Christmas Time is Here and Gone

I guess that since it is almost the new year I should take a few minutes and let everyone know how wonderful our Christmas was.
Christmas Eve was spent with my family during the day because Spencer had to work on Christmas. We enjoyed a great meal cooked by my mom (who doesn't love Grandma Sally's cookin?) and watched and exchanged gifts with Spence. We then went to the annual Duehlmeier Christmas party at Doug and Susan's. I am very thankful to them and the hospitality they show by hosting this event every year. The 3 wise guys came and delivered gifts to all the children and Derek made cute shirts of Oma for everyone in the family.

Christmas day was very low key and we weren't rushed into going or leaving. We started the morning off with Santa gifts and stockings at home. McKinley was a lot of fun this year and she enjoyed opening gifts. She didn't really care too much about what was inside, but she loved unwrapping. Next year she will begin to understand Christmas and Santa a little bit more and will still be a joy to have around the house at Christmas. Tait loved the wrapping paper as well along with his truck. After opening gifts at home we were off to my parents and then to my grandmas and then to Brets parents house.

The Kettenrings do Christmas, not on Christmas. We went on Saturday and slept over and opened gifts. Kinney was terribly sick and I sure wish that she wouldn't have been. She is too much fun when she is well and we missed out on her spunky personality while at Grandpa and Grandma Kettenrings. (we later found out she had strep... 5 fevery days later) We ended up with much more loot then I ever could have imagined. The grandkids all got Curious George jammies, fruit snacks, books and monkeys. And last but not least a WAGON!!

Bret has been home everyday since Christmas Eve without needing to go to school or work. It sure has been nice to have an extra set of hands to help out around the house (especially with Kinney being sick) and to be able to stay up late (I don't think we have gone to bed any earlier than 2am) watch movies, laugh and play with the kids. Monday at our home will be sad when dad has to go back to work.

We hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas' as much as we enjoyed ours!

Viva Las Vegas!

So this past weekend Bret and I went down to Vegas for the Las Vegas bowl. It was a lot of fun for us to get away. We were supposed to leave Saturday morning, but Bret's boss was nice enough to let him leave on Friday. So we packed up in a hurry and dropped Kinley off at grandma Laura's and we were off. We stayed at the Luxor the first night and then BYU headquarters, Planet Hollywood the next night. I LOVED Planet Hollywood and after staying there I would totally pay full price to stay there again.
I forgot the camera at the game and all of our trips out on the strip so the picture that I am posting came from my phone. The only thing that I got pictures with on our camera was the new City Center... man that thing is CRAZY big!
Instead of writing details of each thing we did I will just do a quick list...

• went to the M&M facotry
• ate at the bar at PF Changs.. I don't know who was more fascinated.. us watching the bartender or the bartender with us not drinking.
• Belagio water show... AMAZING as usual
• Tailgating
• Las Vegas Bowl - which sadly BYU lost... UofA showed up to play... BYU ?????
• walked the strip
  
• froze our hinneys off
• stayed up until like 3:30 each morning
• waited for an elevator for 20 minutes (planet Hollywood seriously needs to figure something else out)
  
• saw and talked to coach Anae

Overall it was a lot of fun and I am really glad we went even though BYU lost. I was pretty excited to be at the game since it seems like forever since I have watched them play. Sadly we have another 8 months before we get to watch them play again but until then I have added a countdown... even though their schedule is still up in the air I am pretty sure their first game will be on the 29th of August.

Thanks Jessica

As I was blogging today and catching up on everyones lives I was reading my friend from high school, Jessica's blog. She was telling of how everyone's blogs around this time of year talk about how wonderful life is and how in reality although she blogs only about the good, her life is far from as perfect as it can be portrayed to be.
I really needed this post from Jessica after hard things that my family and I have been faced with this week. After reading a quote by President Hinckley on Jessica's blog it opened my eyes to see that I don't need to worry, but put my trust in God that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. So that is what I am going to do... I am putting my trust in God that everything will work out. Not worry about all the little things. Its up to God, and He will work it all out.
So here is the quote for you all to read. I hope that it will help you with whatever trials or struggles you are being faced with. Thanks again Jessica for your WONDERFUL post.

"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of his blessings, He will hear our prayers." -Gordon B. Hinckley.

cute monkeys!

Who wouldn't love cute little monkeys like these?

I took this picture after Ethan, McKinley and Tait had their Grandma Laura annual pictures taken... I couldn't resist these cute little bums!

Drama Drama the moles part II

In response to my sister in laws comments, I just wanted to clear a few things up.

First of all here are her comments....

Oh brother! You don't have to cut around those moles and I'm not a mean in-law! As a beautician asking someone to do your hair and having to deal with those are a difficult task i did cut you trying to remove all your hair! Sorry the hair cut you choose shows them. Usually i wouldn't even cut around them and tell the client sorry because you don't want to deal with blood. I cut hair, not skin and moles. So it does gross me out when i try to cut around them and nick them. I because a beautician so i don't' have to deal with blood and gross stuff. Also as a beautician i gave you my opinion. As your IN-LAW (i hate being defined as that still I hoped by now we'd get pass that!) AS your FAMILY I told you want i thought of them and if those comments hurt you and the moles really did mean that much to you, then you tell me to shove it never talk about it again and move on. You never said that. Thanks for making me look like the bad guy instead of talking about it to me to my face! Whatever, next time something bothers you just let me know so i don't get my face smeared all over the internet! If you want to know what hurts that does!

