Ya gotta love the houses!

Gingerbread houses, I mean. There is something very exciting about gingerbread houses. Now, lest you think I am a super-crafty lady, I am talking about "fake" g-bread houses. The kind you make with milk cartons and graham crackers and lots of icing and candy. The kind we always made growing up (and Nathan always ate). I remember Fruit Stripe gum for shutters, candy cane gates and pretzel fences. And I always remember how Laurel's looked absolutely perfect-like little edible works of art. But then, that is the way she did everything (and still does--you are amazing, sis!).

Hadland is embarking on his first g-house experience tomorrow at school. I got to go prep the houses so all they had to do was decorate them. I hope he loves it as much as I always did. Thank you, Gerry, for making magical holiday memories for all the Woods (and many others)!

The Christmas cards have started!

I love this time of year--the carols, the cookies, and the cards! I love getting Christmas family pictures and newsletters!!!! I just got my first two in the mailbox today, so I am experiencing the "fire under me" feeling to get our email greeting out. If you don't get one in the next week or so, please email us so we can be sure to have your e-address!

Please keep us posted on your family's doings in 2006!

Lauren is a 2-year-old teenybopper!

Our little girl is growing up. She turned two yesterday, and we had a little family party tonight with the Brandley's. She got a bunch of shoes to dress-up with and a little purse with some keys, a cell phone, and fake lipstick and perfume. It was so cute to see her so excited about her phone and purse! She is definitely a girl! I don't know where she gets it from, but she sure is cute!

Thankful for little ones!

Well, Darla just had her baby yesterday, and boy is she a BEAUTY!!

Then there is our little sweetheart, Sarah. She is such a joy!

I am thankful for first smiles and first coos. I just love to keep her in my lap and "talk" with her about everything and anything.

What a blessing these little ones are in our lives!

Oh, and another thing...We're thankful for visiting Grandmas!!!

Still grateful...

Today I am grateful for:

* AWESOME game-winning final seconds in football games (GO BYU!)

* a baby that goes to bed before 11 p.m. (too bad I didn't)

* a room lit by the white lights of a Christmas tree

* soft white sugar cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles (you know what I'm talking about)

Life is good!

We're grateful for the Brandleys!!!

We just spent most of the day with the Brandleys--eating, playing Catan, laughing, hugging, and giggling about the fact that their new baby will be here in less than 48 hours (hopefully)!

We love them so much, and we think that they are the best thing in Ogden!!! They make life here so much better, and we think they are the BEST!!

WE LOVE YOU GUYS! We are so thankful to be here with you.

P.S. Another thing to be thankful for--online Christmas shopping! 'nuf said!

This time I did forget!

Well, isn't that just like me? I remembered early on Wednesday, and then with all the hubbub of Thanksgiving Day, I forgot to give thanks.

We did something new for Thanksgiving this year. On Larry's recommendation, we went to Golden Corral (a buffet restaurant) for our Thanksgiving meal. I have to say that I had a hard time with the idea because in my family growing up, Thanksgiving was THE BIG HOLIDAY! All my mom's family came, and we had a major food fest! That is what our family does best--eat and talk :) !!

I missed the talking (and the eating, too) with all of my family, but I had my little family around me, and that was wonderful. There were no dishes to clean up, but there weren't any leftovers either. It is so funny how I resist change (just about as much as Larry resists stress!).

Anyway, I am grateful for:

* newborn "real" smiles

* tickle attacks (on my kids--NOT me!)

* ice cream

* getting the Christmas tree out of storage

* Ella's Swinging Christmas and...

* Stan Kenton!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I remembered early!

I am grateful for:

* showers
*grape-nuts
*moisturizer
* indoor plumbing
* email
* SUNSHINE!!

See, this is getting easier. It is only 9:35 in the morning, and I have so much to be grateful for!

I almost forgot!

