I read it and said "You can't put BFF's you have to spell it out"

Kirsten looked at me out of the corner of her eye and said "Pretty Clever huh?!"

Clever indeed!

Dilemma

2010-02-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

We're not quite sure what to do.

You see, last night was parent teacher conferences.

Anna has 103% in her English Class

She has a 99.6% in History

and well you can guess the rest-all A's

We took her out for frozen yogurt and even let her get more than one topping

Should we be worried about her recent gang involvement and overhearing her talk about "bustin a cap in some dude?"

2010-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Kirsten: (walking and crying) " I was just playing with Lilly and Anna came into the room and put her bum in my face!"

Jim: (big release of air/exaustion from mouth) "uhhh well. . . was it covered?"

Me: (sitting in the other room so grateful it wasn't me she came to -wondering how he was going to handle this one) "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" (breath) "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I love my life!

God bless the USA

2010-02-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

I LOVE AMERICA!

Tonight was Kirsten's 5th grade program

It had a patriotic theme

At the end they asked all of the service men in the room to stand as they sang their song

And I cried.

Then we all stood and sang the National Anthem and the Service men saluted

And I cried again.

I LOVE AMERICA and everything about it
including a president I did not vote for but who I pray for every night
I makes me sad to hear such malice spoken of a man who runs our country
He may not do it in a way I agree with
BUT
I love this country and hope he succeeds at making this a better place to live
He needs prayers, not cynicism and our hope not hate

Wow all that from a 5th grade program-well done kids . . .well done!

happy birthday

2010-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

(Taken on the day I entered the MTC-has time been good to us or what?!)

It was her birthday today.
I call her Lala
She calls me Flicka
We are friends
Best friends I guess you could say
I have said that God loved me so much he actually uprooted an entire family back in 1987 and forced them to move to Missouri because he knew...
Knew how much I would need her over the years
The many, many years
And that her influence would have a huge impact on my life
Probably bigger than she knows or admits to knowing.
I can confidently say that the woman I am today is due largly in part to her
And for that I want to publicly thank her.
She is Luke 1:28
Happy Birthday friend
I love you , I love you , I love you!

All in 2.2 seconds. . .

2010-02-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Ummm that's odd there's a urinal in here

huh only 1 stall in a ladies bathroom?

man it smells in here!

how would a lady even pee in a urinal?

It seems so small in here.

I'm hungry!

is this even right?

OH GOSH!!!

(Open door and look at the sign on the door)

CRAP! I'm in the men's restroom

Embarrassing!

other people's kids

2010-02-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

TRULY. . .

I was only away for a second (okay maybe a couple of seconds)

It's amazing what triplets can accomplish in such a short amount of time

Oh b.t.w- it's just lip gloss

parenting

2010-01-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Being a parent is hard.

Really hard.

Due to a series of unfortunate events I was forced to take Anna's cell phone away for the day

Her reaction was quite literally taken from that scene in Steel Magnolias (click movie title) where Sally Field freaks out at the cemetery yelling to God and asking "WHY? WHY?" (Anna too qualifying for an Oscar by her fantastic performance)

I have thought about it and came to the firm resolve that she will thank me one day. Probably during her valedictorian speech at graduation when she is mature enough to see that everything we do as parents is truly for our children's own good.

Right!

Really?

So the time my mom made me walk to school because I didn't wake up on time for car pool really wasnt' necessarily teaching me to wake up on time for carpool so I didn't have to walk to school. . . but to be responsible?

Ok OK

But what about the time I had to run an "errand" and was told to be home by 6:00 so we could all go to the movies and my dad/entire family left me. I was only ten minutes late. Man I was so mad! I had to sit at home while they all had fun. I was however never late again and learned the importance of being on time.

Hey, what about the time my mean mom wouldn't take me to the mall and buy me that Forenza sweater at the Limited the day I wanted it-ALL of my friends had one! NOOOO instead she made me wait for my birthday (3 whole months) but wow was I happy and grateful to get that sweater. In fact I took such good care of it-I still have it today (ok just kidding but I did take good care of it) But we shouldn't always get what we want when we want it-it makes us less appreciative for what we have.

I didn't say any of this at my valedictorian speech haha - I was too dumb to have figured it out back then - it took me 38 years and I am still learning.

Thanks mom and dad. I guess it really was for my own good.