December 15, 2008 11:56 PM

Blogger Robyn Parker said...

UGH!!!! How mean can you possibly get. Seriously You creamed me and my mother because you conformed to us! Oh brother grow a pair!

December 15, 2008 11:59 PM

Second she sent me a text telling me she thought better of me. I in returned asked her if she loved me more now that my moles were gone and told her I did tell her more than once that I liked them and then apologized if I hurt her feelings by "creaming" her.

Her response...

Whatever, you are just a rude person and I just have to accept that. Thats not sugar coated and so I hope that doesnt hurt your feelings but don't worry I wont post that for anyone else to see because I am not like that.

Or because that comment is rude? - my thought

Since she already thinks I am a rude person I guess posting what she said to me that is "nice" is okay.
I don't want to drag anyone into all this family drama, but I honestly had NO idea that my story about my moles would cause this much pain to those people who I love.
I just want to let everyone know, my friends who read this especially, that I do love my "in-laws" (I call them that as a description not because I don't consider them or love them like family) I was indeed very hurt by the comments made about my moles. I guess by not "growing a pair" and yelling at them and "telling them to shove it" or not telling them 100 times that I like them I had no right to make them "look bad" or reiterating the comments made to me (all of which were said) I also didn't have the right to "cream" them. If someone is paying you to do their hair, that also means cutting around things like moles. I go to Robyn because she is an excellent hair dresser. I recommend her to everyone who comments on my hair. She always has done an outstanding job on my hair and I am apologize if the hair cut I chose required some extra time and skill.
The fact of the matter is, I was only thinking about my feelings. I told the story from my point of view at a time when my feelings were raw. I didn't mean to "smear" any ones "face all over the internet." I did however mean for you all to understand the story from my point of view, and by ALL I mean Robyn and Laura as well. I wanted them to know that it really was a HUGE thing for me to do and becuase I LOVE them I was willing to sacrifice something that meant a lot to me for them. In no way was I meaning to hurt their feelings. Especially because my feelings were so hurt by the things they had said to me. I was shocked to find out that HER feelings were hurt by my explianation of MY hurt feelings.
I guess we all have something to learn about the things we say.

Need a Laugh?

When I was doing this I was seriously peeing my pants! Who could have thought that something so little could make my day?!
I hope that these silly faces and dancers made yours too!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

They are no more.... the story behind the moles.

So many of you that know me pretty will also probably know that I also have moles... a lot of moles, some little, some big. It must come with my fair skin and the exposure to sunlight that brings them in multitudes.
When I was younger, I had a particular patch of moles that grew in a straight line up my neck. My mom always would tell me "that is where Jesus sewed you up". That tells you how long I have had these moles because I honestly believed her. I know and have known for quite a while that this is NOT where Jesus sewed me up. Although because of that little saying, these moles have always had a special place in my heart. They were a reminder to me of my Heavenly Father and that he makes each one of us different... some with moles... some without.. some short... some tall... some big.. and some small.
Well I cut my hair a few months ago and my sister in law Robyn, who does my hair complained about how ugly they were. Yes, I know that moles are ugly, but these to me make me different... they have sentimental value. And Yes, I do know that is weird to some of you, but read my above paragraph again so you can understand why. Anyway, every time I see her or she cuts my hair she makes comments about my moles and how I should go get them taken off. After my last hair cut and all of her comments and everyone elses comments I thought that I should get them removed. But I was so torn up about it. Later that night I explained to Bret why I loved my moles. He told me that if that is how important they are to me, then to not get them removed. So I decided to keep them.
The weeks to follow only worsened the situation... My in laws made comments like
"I love you, but if I pay to have the moles removed will you do it?"
"you still have those? they are SO gross"
"Just go get them taken off"
"You do know that is not where Jesus sewed you up, right?"
Although they are family, the comments still cut pretty deep because I am attached to these silly moles. I like them, they don't bug me and really that is all that should matter... right?
Well, I finally decided against my better judgment to go get them removed. Tuesday I went in and they are now gone.
I was planning on writing a poem to both Robyn and Laura about my moles being gone for them for Christmas. Mostly so I would have time to cope with my loss of my "different"-ness being gone and to hopefully be just as happy that they are gone as they would be. Yesterday Robyn noticed that they were gone and both Laura and Robyn are happy now that my moles are gone. But for me, I am not. I hate the fact that because someone said something about what I looked like or because the person I pay to do my hair doesn't like them I got rid of them. I folded... which is SO not like me.
The area that my moles were now is sore and tender. The dr told me that I will always have a scar there where they were. It will always be a constant reminder to me of my comformity.

Anyway, with that being said.... Merry Christmas to all those people who hated my moles.

Ok... Who said the Prayer?