I AM grateful--I just have to remind myself sometimes. Today brought these thoughts to mind:

* I am grateful for a big, long walk today
* I am grateful for a good husband who reminds me to be a good neighbor
* I am grateful to be able to turn off the TV
* I am grateful for "Signing Time" (Leah's farm is my fave)
* I am grateful for not freaking out when my boy is in the mud
* I am grateful for big trees with yellow leaves
* I am grateful for FLOAM
* I am grateful for nursing pads

Thanks, Cherie for doing day dos so I could remember to do mine!

Grateful? OF COURSE!!!

I knew that I needed to post something new (since each day I check it to see if anyone has posted a comment--I'm so glad to get those!!!!), but I didn't really think I had anything positive to say. My days are full of "mommy stuff" and it isn't always a pretty picture. Those of you with kids can relate, I am sure.

So, after I clicked on some of my favorite blogs this morning, I decided to be a TOTAL copycat (sorry Cherie), and do a "week of gratitude" on my blog. Since today is day one, here are some of the things I came up with:

* a loving, supportive husband who asks me hard but important questions
* a newborn who only woke up once last night
* a little girl who can charm my socks off with one super-smile
* a boy who loves to play in the dirt with his boots on
* a boy who is so much like me it is kind of scary (but I love him for it)
* a home that keeps me warm when it is cold outside
* the ability to make AWESOME chocolate chip cookies
* new jammies from a thoughtful sister
* all the ingredients for "yam and apple" in my house as we speak
* music, music, music
* knowing most of my "kindred spirits" are but a phone call away

Thank you, Cherie, for giving me the impetus to chronicle some of the MANY things I am grateful for. And any of you who are having a pity party, try this...and the party's over!!!

to be continued...

Time for a change...

I have been inspired. A good friend just blogged about a haircut, and I realized that I am WAY overdue!

My hair is now to the middle of my back, all one length (if you don't count the hairs that have broken off near where I put my ponytail holder), and I desperately need a change.

So the call goes out--what do you all do when you need to find a new style? Do you look in those magazines? Do you watch the celebs? Do you ask you mom/sisters/friends/significant other??What I really need is someone who knows me, who knows what would look good on me, and who can realistically tell me if I have it in me to style my hair the way it needs to be.

Any ideas, anyone? Does anyone know a ROCKIN' hair stylist in the Ogden area? Does anyone know a good style for a girl with a round face (think pie tin) and longish hair? I am ready for anything! Just something new.

a note from the bleary bunch...

We love our Sarah!!! We love to sleep, too, but I guess one out of two ain't bad. I have a lot of respect for parents of several children because I am realizing that taking care of a couple of children is NOTHING compared to trying to deal with a screaming infant, a screaming toddler, a sassy four-year-old and a "selective hearing" seven-year-old. But, I am glad to be a mom. (And I am open to any and all parenting tips you all can give me.)

We are all looking forward to the first snow. Larry told Hadland about trick-or-treating back in Barnwell in a blizzard, and so H was hoping for some snow on Halloween. But no white stuff yet. Hadland is going to be a funny one to watch in the snow because he is so excited. I will definitely have the video camera out for that one!

I am a little worried about the harsher weather--I can't even remember to put on a jacket until I go out and FREEZE outside. All the locals here think this is such a mild fall, and we are chilled to the bone. I just have to be sure to keep my kids well-clothed especially Sarah. I just think that if I can keep socks, shoes, tights, and jackets on the kids, we'll be fine!

Also, we had a "small world" experience at church yesterday. Kory Checketts (and his wife) are in our ward. How old is he anyway? Last time I saw him, I think he was in elementary school. Man, I think I was even his piano teacher. Time sure flies!

William's BIG day!

Today our Mr. William turned FOUR YEARS OLD!! We love you, big boy! Have a good one!

You may have already guessed...SHE'S HERE!

Well, better late than never? :)

Sarah Joy was born a week ago, and our lives have been a complete blur. Larry, the other kids, and my mom have had horrible colds ever since we got home from the hospital, so I am the only one who gets to hold and cuddle our little angel. Angel #2 (my mom) is exactly that--a total blessing in our home right now! She gets the kids up in the morning, feeds us every meal, cleans the dishes, does the laundry, helps Hadland with his homework--the list goes on and on. My sister Laurel, who had twins in July, has let me know that Mom is only here on loan, and that she is counting down the minutes until she returns to her and the boys (so they can resume the royal treatment). How did we score on getting such a great mom?