First Snowman

2010-01-23T18:24:00.001-08:00

These are the girls first snowmen of the season

This is Lilly's first Snowman of her life

Seems fitting that the face is made of gummie treats, lolli-pops and one carrot

Top Ten

2010-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

Jim was asked to emcee the ward Christmas party and to come up with a top ten list. We asked a lot of people for their ideas and here are a few of them along with the actual list. Sorry it has taken me so long to post this but it is finally here:

The Top Ten Things You Can Say or Do to Get Out of a Calling:

10. Show up the interview with a starbuck's cup in your hand
9. Share with your bishop how your mission was the best 4 months of your life
8.Suggest inviting Tiger Woods to be the guest speaker at your next fireside
7.Did my parole officer approve this?
6. I can do anything that doesn't involve nights or weekends
5. Mention something about starting your own church
4. When you arrive ask if it's okay to smoke in the foyer
3.Make a deal to pay 12% tithing to get out of it
2.When asked if you have a problem with porn, Tell them you have a hard time remembering all of the passwords
1. I would love to be young men's president. Let me just check with my boyfriend first

Here are the ones that didn't make it-all though highly worthy of the mention:

Take your class to a bar to affirm that they don’t want to live that lifestyle.

Allow Men at Work and Erasure to be played as prelude music.

Have your next class party catered – spare no expense.

That's what she said!

Children and most adults hate me.

Announce during testimony meeting how happy you were to learn that the church finally decided to support gay marriage.

"Accidentally" use every word in the book when cheering for the teacher's volley ball game

Talk about plural marriage every chance you get with just the slightest sympathy (lessons, talks, testimonies).

Start a discussion group with some ward members that are on the fringe, but mostly in-actives.

Name one of your children Bathsheba, Jezebel, Cain or Judas.

Start calling/texting the bishops wife

Photo copy your face on the Library copier and insert into the programs

During your Sunday School "lessons" just play pictionary or Heads Up 7-Up

During church, take your primary kids to the YMCA to practice baptizing

If asked to be the ward chorister, demand that the choir only perform using kazoo's and nose flutes

Ask if this calling came straight from the Pope

"It's so cool you let Baptists teach Gospel Doctrine in this Church."

Bring a six-pack to your interview with the Bishop.

Ask if it's okay to leave your adult website up through the holidays.

Fake a seizure.

Pick a fight with the 1st counselor during a friendly church basketball game.

Fill the sacrament cups with Sprite.

Steal the Relief Society table doily.

Truly Inspired

2010-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

I decided to take the girls to a museum today since they were out of school.

Anna informed me that she HAD to go to dance practice at her friends house (they are trying out for the Jr High talent show-heaven help em!)

So it was Kirsten and I with the babies

We had a fun time, the museum was nice and the art beautiful but I was most inspired by the conversation I had with Kirsten on our way there

At one point (and I'm not even sure how the conversation found it's way to this point) we were talking about God and Kirsten simply said:

It's like a big circle cut in half. One side is God and the other side is you. He does his half and you have to do yours if you want His help and answers to your prayers. Like the time I found my glitterball. Which I don't even play with anymore-0nly just Lilly does. But I prayed to find that ball and God told me where to look and I looked and found it. We both did our parts."

I asked her where she learned that analogy. She replied "Ummm, I was was born with it". I asked again if someone taught it to her at church or something and she said "no, I've always known it."

And that was that. The rest of our outing was typical: singing at the tops of our lungs, finding the pacifier for Sophia, eating fries at Mcdonald's, trying to decipher Lilly's sentences and just talking about stuff.

I'm glad we went to the museum today- it's rare that I have the opportunity to bask in the magnificence and brilliance of such talent.

Or is it? :)

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2010-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Before we headed out for church on Sunday, we told Kirsten to get herself something to eat. The picture is what she prepared. Pickle, Banana, Fortune Cookie and Fruit Snacks.

And FYI: it was also the meal Lance Armstrong ate just before winning his last Tour De France.

much to my shagrin. . .

2010-01-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

We did it.

And she couldn't be happier.

The reaction was priceless.

I actually think I saw a tear or some sort of salty discharge leaving the corner of her eye

But who can deny the ongoing pleadings of a kid who:

Has a 4.0
Babysits for us
Helps a ton with the babies
Keeps a pretty clean room
Practices piano with little complaining
Really is a good kid
And is actually paying for it with her hard earned money (which she claims is no big deal since she earns like a ton of money babysitting every month!)

It was a huge decision for us. Jim compared the phone to the OP shorts he wanted so badly in the 80's. For me it was the walkman I would have sold my baby sister for, had I been given the chance. Every generation has it's own version of the cell phone right? Bummer for the generation that wanted that 8-track or those pricey Girbaud jeans.

I'm the kind of mom who. . .