This weekend was a lot of fun! Friday my mom flew out to Arizona for her sisters 60th birthday with all her brothers and sisters. Which meant that we were in charge of my little sister Anna until my dad got done with working early Saturday morning. My dad dropped Anna off at our house after taking my mom to the airport and she spent Friday night with us. She was a such a great helper with the kids... I was even able to take a shower while both of my kids were awake and make a quick stop at the store without piling everyone in. (for those with kids you know that it is a 20 minute ordeal just to get everyone in the car)

Friday when Bret got home from work, we decided to go up to Park City to go get Tait his Christmas stalking. Bret and I bought our Christmas stalkings up there on our honeymoon so we go back up there each time we have a kid. Anyway, we were having the hardest time trying to find this little Christmas Shop on Main Street so we finally asked one of the workers for another store if it was up or down from where we were.. and that is when she told us that the store went OUT OF BUSINESS!! great! Now I have to see if I can find a stalking just like the rest of ours...(I think I might just make it instead) Bret and I were pretty bummed out and to make to best of it went to El Chabasco's our favorite place to eat in Park City. Its good food and not so pricey.

After Park City we drove back to my parents house and put the kiddies to bed and watched Chronicles of Narnia, until my dad got home.
Saturday morning we got up and Bret wanted to change the oil in the Tahoe before we did anything else. This is the first time that we have changed the oil since we have owned it and had NO idea that it would end up being an ALL DAY project. I don't know or understand all the technical stuff, but I guess someone tightened the bolt on too tight and NO ONE I mean NO ONE could get it off. Bret tried, Danny tried, a guy who works on cars in our neighborhood tried, this thing was NOT coming off. Bret decided to see if maybe my dad could get it off so we drove out to Riverton to my mom and dads to see if my dad could do it... and sure enough he could. Anyway, 5 people, 6 hours and 4 trips to Checker later it was finished. McKinley was being SO funny chasing Dash (our dog) around my parents front yard trying to pick him up and I had to snap a few pictures of her holding him because Dash looked HUGE when Kinney was holding him.

After we finished the car it was off to Jaysons basketball game and then to Brets parents ward Christmas party. It was a Hawaiian themed Christmas Party and everyone came dressed up and wore lays. We ate pulled pork, chicken and a pineapple salad. It was a lot of fun and the entertainment was pretty good too, we sang songs, heard a few poems and Christmas stories, and even saw Santa. Mostly we were watching Kinney running around playing with all the other little kids. During clean up we threw everything to the middle of the table cloth and rolled it up and threw it away. (this is a very important note to remember while I finish telling this story) McKinley found a blow up palm tree decoration and began carrying it all over the gym. It was a crack up. Plus I was boasting as everyone who passed her said how cute she was. (very proud moment as a parent)

As we were all getting packed up to leave and saying goodbye to Brets mom, she reached in her pocket to get out her keys.. and that is when she remembered she left them on the table.. which meant they were somewhere in the garbage. Bret said there was no way that he was going to go through the garbage to find her keys until she told him that was the ONLY pair they had. So I packed the kids up in the car and parked in front of the outside garbage with the lights on so we could begin looking for the keys. One of the members in their ward came out to help. (which surprised me it was only one since there was well over 200 people at the party) He jumped in the garbage can and began throwing out all the garbage bags. There had to be at least 15. Anyway Bret picked one out and we unrolled the table cloth and started looking for the keys. As Laura started moving plates around and began to roll up the very FIRST tablecloth I saw my name tag that McKinley had taken off me and stuck on the table. I knew that this was our table. Laura had already started to roll it up when I screamed "this is ours, this our table!" and sure enough there were her keys. After all of that the guy from there ward, who just happens to be a seminary teacher, said "ok, who said the prayer." we all started laughing but knew that someone had to have said a prayer because there was NO WAY that out of 15 garbage bags we would have picked the first one by chance or even grabbed the right table cloth on the first shot.

It is amazing to me that our Heavenly Father watches out for each one of us. I know that He answers our prayers and I know that He answered the silent prayer that Laura had said so she would be able to find her keys. Little or Big, I know that He is there and listening and wanting to help. Kinda a cheesy faith building story, but its little things like this that help me remember my Heavenly Father.

Christmas Time?!?!

I cannot believe that it is already December 2nd!! Maybe that is why I am not so into the Christmas spirit, or the fact there is no snow.
This past weekend was a lot of fun filled with spending time with family, food and traditions. My mom took our kids for us on Saturday so we could go cut down our tree. It looked a lot better on the mountain than it did once we got it in the house. Oh well... it looks better now that it has decorations on it and it makes the house smell really good.

I haven't talked about our kids too much lately, so I just wanted to take a few minutes and write down some exciting things that are happening daily in the adventurous life with two kids under two.

McKinley is hilarious! Its fun to see her growing up and getting a little mind of her own and an attitude. She is officially off the binkey!! Hooray!!! And since she has tried to talk a little bit more. her vocabulary is expounding to a few new words... Yeah, No, love you, Tait, dad, bye and a few more. A couple weeks ago we went to go get the kids pictures taken and she wanted to be the only one in the picture. She LOVES the spotlight. She dances to music whenever it comes on and tries to sing like Aerial.. which is a definate TRY! Her laugh is so contagious and it is becoming very hard to try and discipline when she is so stinkin cute!

Taitan is getting so big SO fast. I seriously cannot believe that he is already 5 months (in 3 days) he is trying to sit up on his own, he giggles and its absolutely hysterical! Healso loves to coo and blow raspberries. He is a much happier baby since I stopped nursing and went to straight formula. That was a very hard thing for me to do becuase I loved the one on one time it gave me with him. He has started veggies, right now its sweet potatos and he loves them. He still does not sleep through the night but in a couple weeks when Bret doesn't have school or work we are curbing that awful habit! I am glad that I am finally starting to figure things out with him and that he since has been a much better baby.
Bret has only 8 more days left of school and then I get his time! I cant wait!