Sarah was born last Thursday, Oct. 12, at 5:40 p.m. MDT, weighing in at a whopping 8 lbs., 15 oz. and 20 inches long. When she was born, I was struck with how much she looked like William (complete with the big lips). As I look at her these days, she is looking more and more like Lauren. She's a good eater, and a pretty good sleeper. She likes to be held (but who doesn't?), and she is wrapping us around her long but little fingers. We just adore her, and I can't wait until everyone is better so that they can cuddle her as much as I have. We are truly blessed--these little ones come from Heavenly Father to help us understand how much He loves us and trusts us and desires for us to return to Him as families. Every time a baby is born, I feel a greater desire to achieve that goal and be with my family forever.

I am really going to get some pictures on here, so keep posted!

No news yet...

Well, I have never considered myself a patient person. After waiting (and waiting and waiting) for this baby to come, I have finally decided to be induced tomorrow. I'm still where I was last week dilation- and effacement-wise, and I am surprised that she hasn't made an appearance. However, my mom just flew in yesterday, so time is of the essence. I was hoping that I would go last night, but who was I kidding? I hope this does not bode well for "prima donna" behaviors throughout this girl's life. Already trying to "make an entrance"? Are we in trouble here? Lauren was such a mellow girl that I have been hoping for a carbon copy of her. I can dream! Kristin told me yesterday that she wished for me a "mild child" so that my pattern could be wild-wild-mild-mild. Oh, how I agree with her!

We'll give you more particulars as time goes on (and on and on)...

Any time now...

Well, I am about 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced (sorry if that is share overload!), so we could have a new baby any day now. However, now that I've said that, she'll probably be late! :)

Our little nest is pretty well feathered, and we even have our own apple tree in the back yard. Cool, huh?!

Now that my computer is set up, I will send an email soon with our new address. I promise!

We'll let you know of anything exciting happening around here...

We made it!

Well, we've moved! Tonight will be the third night sleeping in our new rental home. The Basuas were here yesterday to help us put stuff away (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!), and they even spent the night. If 13 (almost 14) people can stay in this cozy little house, anyone can!

I'll be sending out an email with our new address soon (as soon as Larry can get my computer set up--hint, hint), but if you are anxious, just email me, and I will let you know how to find us now!

Totally cool experience this evening! I was just putting stuff away and saw that there was a cable coming out of the wall downstairs where I had set up the "movie watching zone" for the kids with the little 13 inch TV. I plugged in and before you know it, I was watching a rerun of the afternoon session just moments after it had concluded. I don't even remember the last time that I actually saw conference--we usually just listen to it over the internet. It was just another reminder that, yes, I am in Utah, where they carry conference on regular TV. How cool!

Just to let you know--no baby yet. But I can't say how glad I am that we are in the new place. We may be surrounded by boxes and chaos, but we all have places to eat, sleep, and use the facilities (ahem). Now we just have to carve a little spot out for our cutie-girl-to-come!

Time flies...

Wow--its been over a week since I've blogged. I guess I am not feeling very inspired. I am 3 centimeters dilated and 60% effaced (moms should know what that means), but don't panic! That was the same as last week! :) I think I am probably going to have this baby sometime in the next month or so. How's that for covering my bases?

Last Saturday was a special day. For the first time in my life, I got to sit in a huge auditorium full of women and listen to a prophet of God. I feel so blessed to be here (Utah) at this point in my life and reap so many blessings that come from being close to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Having not grown up here, I still marvel at the fact that when I travel on the freeway, I can see temples dotting the hills. When we were in Oxnard, going to the temple was a HUGE undertaking. But I know there are people in the world who would laugh at the "hardship" of getting through LA traffic to the temple. I laugh at myself thinking that it is a sacrifice. But blessings always follow sacrifice. I believe that with all my heart.