2010-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Some how manages to get a gummy fruit chew stuck to her bottom on her way out for the day (without noticing)

And then sits on a heated seat for 45 minutes while driving her car on her way to performing an amazingly charitable act of service

And doesn't notice it until she is driving home

so she pulls over to see what is going on and as she turns to look, said bottom hits the steering wheel and manages to get it all over that too

So she put a paper napkin between her and the seat

(Just a few pieces left that I couldn't un-stick)

which becomes really stuck to both

and now has made a complete mess of both car seat and jeans

and doesn't have an extra pair of pants to change in to :)

(WARNING: Object in picture appears much larger than it actually is! sheesh! No wonder I had a gummy stuck to it- I'm surprised I didn't find the cat and a stray sock there too! )

I'm the kind of mom who hopefully looks like the kind of mom that has kids and is met with an occasional gummy snack mis-hap. (The kind of mom I prayed for so many years to be.) Gotta love it!

O Tannenbaum II

2010-01-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

GOING. . .

STILL GOING. . .

GONE!

And so it begins: Jim vs the Garbage Man

Another Tree

Another Year

To be Continued. . .

carolers?

2009-12-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before christmas and all through the hood
Not a creature was stirring except for this brood

Late night carolers- We love these guys!

Polar Express

2009-12-21T20:16:00.001-08:00

Tonight we all took a ride on the Polar Express. We loved it (the best part...the fact that we didn't have to pay for it-thanks dad!)

It will be a sweet memory for the kids as well as the adults. We ate cookies and sipped hot cocoa.

We sang songs and each kiddie got a bell from Santa.

But I have to say, my favorite part was when the Host of our box car began telling jokes while stalling for Santa. However, it wasn't his jokes I liked but the audience participation part because the next thing I know Kirsten is walking up to him, grabbing the microphone and rattling off this one:

What do you call a pig who knows karate? A pork chop!

And then she walked back to her seat with a huge smile on her face. She killed it- everyone loved her joke and we loved that she did it without being coerced or bribed! That was AWESOME!

1 2 3 4

2009-12-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe I fell asleep while nursing Sophia and Lilly was watching Sesame Street, and just maybe I was awakened by this FABULOUS piece.
I LOVE SESAME STREET! It makes me giggle every time like I am 4 again.

traditions

2009-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

When I was single I dreamt of the holiday traditions I would instill in the hearts and lives of my beloved children.

Little did I know that I would marry a man with 2 children who already had a few traditions of their own . . . and not necessarily ones I had ever thought of having

But as luck (their way) would have it, we have held on to their traditions while trying to work in a few of my own

The blending has gone well..very well but I will say, there is one tradition that up until I married Jim, I had never even considered let alone ever known a single living soul within my social circle or familial realm who participated in:

Yup, pictures with Santa at the mall. Don't get me wrong, as a kid I always envied the other kids who's kind and loving parents would let them get pictures with Santa or the Easter Bunny. I was convinced that they loved their kids more than my parents loved me. (uh the verdicts still out on that one) My dad would say "I'm no sucker. If you think I am going to stand in that long line and pay those ridiculous prices, You've got another think comin. Besides, those things are for suckers and they aren't even real!" (It's actually the same line he used for everything- like at the county fair when we begged to play a game so we could win a stuffed animal. )

At first I was ashamed to tell anyone of it- but this year I realized something: I love this tradition.

We get somewhat dressed up and stand in a ridiculously long line with all of the other suckers and kids in tow only to have a 45 second sitting with a Santa who's demeanor makes Keith Oberman look like a saint (he's not very Jolly for a fat guy!) and then we're shuffled off to buffalo as they hand the kiddies a mini candy cane and a crappy 8 page cartoon paper booked titled: Arlee's Christmas Wish. (what the?!) and then they let the suckers (parents) chose the best of 3 photos for a 5x7 print and a 4 wallets all for the meager price of $20.00. (pretty sure a kick in the crotch would cost less and there would be no long lines huh?!)

This tradition has been around since Anna was a baby and we now have 12 frames with photos of the girls and Santa. It's really cool to look back and see pics of them and how they have grown. I look forward to more years of santa pics and watching my little family grow.

Tonight I was reminded again of just how great God is and how my prayers were heard and answered. I am finally a mom, I love my life and I love wacky Christmas pictures.

My Dad

2009-12-07T10:14:00.001-08:00

My dad's the smartest guy
and my dad's the bravest guy,
my dad's the neatest guy it's positively so...

Maybe I'll introduce ya-
cuz then you'll know that it's the truth

Cuz my dad, my dad's the greatest guy you'll know!

Thanks for your help today dad! I love you four and a half and a piggy!