What I am Thankful For

I LOVE Thanksgiving! It is by far my favorite holiday. I think that its because of all the yummy food but also the time that we get to spend with our families. This year we are with my side of the family which consists of about 10 people all together. It is nothing like when the Duehlmeiers get together that is for sure! Its pretty low key and my mom always makes the best food! (I think that is part of the reason I look the way I do, you never can turn down anything that my mom makes)
This month I have tried to write down at least ten things that I am thankful for each day with out repeating myself. So here is part of the list that I have created. Since this is my 96th post I will take 96 of the things from my list.

• Bret
• McKinley
• Taiter Bug
• My mom
• Anna
• Spencer
• My dad
• my in-laws
  
• warm beds
  
• hot showers
• music
• movies
• cuddling
  
• blankets
• the sunshine
• the smell of rain
• animals
• laughter
• the gospel
  
• missionaries
• neighbors
• a good book
• kisses
• sleeping babies
• the book of mormon
• my testimony
• cell phones
• good friends
• swimming pools
  
• my new car
• computers
• my job
• BYU football
• friends
• bathrooms
• school
• temples
• homemade cookies
• a clean house
  
• naptime
• Cafe Rio
• Disney
• Wendy's
• long drives
• the changing colors
• children books
• bath time
  
• doctors
• hugs
  
• the color green
• epidurals
• children singing
• silence
• nature
• Christmas time
• the first snowfall
• pay day
• date night
• Jay Leno
  
• extended family
• the priesthood
• fireworks
• sleeping in
• smiles
• McKinleys laugh
• being a mom
• calculators
• marshmallows
  
• pajamas
  
• sports but mostly football
• Bret's surprises
  
• soap
  
• Halloween
  
• disposable diapers
• Old Navy
• Water
• rice bags
• Costco
• duct tape
  
• Ellen
• Eli Stone
• jeans
• bedtime
• fireplaces
• parks
• ice cream
• Dr Pepper
• 7-11 runs
• flowers
  
• Del Taco
• the Atonement
• Prophets
• DVR
• Ipods
• Taits laugh

Happy Thanksgiving!

Silly Max! Cougars wear Blue!

I cannot make another post without talking about the BYU vs UTAH game. For all of you (most of you) that read this that are Ute fans, understand that this post is coming from a cougar fan. I will most likely say things that you do not agree with, and just remember in all you did win the game. With that being said. I would never call Saturdays game what many Ute fans are calling it... a slaughter! The Utes did not destroy the cougars nor did they prove to them who was the better team. I believe that at the beginning of the 4th quarter the score was 27-24 I hardly call that a game where BYU was destroyed.
I like many Cougar fans am a little heartbroken over the fact that they lost. But most of all I am irritated by the fact that Ute fans have no sportsmanship and rush the field before the game is even over, careless to the fact that their team still had players on the field just like BYU. Even Whittingham (who I have no respect for) was screaming for the fans to get off the field. I can't believe that fans got into Bronco Mendenhalls face screaming profanity. And feel the need to say crazy things about others religion or how they are going to go to hell because they are a BYU fan. Or because BYU lost it prove's that its not the Lords school. (ridiculous that the Lord has a school?)
For those of you who know me I have already vowed never to go to a Ute game in the Rice Eccles stadium because of an experience I had a few years ago at a game (it wasn't even against the Y). I was disgusted by the way the fans have no respect for visiting teams or their fans. I will never go or allow my children to attend a game in that stadium. I care for their well being and safety too much.
As for the game, Ute fans need to give credit where credit it due. Max Hall totally should have been given the games MVP award. If BYU would have scored on the 5 turn overs caused by Max Hall, this game would have been in BYU's favor. And the U would have had their first loss of the year. But because that is not the way the game went, U fans should be thanking our silly Max for the win that they were given in the 4th quarter.
All in all I am still very proud of the way that the Cougars have played this year. 10-2 is not that bad of a record. They always show respect for whichever team they play even if that respect is not reciprocated and for that I am proud to be a Y fan. We plan on attending their bowl game where ever it is to cheer on our Cougars!
I hope that for MWC sake that the Utes can win the BSC bowl game they are given and not see a replica of the Hawaii game last year. So as much as I hate to say it, GO RED! but mostly GO BLUE!!!

BYU fans are stupid!

Ok so as this week goes on I have noticed a great amount of "BYU fans" who come out of the woodwork this time of the year. They pull out their anciently old clothes from their closest, and get on message/opinion boards and write dumb things. No wonder Ute fans think that they Y is dumb. We have these pieces of work who claim to be fans say the DUMBEST THINGS!!! They make true blue fans all look like they know nothing!
In my opinion you can not be a true BYU fan and not care a little bit about the BCS money or the recoginition to the MWC that will come if the U wins on Saturday.
Yes, we want the cougars to win, it would be great to see the Y be the ones that end the BCS hopes for Utah. But BYU fans pull your head out and understand that even if the Y does win, BYU is not going to bust the BCS nor will they see the Big Bowl Money!
There is a lot more riding on this game for the Utes than the Cougs. Either way its a win win for the Y. And that is coming from a TRUE BYU fan who actually understands all the stupid BCS mumbo jumbo.
Anyway, GO COUGARS!