The theme of the meeting last Saturday was "Encircled Eternally in the Arms of His Love" or something to that effect. What a blessing to have sisters gathered all over the world to hear that message. Regardless of our circumstances, we can feel the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Whether we are living in a hut in the most desolate desert or in a mansion in the most exclusive neighborhood, we all rely on the Savior as our Rock and our Redeemer. We are all equal heirs to His kingdom. It doesn't matter how fast our progess is, just that we are making progress. Am I making progress? Am I going forward in faith? Am I making essential course corrections to help me become more Christ-like? I can always do better. One foot in front of the other!

Do not take counsel from your fears

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I was faced with a not-so-pleasant situation and completely broke down. Maybe I could blame the pregnancy hormones, but I think I need to be a little more honest with myself. My mind raced from "what-ifs" to other horrible scenarios as I let my fears take over. I was reminded that what is needed most in my life is a believing heart. Not a naive one, but a believing heart. I am so blessed, and the Lord wants to bless me even more. But I have to believe and wait upon Him.

On a happier note, we put a deposit on a cute little house. Who knows how long we'll be there, but I feel really good about making a little nest for my family there. The Lord DOES take care of us--of that I am sure!

Only four weeks away from my due date! I always dread this last month, but here goes! Let's see...Hadland was a week late, William was 5 days early, and Lauren was two weeks early. Any guesses as to when this little sweetie will make her debut?

DADDY'S HOME!!!!!!!!!!!

So, this is the story of my life. I make all of these fun plans and they never work out as I imagined. Case in point: I went and got a posterboard yesterday that we could decorate to welcome Larry home. Then the entire family wrote and drew and all that. We didn't even forget it when we left to go to the airport. So far, so good. Then Larry got in a little early, I got a little lost trying to park the car, and we walked into the baggage claim area only to glimpse Larry from afar. As we got closer, I couldn't see him anymore. Then my cell phone rings. He is outside waiting for us. We didn't tell him that we had parked and that we had a surprise for him. So I told him that he needed to come back inside because we had something for him. So much for the big welcome with the kids and the sign. So much for my desire to get a picture of him being greeted by the family. Oh, well. He just wanted to get home, and I was trying to have a "moment." Larry is not really about "moments" anyway. But it is wonderful to have him home. More than I can say.

One cute thing, though. The minute Lauren saw Larry, she stood up from her stroller and latched on to his legs and wouldn't let go until he picked her up. You should have seen her face--she was positively beaming. She couldn't get enough of him. She was doing what I should have been doing (except that I was still being bummed about my fantasy "moment" not happenning). That girl sure does love her daddy. We all do!!

Rainy days and Fridays...

OK, so it isn't the Carpenter's song, but it IS a rainy day--complete with thunder and lightning (t/l) . I am trying to get used to the whole t/l thing, but I am a California girl...I'd take an earthquake over the thunder any day of the week. In fact, a thunderbolt (is that what you call it?) got so close to the house today that a nearby car's alarm went off just from the sound/pressure/whatever. Deep breathing--that is what I recommend! It was kind of cool to sit and watch the rain come down in front of our house. I don't think Lauren has ever really seen anything like that. She thought it was pretty nifty, I must say.

Oh, and daddy's coming home tomorrow!!! O frabjous day--callooH, callay (I'm chortling in my joy). He passed his evil test and is now an official Red Hat Certified Engineer! YIPPEEEEEE!!

Life is good out here. We have a roof over our heads, a car that keeps us dry (and warm) when we travel in it, clothes to wear, yummy food to eat, and books, movies, and each other to keep us entertained. What more do we need? :)

We're outta here!

Does that sound really excited? Well, fake it 'till you make it, I guess. The people that own house that we are renting just accepted an offer last night to buy it. So that means that this pregnant lady and her family need to find some new digs and fast. I am just a little nervous that we can find a good place before this baby comes. Deep breath! Ok. Everything will be fine--we just have to get going!

And don't worry--we'll let everyone know our new address!