Kirsten-isms

2009-11-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

There is a woman from Africa in our ward who sports a lovely English accent, so naturally she says "Ah-men" instead of the American version of "AA-men" tonight at dinner Kirsten said: "you know what creeps me out? How that lady says Ah-men. it just creeps me out!"

A few weeks ago while doing her hair for school she said to me: "ummm at the second coming when we get to see mom Michelle again. . . you're going to have to sleep in the guest bedroom."

She reminds us every day that she is "popular". When you ask her why she does anything she responds with "cuz I'm popular!"

And last of all, Jim asked the girls how church was. Kirsten looked at Jim and simply said: "I found it to be quite boring."

Man I love that kid!

All by myself!!!

2009-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

She insisted on getting herself dressed this morning

And even after picking out a suitable outfit for the day

She said "Go Mom!" so she could dress herself

Needless to say- - - this was NOT the outfit we had agreed on earlier

Something tells me this isn't going to be a one time thing!
(click on the picture to get the full effect)

What are you thankful for?

2009-11-24T12:47:00.001-08:00

no candy at church

2009-11-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

As Kirsten was getting her scripture bag ready for church today, Jim told her that she was not allowed to bring any candy to church.

After the Sacrament had been passed and the speakers announced, Kirsten got into her bag and pulled out. . . a Slim Jim. She had packed three.

True Story

Best $3 I ever spent!

2009-11-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

(This post is well over due but I would be remiss if I didn't make mention of the Halloween Head of '09)

Back in October while hunting for Halloween costumes at the DI with the kiddies and my sister Kristy, we happened upon what could quite possibly be the greatest find of our lives. We all stared in shock and then giggled. We knew we had to have it. My sister and I each purchased one and good times were had. There were many a scares throughout the month of October and after finding it tucked under the covers on his side of the bed one night Jim said "What are we going to do with a head?" my response:" Umm don't you mean what aren't we going to do with a head?!"

I think we put the HALL in Halloween!

cool trick

2009-11-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Mom-

Look at me

See what I can do now

Climb into my sisters crib and torture her!

Hero

2009-11-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

This was in my email "In box" This morning:

From: Mike Weaver
Date: November 10, 2009 10:14:02 PM MST
To: Tami Weaver
Subject: My Hero

Grace Weaver

My hero is a lady who I would go to for anything besides you, Mom. Her name is Tammy Hall. She has three qualities that I like most about her. The three qualities of a hero. They are neighborly, funny, and a role model. Neighborly. Tammy Hall is so neighborly. She goes walking with my mom some mornings. We play with her kids so many times. She busted part of the fence out that was dividing our back yards. Sometimes when my Mom needs some ingredients when she's cooking, if she doesn't have them we'll ask the Halls. She is my favorite neighbor.

Funny. Tammy Hall is so fun to be around and talk to because she is funny. We have had some good laughs. She creates memories because she is funny. She is someone that anybody would want to meet. That is why I think she is funny.

Role model. She taught seminary. She is kind and loving. Anna and Kirsten's mother died, and Tammy Hall married their dad. She is the perfect one for them. She is my role model.

Neighborly, funny, and a role model are my favorite qualities of Tammy hall. I love these qualities of her. These are what I think are qualities of a hero.

AND after forwarding it to Jim...THIS was also in my email "In box" this morning:

Well, I see two problems with this. One, I am never going to hear the end of this. It would not surprise me if I find this essay, blown up, framed and hanging on the wall in the living room of my house. Second. I BUSTED PART OF THE FENCE OUT, that was me and if I remember correctly I may have even scraped myself doing it. Seriously though, this is hilarious.

Jim

Oh how I love that Gracie Weaver! She is clearly a BRILLIANT child reared by INCREDIBLE parents!

And so what if it ends up in a frame hanging in our living room or bedroom or made into book marks and handed out as gifts to friends and neighbors or maybe just maybe it gets turned into our family Christmas card. Look, Gracie never cited me for being humble...I mean it's not like it makes me any less of a hero right? :) I love you little Gracie- you made my day/week/year!

alms for the poor

2009-11-05T19:43:00.001-08:00

This is the best thing I have seen all day!

and for the reocrd: I would totally give him money!

Left-overs

2009-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Kirsten cleaned up dinner tonight and helped me out by packing Jim's lunch for tomorrow. . . (What you are looking at is beans, rice, chicken and raspberry jell-o)

LOVE IT!!!!

Winco~ Win-NO!

2009-10-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Well not exactly. They did manage to lure me into their store...twice in one day. Nixon must be back in office cuz I haven't seen prices like these since the early 70's!