Rivalry Week plus 3 years! GO Blue!

Well its officially rivalry week, which is one of my favorite things about the week Bret and I got married. Today we have been married for 3 years! Its crazy how time flies, yet I still love him the same, if not more than I did the day we got married. Happy Anniversary honey!



As for rivalry week, boy it sure is a lot of fun. I have sworn not to wear any red all week.. which actually works out pretty good since I don't own much red anyway. This years game I am pretty sure will bring as much excitement as the last couple years have. Harline in the end zone, Collie on 4 and 18.. what will it be this year? At our house the countdown has begun!
One thing that always has driven me crazy about this week is how much trash talking goes on... I understand that at first it is all fun and games, but eventually we all, Utah and BYU fans start taking low blows at each other. Y fans always bring up the National Championship, just like U fans bring up '04.

One thing about this year though it that trash talking really doesn't work all that well. BYU is 10-1 Utah is 11-0 Other than 3 teams, they have the same schedule. The teams stats are pretty much the same. Despite the fact that Kyle Whittingham doesn't acknowledge that BYU has a pretty good program this year, (which really ticked me off, but I won't go into that) I really don't think that this years game is going to be the big blow-out that the U fans are all expecting it to be.
Anyway with that being said.... GO COUGARS!!!

Pampered Chef Partay!

*****If you would like to order something here is where you can do it online. My show will close on the 25th.
www.pamperedchef.biz/emilyolaya
you can then go to order products and type in my name******


Ok so I am really bad about anything that involves stamps. *luckily we can pay all our bills online right?* well, I was supposed to send everyone their invites a long time ago plus I was going to pass them out at the baby blessing but there was a lot going on. Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that this Friday at 6:30 I am having a pampered chef party at my place. Everyone is invited.. it will be super fun with good food and who couldn't honestly use some new things for your kitchen!!
I understand Friday nights fill up fast and most of you like to spend time with your hubby, but I promise it won't last that long and you can bring your husband along too and they can watch sports and eat the food we make with Bret and the kids. Let me know if you can come so I can plan on how many we need to cook for.

This Friday November 14, 2008 @ 6:30
My house... 875 Lucy Ave

Political Tangent

Now that the election is finally behind us, I just would like to take a few minutes and say a few things. Just to warn you this will be a very opinionated blog entry so if you get your feelers all in a ruffle because of something that I say, then i will advise you to stop reading now. I know that I will most likely get anonymous comments from people who are too afraid to show who they are that disagree with the things I am going to say. But whatever, this is my blog.

Obama for president? Are freaking kidding me? I cannot believe that the American people voted him in. Come on, he couldn't even be a member of the FBI or even a police officer for the US because of his association with known terrorists, but he now is the leader of our nation. It makes me sick! I do however have to say that his idea of "change" was a good selling point for him. I too, like many people, want to see change. I too, also think that the war in Iraq should be over. I also believe that something needs to be done about our economy. Obama's speeches have been nothing but far from outstanding. I too, agree with many things that he has said. Many things that he has said have hit home with me and my "middle class, Joe the plumber" family. But I personally, would NEVER vote for anyone with any anti-Christ affiliation to be the President of our supposed God rearing country.
Because of teachings in the Book of Mormon and revelations and prophecies in the Bible, I know that eventually the world is going to come to an end. I do not believe that Obama is the reason that our Country is going to to go pot, like many other Latter-day saints do. (mom, I still love you) I believe that it is the people who live in the country who will bring it all to an end. I believe that this process began WAY before this election. But I do believe that Obama does bring us one step closer. And if that really is the case... i guess bring it on. We as Latter-day Saints have been told time and time again by the leaders of the Church that we are living in the last days. They have advised us of things that we need to do, ways we should be living our lives, the things we need to teach our children, etc. How many times have we heard, "If ye are prepared you shall not fear."? This should be bringing us all comfort, not fear. Yes, I am scared of the persecution and trails that my family and my friends families are going to have to face. But I also have be warned and taught by my parents and by the leaders of the Church that if I am living my life the way I should, repenting when I make mistakes, trying to live my life the best I possibly can, praying for my family and loved ones and teaching my children the true Gospel of Christ... In the end that is really all that matters.
Now as for proposition 8, I cannot stand other members of the church who can say that they voted against this proposition! I don't care if your neighbor, best friend, brother, sister, son or daughter is gay! Homosexuality is a sin! How can you honestly say that you sustain the leaders of our church and then go against them not advising but telling us to vote FOR the ban of Gay marriage. Last time I checked the leaders of our church get direct revelation from GOD, which means that GOD does not want legalized gay marriage. The foundation of our Church is about Families. How can you make a family if you are a man married to another man? or a woman married to another woman. God did not make Eve and Eve and Adam and Adam or Adam and Eve to have extra Eves and Adams just for more pleasure... at least last time I read about it in the Bible. Or has that changed? It cracks me up to hear the media finding these crazy people who claim to be faithful members of the church or members who are going to be X-d (one KSL report) who say that that the church's views are going to change on this. HA! You are going through excommunication... enough said. And to those other members of the church who are for gay marriage, can you honestly call yourself a faithful member of the church? by not agreeing or following one of the most important commandments of God? Why are we allowing others to step all over are beliefs for their own. So we don't offend anyone? It doesn't affect me so let them be? Give me a break. Do you realize that if the law was passed that the church's right to marry in the temple could be effected? That does affect me and it does affect my family and our future eternal well being. And I think that because of this every church member should be out there fighting for this ban. I feel deep sorrow for the members of the Church or others in Cali who have been victimized for voting for this ban. By vandalizing property and such these people are doing the very thing to others that they complain about being done to them. That for sure would not change my vote.
Needless to say this election it has opened my eyes quite a bit. More so in the fact that I as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, should not stand by the wayside and allow things things to happen. I need to stand up and fight for what I believe in, for what I know with my own conviction, is right and true. Now more than ever we as members need to stand unified and stand out as the peculiar people.