So, how many more nights?...

Tonight it was Hadland's turn to miss daddy. When I tucked him in, he asked me to tell Daddy to give him a kiss and a hug. I reminded him that Daddy would be gone for a few more days. Next question: "How many nights has he been gone?" Answer: "Six." Next question: "How many is he going to be gone altogether?" Answer: "Eight" Then: "So when Daddy gets home on Saturday you need to tell him to give me eight kisses and hugs." He misses his Daddy!

But the heart-wrenching one is Lauren. When she gets sad or wants to be comforted, she usually goes in to Daddy for a hug. So now she just walks in to his office, stands there crying a little and then walks back out. Pathetic! She can't say it, but she sure misses her Daddy, too!

Then there's me. I just walk around the house in a daze. I go to the computer every hour or so and look at everyone's blogs. Usually no one has anything new, so I surf a little bit, and then walk out. I am so bored I don't know what to do! I even surfed Costco.com tonight! Someone give me something interesting to read on the internet before I go nuts!! I still have three more days until Larry gets home. I've heard it said that only boring people get bored...well, I guess the truth hurts!

I miss Larry!

He's gone for the week, and boy do we miss him. William just told me tonight when I was tucking him in that I should tell Daddy to give him a kiss and a hug. I winced a little inside and told him that Daddy wouldn't be back for a few more days. But he was determined. He told me that when Daddy got home, I should tell him to give William a kiss and hug. So I said, "Sure, honey. I'll do that when he gets home."

I just got off the phone with that tall drink of water, and I miss him. He is at training this week, and he misses us too. We've been so spoiled for so long that Daddy gets to be with us almost all of the time. So when he's gone, we sure feel it.

I find that I've been doing little things for the kids--giving them unexpected treats. I wonder if I am trying to compensate for the fact that they only have me around for a week. I'm not very good at the "getting on the floor and wrestling/tickling them" at this point in my pregnancy (but then again, that is usually Larry's department). I am also pretty exhausted, and I am sure they get of Mommy saying, "I'm too tired. Maybe later. Come lie down with Mommy on her bed." I've said that more times than I would like to admit :)

I guess what I am trying to say is that I love my husband and my kids' daddy. I miss him more than I can say. And I hope the rest of the week flies by so he can come home. (And I hope that I can find some more yummy treats!)

Going home...

I think this weekend can be classified as one of the best of all time. First of all, we got to go "home" to Oxnard. We stayed with our FABULOUS friends, the Thunells, and we got a heart-full of love! Through some of the Lord's tender mercies, we were able to see some of the dearest people in the world. I love those blessings!

First we were able to go to Rowe McMullin's memorial service. Through coincidence (or maybe not) we found out when we first moved to Santa Barbara in 1999 that a couple in our ward knew Larry's grandparents in Barnwell. Now, since Barnwell only has around 500 people (or so I've been told), that is quite a small world! It was a wonderful service, paying tribute to a true cowboy. Ruth is still one of the most caring, energetic, amazing women I've ever known. She took such good care of us when we lived in Santa Barbara. WE LOVE YOU, RUTH!!!

Next we went to Karin and Wayne's wedding. She was a breathtaking bride, just as I always knew she would be. The ceremony was so sweet, and I think everyone could feel the joy as they took their first steps together as husband and wife. Now we get to look forward to their sealing in the temple next spring!!! :)

Sunday was full of church and WE LOVED IT!!! We were able to see our friends in both of our Oxnard wards, and we totally wished we were still there. We lived in Oxnard for the majority of our married life, and we had put down serious roots. We felt so loved and welcomed and missed. Its great to feel that you are important to wonderful people.

So, we went home and now I'm back to my new home in the mountains. I hope I learn to love it as much as I did my home by the sea.

Success report

Well, the peaches were even better than I had hoped. I wanted to report on my success. I canned 4 dozen quarts of peaches, made 3 dozen pints of peach-raspberry jam, and numerous peach fruit leathers. I definitely patted myself on the back a few times. But I never would have gotten it all done without Shauri! She's my hero!!!!!!! My feet are killing me--I am definitely getting a pedicure when I can safely walk on those dogs for more than a few yards without wincing.