1.28 for a loaf of bread

.98 for a box of fruit snacks

.68 for a 10 lb bag of Idaho potatoes

Chicken for .98 a LB

I got the kids off to school and breaknecked it to the Winco. It was a nice adventure and I had a pleasant experience. SO pleasant in fact that I found myself there again tonight at 11:00 p.m. (to avoid the crowds) and I'll be darned if every family/parent didn't have the same idea. It was busier than Costco on Christmas eve!

Now, thankfully there's no waiting for a parking stall-OH there are plenty of those, to many to be exact (A shuttle bus would have been nice since I was winded walking to and from my car)

But forget about getting a cart. Don't make the mistake of getting ALL the way from your car to the store only to find that there aren't any carts. You have to wait in the parking lot for someone to be done with theirs and then make a mad dash for the cart before someone else does. I actually helped unload the old man's cart just to speed up the process. But what's he doing with all those Capri Suns?

The store is HUGE and they have quite a selection. They actually had a bulk food section. They are bringing BULKY back. :) Which is exactly what it did to my not so small and petite frame (cir. 1985) every time my friends and I decided to try out all of the candies before deciding what to buy (that's not really stealing is it?)

SO, after gathering all of my goods and feeling awesome about the killer deals... I stood in line for about 20 minutes and what to my wandering eye's did appear? Nothing...I mean no one... I mean where's the hired help?

I then realized why I was getting such good deals and how they do it. . .

I have to bag my own groceries?

and where's the drive and load service?

WHAT THE?!!!

and I then it hit me...

I am a total grocery shopping snob!

I love my Harmon's

and apparently I am willing to pay the price.

You may have had me at WINCO but my heart (and pampered lifetsyle) belongs to Harmon's
well at least until they have another killer sale. Then I'll take Jim and the kids-MY hired help!

Beauty Is...

2009-10-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

that's this year's theme for reflections. Kirsten decided to enter the contest at the last minute so we chose photography (note to mom's: it's the easiest one to do and the least entered category!)

Here are some of the shots she took-see if you can guess which one of them she chose to blow up and hand in~

Kirsten's last minute urgency couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me. It was on the day of Michell's 4 year anniversary of her death when we took these pictures. We seemed to be so involved in everything, that the day simply came and went without notice. Until the next day.

Anna took it pretty hard and so did I- but for completely different reasons I am sure. For a brief moment I let myself go to that place, "the what about me" place. The "When do I get flowers?" place. And then the Lord in his infinite wisdom and love for me taught me a lesson I really needed. "It's flowers you want? Really? Is that it then? Tam, you get them every day as you raise these beautiful little girls. I have given you lots of flowers."

He's right...He's always right

Gosh, are we both longing for the other's bouquet?

I am positive that Michelle would trade in the many flowers that we have left for her over the years for just one more chance to hold her little girls. My flowers are delivered daily in the form of sweet moments, emotions, laughter, tears, little notes, thank you's, piano practicing, after school routine, dinner time, walks, scaring each other, snow cones, bubble gum and stories from their day at school. Even though she's gone, I think she is allowed to breathe in the aroma of my flowers and enjoy them as much as I do- probably more.

Beauty is. . . recognizing that He gives flowers to everyone. (thanks Cheri Call)

I am grateful for this "last minute entry" because now we have some wonderfully fun random pictures of our girls which serve as a perfect reminder that life is beautiful!

It really is!

regretfully yours...

2009-10-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Molcasalsa:

I am so sorry for the mess my two children and I left you with this afternoon.
I'm sure you remember: we will go down in Molcasalsa history, laying claim to the great Rootbeer Fiasco of '09.
We all drove home partially clothed and really sticky today. Gosh who knew a 6 month old could nearly drown in as little as one of your SMALL styro-foam cups full of liquid. But in fairness to us, the lid was barely on and could you maybe add family friendly tables and chairs (other than the ones outside in the frigid air) instead of the bar and stools-they hardly promote a family friendly dining atmosphere. Then again after today's incident maybe the bar and stools are there for a reason.

Regretfully yours:

Rootbeer covered mom and 2 kids

Our Lady of Lourdes

2009-10-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Every year we pile the kids into the burb and head to Magna for the the annual fundraiser of the "Our Lady of the Lourdes Church" It is an all you can eat spaghetti dinner and Colossimo's donates the sausage for the meatballs
-one word=delicious!

It's a cool event and a way to expose the kids to diversity here in Utah

(not so much religious though-
more like cultural: it's in Magna haha)

We look forward to it every year.
It really is a great time and a very ecumenical experience.

Come with us next year- it is usually held on the absolute coldest rainiest Sunday in October. I don't know how they do it but man the timing is amazing...dare I say divine?!
oh and did I mention the free wine? Man I love those Catholics!