Halloween and a Blessing

This weekend was a lot of fun! McKinley absolutely loved Halloween. She was in her prime when she was trick or treating. Earlier on in the day I took the kids to my moms office to trick or treat there. McKinley ran down the hall from one office to the next once she finally understood the concept. She collected enough loot there that I decided we would only take her down our street so there weren't so many treats in the house. I have always loved Halloween and now that I have kids, its even that much more enjoyable.

These pictures that I have of Tait in his outfit, I took them from my phone. I will get my mom in law or my mom to send me the ones that they took.

On Sunday we blessed Taiter bug. Bret did such a good job, I was so proud of him! He is totally turning into his mom and getting all emotional when he feels the spirit. I think the last few blessings that he has given he has started to cry. I am so grateful to be married to someone who honors his priesthood and is so sensitive to the spirit. Unfortunately Tait spit up all over his outfit before we had a chance of taking family pictures so we will have to reenact the Sunday and take pictures another time. I am also taking him in to get his pictures professionally taken finally. I feel like such a slacker mom. But I am going to take his blessing outfit too. I will post those as soon as I get them done... hopefully this week sometime. Anyway here is the only picture taken that day. Its of me and my two kids with only diapers on...

As of yesterday, Tait is rolling over! I can't believe it, he isn't even 4 months old yet!

Dennis Pitta is my Hero!

This Picture is from the San Deigo State game from last year... but I think this picture shows what a tremendous player he is, and to think he was a walk on at the Y.
Anyway, here is to another amazing "pitta sandwich" of a night!

Suicide Watch

My dearest child McKinley is officially on suicide watch!


Here is a run down of this weeks attempts * caution do not attempt try these at home *

Monday - Suicide by electrocution

Here is what is left of the outlet



Three severely burn fingers later... the attempt failed.

Tuesday - Suicide by spider bite

This is the spider she tried to make her friend



ok this isn't really the spider she tried to make her friend, but it looks just like it. True story, I went to take a picture of it... and it was gone, which means it is somewhere in my house... eck!

Wednesday - Suicide by cleaners

This is the toothbrush that I use to get gunck out of small crevasses i.e., the oven, sinks, etc.



I found this gross toothbrush in her mouth... she was so proud to be brushing her teeth all by herself.

Thursday - Suicide by Car




She ran into the middle of the street today pushing her baby-doll in the stroller. As I start to run after her a car turned the corner and she began to run faster away from me. By the screaming coming from her when I caught her, I could tell she was very disappointed that this attempt of suicide failed. I, on the other hand, am happy that she is still alive!

Now that you all think that I am a horrible mother... pray that tomorrow she doesn't try something more drastic.

I HATE skinny people

well, this is just to update everyone on my weight loss and how it is all going. i have officially been a member of weight watchers for 1 month now. And I lost 8, gained 4, lost 2, and now have gained 5. Which puts me at almost the same weight I started. Granted I have not gone and weighed in for a while, mostly because I can't. I have two kids that are attached to my hip 24/7. The only places that are kid friendly are about 20 miles away from my house. I could go at night... but Bret is always at school or doing homework. I know that this might just sound like excuses, which they are. But it really doesn't make it any easier on me. And on top of all of that, even though I am never hungry.. I am SO sick of veggies I can't handle it. I look at skinny people with envy with the fact that they can eat pizza, chocolate, ice cream and all of those other wonderful foods and still remain small. I while watching them gain weight. Just thinking about it now, I am pretty sure that I am gaining weight. I wish that I could find a magic button that would just drop me like 50lbs!
I tried starting an exercise group in my ward, but no one showed. So this is to all my friends who stay home with their kids or who just want to loose weight.. lets start a exercise group. I know that we all live fairly close to each other and we can let our kids play together and we can all get into shape and enjoy each others company. Let me know what you all think...

8 Tags 8

Thanks Jo for this Tag! Funny thing this is my 8th tag for my blog too!

8’s

8 TV shows I love to watch:

Greys Anatomy, CSI, House , Ellen, American Idol, Law and Order SVU, Law and Order CI, (I love the crazy detective) and Psych

8 favorite restaurants

Cafe Rio, Los Harmones, Chili's, Wendy's, Del Taco, Subway, Tres Hombres, Applebee's.