Larita--I know you are salivating! Darla brought her own half-and-half so she could just eat those peaches. We just got home last night, and this morning, Larry had his peaches and cream. I think Lauren followed him around for a little while hoping to catch some from him, but no luck! She's the only one who REALLY appreciates a good peach. We had a couple of pancake breakfasts while we were at Delyle's (that's his way to bribe people to help him with manual labor), and the boys only wanted whipped cream and sugar on their pancakes! EWWW! Talk about sugar overload! But there was Lauren, after eating a whole bowl of Cheerios, then a few peach slices stolen from the kitchen, eating her pancakes with puree, peaches, whipped cream--the whole nine yards. Definitely a girl after her parents' hearts. But I did notice that the pancakes remained...I guess she has her favorites!

If any of you are close enough to Ogden, I would be happy to share (well, maybe not happy, but willing :) peaches and jam. But I am keeping all of the fruit leather. My kids think fruit-by-the-foot is better--ICK!! More for me, then!

By the way--no Storytelling festival for us this year--the barn and the peaches took precedence. But I have read on the website (www.timpfest.org) that Bill Harley and Bil Lepp are coming in February to a Mid-Winter Story Event. I am stoked! Bill Harley is my favorite and totally rocks, and Bil Lepp tells the greatest tall tales I have ever heard. We are looking forward to that since we missed it this weekend.

I think that is all for now. We are headed to CA this weekend for Karin and Wayne's wedding!! Yippee! Darla (that absolute saint) is watching all three kids for us so we can have a final weekend away before baby #4 comes! Thank you Darla--we love you! We are looking forward to seeing our beloved Oxnard family! Oh how we miss our "family". We love you guys!!!!!!! See you soon!

Just one word...PEACHES!!!!!

So, I need to confess. I am taking Hadland out of school for the next two days so our family can go down to Delyle and Shauri's to can peaches. Do I feel guilty? Not at all. If you think I should, then you have never tried Shauri's peaches. The woman is a miracle worker. I have never seen peaches so big and juicy and tasty. I also feel a little like one of the Little Red Hen's friends who gets to come in at the last minute after all the hard work has been done and reap the rewards. But I am really pregnant--that's a good excuse, right?

Oh, and we are also going to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Can life really be this good?

Oh, yeah!

Nine whole years!

Today Larry and I celebrate nine years of marriage. How time flies! I know all you married people know what I mean...sometimes it feels like you have ALWAYS been married, and at other times you feel like "it feels like yesterday we were newlyweds!"

After nine years, I love him more than when I married him. The reasons for marrying him have stayed true--he is humble, funny, honest, creative, supportive, faithful...I could go on for hours! I knew that when I married him I was making the most important decision of my entire life, and I made the right one!

I love you, honey!

It is already that time?

Hadland goes off to school tomorrow! He is starting 2nd grade, and I am happy to say that he is so excited! He just got a father's blessing, and is already down for bed (probably at least 2 hours earlier than normal). He is growing up. I am looking forward to him loving school--I know I did. He just told me the other day that his favorite part of school is homework. That may sound ridiculous to many of you, but that was my favorite part, hands down. Well, that and recess.

I am also looking forward to one-on-one time with my sweet William. He's growing up so fast. He loves to help. In fact, that is his new distraction technique. If he is acting out and gets caught (usually going in to time out), he yells out frantically, "I want to help! I want to help!" That charmed me the first couple of times, but I got wise to his game. He loves to do things on his own, and I am excited about helping him become the "big boy" around the house with Hadland gone all day. We just phased out his afternoon naps, so he and I will have an hour or so of private time while our pretty little Lauren gets her beauty rest.

Lauren is a hoot! She is quite sassy, and she is a total drama queen. For example, we were at my sis-in-law's house tonight, and Lauren wanted to climb up the side of the stairs. She knows its off limits, but man, she loves to push that envelope. Everytime I told her no, she would drop her head on the stair and start wailing. Tears and all, you know? I guess I have to move over and make room for another dramatic girl in our home! And here I thought I had all the limelight...