8 things I did yesterday

Got gas for the car, bought keyless entry's for our new car!! (that will be a different post), worked, did dishes, played with my kids, tried to watch Iron Man for the 2nd time (still haven't watched longer than 5 mintues of it), watched Grey's, went to the bank

8 things I am looking forward to:

Bret finishing another semester, Tate crawling/being mobile, Kinley talking, Christmas, loosing weight, BYU vs Utah game, American Idol starting, Thanksgiving

8 things I love about THIS fall:

Not being Preggers for the first fall since the year we got married!!! McKinley's nose turning red after playing outside, Kinley's vocabulary (mom, mooy, meme, 'o, poppy, gma, gpa that its) Tate's smile whenever he sees me, the frost that is inside the pannels of my front windows in the morning, BYU football, having two kids, seeing my brother

8 things on my wish list:

lose more weight, to eat healthy and actually enjoy it, McKinley to really be able to communicate with me rather then point scream and whine, Bret to finish school, Spencer to figure things out, to be more active as a family, teach my children the gospel and have them live it, make a million $

8 people I tag: Janae, Kateka, Bret, Heather, Nicole, Tiffany, Chelsea, Robyn

LuCkY mE!

Yes, I do know that it is 3:30 in the morning. But I couldn't help but not write about this moment, while it was happening.
This week Kinley has had a horrible cold. Because of her cold it has totally thrown off her sleeping schedule, what sleep she gets is very minimal, if at all. And because of this Bret and I have been suckers and let her sleep in our bed because her sleeping = mom and dad sleeping.
Well tonight she made it to our bed at a record time of 12:30. Since that time she has snuggled up next to Bret and fallen fast asleep.
Tate woke up for his night feeding and was making all sorts of noise and fuss while breastfeeding so I made him a bottle laid him down in my spot on the bed and fed him while I sat at the end of the bed looking at my cute family while holding his bottle.
As I sat staring at my cute husband and kids, I couldn't help but be thankful for such a great family. Lucky me

Invites

Ok... now that my deep depression over the BYU vs. TCU game is almost gone, I figured that I would post Tate's birth announcement, but the silly thing wont post. I love this picture so i will just post this one.

Anyway for those of you who are family you will be getting them in the mail sometime soon. Along with an invitation to his blessing. We are blessing him on the 2nd of November, so for those of you who would like to come (friends included), you are welcome to join us for the blessing and good grub after.

SADNESS!!!

Ah man! What can I say...

THEY LOST!!!!

Well I hope that at least Utah can win the rest of their games... (except when they play the Cougars of course) to bust the BCS for the Mountain West Conference.

Edward Anyone?

Thanks Whitney for this link! I have to say that after reading all the Twilight books, I was fairly disappointed with the trailers I had seen of the movie. I honestly had no desire to go and see it. But after watching this trailer, I am for sure getting tickets!


http://www.joblo.com/video/player.php?video=twilightnew1

Something in the Air!

This past week has been full of pretty exciting days. It must be that fall air. Fall is by far my favorite season.
Jayson turned 17 on the 2nd... Bret woke up and said I can't believe that Jayson is 17, that makes me... don't say it. haha I just laughed and told him he was old. For Jayson's birthday dinner we went to the Mayan. McKinley LOVED it. It was so fun to watch her get so excited over the divers. When they were done she was upset and wanted them to come back. Too cute.

Grandpa Jay and Kin watching the divers

Daddy and Kin

Birthday boy Jayson and Kinley

Its fun to see McKinley start to try and be so big. She now copies everything I do. It seriously makes me laugh. This morning I was shaving my legs and she of course wanted me to do it to her. When I fix dinner she has to be sitting on the counter next to me, helping with stirring or putting things in the pot. Her favorite thing to help with right now is making smoothies.

Making smoothies

When I vacuum the house she is right underneath me pushing the vacuum along. My favorite part of the day is in the morning. I hear her calling from her room.. "mom" long pause "mommy" When I walk in her room she is always so excited to see me and gives me a huge hug and then leans in so that I can kiss her. What a perfect start to everyday. She just started being interested in going potty on the big girl potty. She has really only actually gone maybe 3 times ever, but when she wants to sit there I let her. I am very excited for the day when I no longer have to change her stinky diapers.

Kinney on her potty

She is getting so big! And although I am the mom, I still think she is the cutest little girl ever!

Tate, is still practicing my patience, but still makes me smile.

This picture makes me laugh his eyes are so big!

On friday I surprised Bret with calling his boss and asking if he could have Friday afternoon off. I then picked him up and we went to the BYU vs. Utah State game. McKinley got to stay with grandma Sally, but because of how long we were going to be gone (I don't think not breastfeeding would have worked out so well for me) we took Tate with us. He was SO good!!! *sigh* I know that he already is a cougar fan because his favorite song that I sing to him right now is the Cougar Fight song. I will have to video tape it and post it on here... it seriously is a crack up how much he loves that song. He slept through most of the game, I think we need to take him out more often if that is how great of a baby he is.

Gotta love how cute this picture is, sporting his Y shirt.

He too, is getting SO big. His favorite new place is his bumbo. If I could figure out how to download my pictures from my phone to my computer I would post the the picture of him with a HUGE smile sitting in that silly chair. Babies grow up way to fast.. even if they are cranky buggers.


On a different note, since the 26th of September I have now officially lost 8lbs!!! WAHHOOO!!! Oh and I cut my hair OFF. I really like it, I will post picutres of it as soon as I get one.