Larry is LOVING not having to wear glasses! He keeps trying to adjust them, or look for them after a nap or a wrestle. (In case you didn't know, he had LASIK surgery done about 10 days ago.) When we saw Darla tonight, she commented on how she is going to have to get used to him without glasses. If I can get him to agree, I'll post a picture of "the NEW him" on this site.

I just keep getting rounder and rounder. That's a good thing, right? I have about eight weeks left, and I am thinking this is going to be the longest two months ever. At least the weather isn't as not as it has been. THANK GOODNESS! The house we are renting just went on the market, so we'll be moving in the next couple of months or so, depending on how fast the house sells. We'll let you all know when we know where we are headed next!

Searching for Bobby Fischer?

Larry and I just saw this movie last night. And, surprise, surprise, we totally cried.

It as all about this 7-year-old kid who is really good at chess. Then he gets all the adults involved--wanting to live vicariously through him and succeed beyond their wildest dreams. And he is still just a kid.

The mom was pretty awesome throughout the whole movie. I mean, really supportive, totally knowing what was best for her boy even when daddy couldn't see it. It inspired me. The boy was a good kid (with a capital G).

Children need to know that their parents will go to bat for them EVERY time. They need to know that even when they are annoying the snot out of you, you still love them. They don't need to know that their parents have issues with the fact that they go around the house acting like bunnies, or puppies, or alligators (when you are trying to get them to help you pick up the family room).

Kids thrive on love. I need to remember that.

I'm it!

There is a questionnaire making its way through my friends' blogs, so I guess it was inevitable that I would get tagged. So here goes!

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
I have no idea! Somewhere hear family/friends, good schools, good ward. You get what I mean. Just not in the city--I need room to breathe and my kids need space to run OUTSIDE!

2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
This may sounds really weird, but I have an old black slip that I love to wear around the house. Just think of it as a variation on the theme of a housedress (just don't expect me to answer the door in it). Unfortunately for Larry, it is not as sexy as it sounds.

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
LIPS! and I lucked out with Larry :)

4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I can't pass up anything Mack Wilberg does!

5. Where's your favorite place to be?
A windy spot where I can hear the leaves rustling in the breeze.

6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
In traffic.

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged?
Feet or scalp.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
Well, I am probably stronger in body, but that's not saying much. (I have been pregnant four times, does that count for strength?)

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
As late as possible (and early enough to keep the kids from destroying the house).

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
My grill (for pancakes, grilled cheese, etc).

11. What makes you really angry?
Pornography

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Oboe, no questions asked.

13. Favorite color?
When I was younger it was definitely green. But now I think I'm more into yellow, white and blue (together). Just like my old family room/kitchen.

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV?
I would love an old fashioned VW bug! But I have to say I love my Odyssey (I'm a mom--what do you expect? It holds my kids AND our stuff AND a super-tall daddy).

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes indeedy!

16. Favorite children's book?
Only one? Hush a Bye Baby

17. What is your favorite season?
Spring, I think.

18. What is your least favorite household chore?
Bathrooms and mopping! Cooking, too. I don't mind the actual cooking, its the decision on what to make. UGH!

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Super-patience!

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it?
I don't think so. My body is a temple!

21. Can you juggle?
Absolutely--dressing one kid while combing another's hair at the same time as making a meal! I'm a pro.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
Shawn Stanley. Such a close childhood friend who committed suicide right before graduating Med School.

23. What's your favorite day?
Rainy, dark, cold--the perfect hot cocoa, read a book in bed day.

24. What's in the trunk of your car?
A stroller and various other things that shouldn't be there.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
I'm with Cherie--its In-N-Out or nothing, baby! Besides, even the thought of sushi makes me want to run and hide!

Just getting started...