A Lot on my Mind

I don't really know how to start this post, I have so much going through my head. I need to take a few minutes and just right it all down.

First and foremost... I am ecstatic and BYU busted the BCS, considering that BYU was the reason that the BCS was created in the first place (since they won the championship in 84) I am also glad to see so many Mountain West Conference teams in the top 25. And as much as I hate to say it the fact that the UofU number 15 makes me happy as well. Is there really light at the end of the tunnel? Will the BCS actually let the little schools (that have just as much talent) be apart of their big money bowls? I am not quite sure about this but it still makes me very excited for our little Mountain West Conference to be making such a difference in the polls this year! Go Cougars!

Parenting... I don't know if it is just me that has the whinniest children in the world or not, but there are days I absolutely love being a mom and days that I would give them away in a heartbeat. Maybe its just the combination of two very young children together that has done me in.

Tate, who we are changing his name to Taitan, is overall a pretty high maintenance child. I know, I know all children are high maintenance, but Kin was SUCH a different baby!! Tate requires me to be holding him at all times. He still doesn't sleep through the night yet and he cries almost every minute he is awake. I swear I feel like I am always taking him to the dr. asking her what is wrong with my baby. She always tells me lets try this... call me in a week if it isn't working. Well everything we have done never makes him better unless he is swaddled and held. On top of all of this McKinley is in the stage now where mom has to do everything with her, which is fine, but I can't take care of Tate and make McKinley happy at the same time. If its not one, its the other. And for those of you who don't have kids, don't listen to all my complaining about my kids. They really are my greatest joy, but the most challenging job I have ever had. I just need to vent. Anyway after listening to both of my kids whine all day, I am supposed to be happy to see my husband and make him feel like he is the most important thing to me, which he is, but I don't show it. I am just ornery with him, because he is the only person that I talk to all day long so he gets the brunt of all my frustration building up. I think that he is glad that he goes to school every night so he doesn't have to deal with me or the kids. I just feel as if I am being pulled in so many directions, I don't know how to handle things. Which leaves me little or absolutely NO time to myself. Which could drive anyone crazy. I started taking anti-depressants for my post-partum, but I stopped taking them because I gained 20lbs after starting them, 20lbs I didn't have to gain. Which just made me feel even worse about life.

Anyway because of the 20lbs I gained, I joined weight watchers Friday. Cooking is a whole new experience for me, but its good. I figure its a good thing for everyone in the house. I always told Bret that I didn't want to be the fat mom and I am on my way to achieving that goal. I see that my friends have done it and it gives me inspiration to do it too. Christy and I used to share clothes in high school, she has lost weight since then and looks extremely good. Me on the other hand, gained weight and looks like a mom who has let herself go and is in serious need of a makeover. Anyway, since Friday I have already lost 4lbs. Which I am pretty excited about and its given me an inner strength to keep going. For dinner last night I made the best homemade pizza I have ever had, and it was only 4 points a piece. I have to say that this is bringing out quite the homemaker side in me. I am excited to try new things and am just as surprised as Bret when they actually taste good. I think that I am going to start a blog of weekly recipes and pictures of my weight loss. I of course will make it private so if you are interested in it, let me know and I will add you so you can read it.

On a different note, I want to do a get together with all the old madrigals. We can have a little BBQ before it gets too cold out and everyone can bring their spouses and children. There are a few that I don't know where they are, but I need to get addresses so we can do it and find those that are 'missing'. Please just email me and I will get things rolling.

MaKe Up AnYoNe?

I always put my makeup on right after Kin wakes up from her nap. (this is usually because when I do get a shower in, its toward the end of her nap.) Kin usually sits on my lap and watches me put my make-up on and then starts digging in my endless bag. The last few weeks she has taken my eye brushes and pretend to put it on.
Today she got out my eye shadow and then hid on the other side of the coffee table. After applying my make-up I noticed her hunched over trying to hide something. This is what I found.... I knew she was too quiet!


This is her 'I've been caught and I don't know whether to laugh or cry' face

Her new found smile... with the added makeup she looks evil


My favorite picture! I just love her!

You're It!

Thanks Nicole for this tag...

Four random things I love about my husband...
1. His sense of humor, He always knows exactly what to say in a tense moment
2. The way he is with our kids!
3. How hard he works to provide for the kids and I, while going to school full-time
4. His compassion



Four jobs I've had...
1. Valcom - administration helper
2. Office Manager at ITS
3. EFY counselor 2004
4. Stay-at-home mom! The best EVER!



Four movies I have watched more than once...
1. Transformers
2. Encahnted- thanks to McKinley
3. Sweet Home Alabama
4. 27 dresses



Four TV shows I watch...
1. House
2. Greys Anatomy
3. Ellen
4. Law and Order SVU or Criminal Intent



Four places I have been...
1. Denver
2. K-town (Kalispell)
3. San Fran
4. LA



Four of my favorite foods...
1. Chips and Salsa
2. Anything Pasta
3. Chicken Cordon Blue
4. Anything Chocolate


Four places I would like to visit...
1. New York
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Greece



Four things I am looking forward to in this coming year...
1. Tate finally growing out of his fussy stage
2. McKinley talking/potty training
3. Bret Graduating!!!! YEAH! with his first of 2 degrees
4. BYU/Utah game GO COUGARS!!!



I tag Christy, Melynda, Jo and Whitney hehe