I feel like I am blog preschooler. What I mean is that I am surrounded by people who have advanced degrees in blogging, and I am feeling like a neanderthal. But that is me, and I have always been a quick learner. Mom and Kristin, remember when I learned to ski? I was pretty grumpy about not being able to do it in five minutes. I think it only took fifteen minutes for me to learn, but at least seven of those minutes were spent pouting and crying. Do I see a pattern in my life--DEFINITELY!! I guess I can't be mad when my kids take after me then, huh?

Thanks to all those who share their blogs with me. I am determined to not be intimidated by you (which is nothing you have done--its all me). I didn't scrapbook because Kristin and Nikki had created these astounding masterpieces that I couldn't possibly match, so I psyched myself out of ever doing it. Bummer, eh? Don't feel sorry for me--I am actually going to learn this time that even though there are Cherie's (i love you, girl) in the world, I can still blog. Its all about keeping our little family connected with all of our dear family and friends, and I won't let self-consciousness get in my way.

So...watch me grow, everyone! I may be in preschool now, but I'll be a kindergartener soon!

I'm grumpy today

And it is no secret to anyone that lives in this house. I've been more grumpy this pregnancy than ever before. I could blame it on fatigue, hormones, pain, etc., but I am not sure that would be fair. I don't want to admit it, but I am in charge of whether or not I am grumpy. I guess that means I need to be humble and change (two of my greatest challenges). Better get to it before I get kicked out of the house for making everyone's lives miserable :)

Major pregnancy moment!

I almost forgot--CONGRATULATIONS to Laurel, Devon and Ella on the birth last week of Samuel and Lucas! I just saw pictures of them today, and they are adorable (not that I am surprised). Way to go, Laurel--you should get some sort of trophy for surviving this hot summer with a huge belly and for going into labor naturally. YOU ROCK, GIRL!!

I am not behind!

Well, more than a month has gone by, and no blogs! That is pretty much par for the course...BUT I am turning over a new leaf!

We are still plugging away here in Ogden where the heat is not as bad as it has been (pretty bad, let me tell you!). Hadland starts school in a couple of weeks, but not before we try to pack in a ton of fun in August.

I (Melanie) am William's new Sunbeam teacher (all the three and four year olds at church), and I am gaining new appreciation for Tracy Lovstedt and all those who have tended my sweet and ACTIVE boy over the years. I am also playing the organ (thanks, Mom for the lessons years ago--I've still not started playing the pedals--OOPS!) in Sacrament meeting, so Larry gets a lot of hands-on Daddy time at church. Needless to say, we all need naps before AND after church-hee hee!

We would love to see any of you that come to Utah! We had a fun dinner/game night with Manny and Ana Lara and their family this last week, and we are anticipating a visit from the Thunells one of these days. We have spent time with the Brandleys, Browns, Basuas, my parents, and Karin Knudsen, but we would love more visitors!

Hopefully we'll see you soon!

Here we are!

Well, after great hemming and hawing, I have finally decided to do a blog for our family. We have just moved to Utah from our long-time (at least it was for us) home in California, and we want to keep in touch.

If you are looking at this, just know that we love and miss you tons! We are enjoying Utah--except I am freaking out that my kids don't go to bed until 10 p.m. every night because that is when it is finally dark. We had to resort to cardboard in the windows of the boys room to try to trick them that it was actually time to go to bed. But they are far smarter than their parents (in other words-that worked for about 5 seconds).

So far, we have been to Logan to see the temple (gorgeous!), Salt Lake to go shopping (Nikki and I), the Dinosaur park, the swimming pool, an air show, a move-in for the Basuas, a Father's Day dinner at Delyle's, swimming lessons for Hadland and William on four of five days a week, and walks by the river most days. Phew! I am tired just thinking of all that.

Oh--I almost forgot (pregnancy moment), we're having a girl!!!! We are very excited, and one of these days I will actually look pregnant instead of just fat! Thanks Nikki for getting married in a week-and-a-half! I am hoping that my belly will put in an appearance to save me from more "fat pictures" at weddings! Just kidding!

Well, I think I have written enough for today--we'll get some pictures up here as soon as I can figure it out!