Good-bye to Summer!

Today looks like the final day of summer weather on the seven day forecast. Now that it's September on Monday, I'm sure that this will be the warmest day for quite some time. We decided to send summer off with a day of outdoor fun. First we went to the park for a bike ride and to play on the playground. Then we went to Nee-ma and Pa's house for a BBQ. After a nice afternoon nap we went swimming. Today was the first day all summer that both girls got up the courage to jump off of the diving board by themselves. Wa-hoo!! Of course I didn't have the camera with us, so I missed capturing all the precious moments. Still it was a wonderful way to send of summer!!

A Case of Mistaken Identity

While shopping at Gymboree on line last week I noticed a link over to the "Gymboree Play and Music." I clicked over to take a look, and noticed they were offering a free trial class of your choice. (And we all like free stuff, right?!) So I signed the girls up for a class this morning at 11. My dad needed a ride from the airport at 9 so that would give us plenty of time to drop him off in Sandy and make it out to Foothill Village. We even had a little time to play with Quilla the dog before we left Nee-ma and Pa's house for the class. I was so excited when I pulled into the parking lot and saw that we were 15 minutes early. They asked us to be at least 5 minutes early so we could meet the teacher and explore before class started. I am never early for anything anymore. Apparently this wasn't the day to start that habit. I looked up and saw a sign that said "Little Gym." Huh? I could have sworn that was a Gymboree, but not so much! Then I looked at the conformation paper and saw that the Gymboree was on FORT UNION not FOOTHILL DRIVE! Driving like a mad woman got us to Gymboree on Fort Union 3 minutes late. Good times. The class was fun, and the girls loved it. Maybe now that I know how to get there, we'll sign up for a class or two. :)

I Ain't Gonna Cry No More!

The other day Jared got walked in from work to see me in tears. This not uncommon scene was not brought on by a bad day, crazy kids or even by hormones. Nope... Onions! I can't tell you how much I HATE chopping onions, and yet I need them in almost everything I cook. It seems that lately my reaction to them is getting worse and worse. Jared gives me a hug and says something about how he will invent some sort of onion chopper to help me out. I told him that I think they make them, but whenever I go to try to find one I can't . Then last night cute Jared came home with..... an onion chopper (and a vegetable peeler, too)! No more tears for me. What a good hubby I have!!

An "Outside the Box" Halloween

Shortly after waking up today, Naiya proudly announced that she would like to be a mountain for Halloween. Yeah, we've been talking Halloween already. She pulled out a Halloween book a few weeks ago and has been bringing it up sporadically ever since. First she wanted to be the pig character from Super Why. Then she wanted to be a ballerina when we read an Olivia book. Today she wants to be a mountain. A MOUNTAIN? Apparently this "outside the box" thinking is contagious because shortly afterward, little Eva came to me and said that she would like to be a playground. Looks like I might have my work cut out for myself in the line of costume making this Halloween. Fortunately they are still young enough to want to change their minds. Although last year once Naiya decided that she was to be Thomas the Tank Engine and Eva was to be his friend Percy her mind was set.

My life is a musical!

So I don't think many people know this about me, but I have a song in my head 90% of the time. Often my dreams have a background song playing like it's a movie. Often the song is just whatever is playing on the radio/CD that the girls are listening to. Sometimes the song that's in my head is something I heard earlier in the day that just stuck, but usually that's not the case. Most of the time the song in my head is a familiar tune that I put my own words to (now you know where Naiya gets it).
When things get really hectic, the tune that's frequently in my head is the final verse to the 12 Days of Christmas when it starts to get faster and is just packed full of stuff. This morning was one of those days. I got up and made french toast for Jared and the girls, packed Jared's lunch, and decided to make cupcakes for our play date later that day. Around this point is where the music began... "good bye to Jared, make all the beds up, wash breakfast dishes, do load of laundry, preheat the oven, mix up batter, kids licking spoons, pour bat-ter in, crap I just spilled some, grab a paper towel, Naiya stepped in it, now gonna come clean this big mess?!" (Yeah, I know, but in my defense, I never said they were good songs.)
At the apex of the morning rush I the oven timer was beeping, Eva was on the potty and needed my help, Naiya was crying about an 'owie' and I looked at the clock realizing that we had one hour to get where we needed to go and everyone was still in their jammies.
After we left, I realized that I forgot the fabric I was going to bring to Erica so I had to turn around. We made it to our play date 20 minutes late. I had to ice the cupcakes before they were completely cooled so of course the frosting was runny. I felt like a whirlwind as we blew into Erica's house, and that was the first time I took a breath in what felt like an hour. Thank goodness for good friends to chat and relax with. Thank you to Erica and her boys for having us over and keeping my girls entertained. We had a blast! And I'm happy to say that the songs on the way home were all about sunshine and butterflies. :)

Yummers!

I recently tried this new vegetarian diner near our house called the Vertical Diner. It's on 2280 South and West Temple. It turns out everything on the menu is actually vegan (a big plus for me). I dont' know that I believe that or not because the ranch dressing was SOOOOO good; I don't understand how it possibly couldn't have milk or cream in it. I ordered a salad with crunchy tofu and the girl had "chicken" fingers and fries. They even had vegan fry sauce. Yummers!! It was a bit hit with everyone. I even dare to bring Jared there next time we go, it was that good!

I'm married to a 30 year old!

Jared is officially 30 today, so I just wanted to wish him a happy happy birthday.

In honor of the big day I will write 30 things I love about you. (These are the first 30 things to pop into my head right now in no particular order.)

I love...

1. your big blue eyes.

2. the way you stick your tongue between your teeth when you smile.

3. how you sing like the "Little Mermaid" in the shower.

4. how you make forts out of the dining room table with the girls when I'm at the gym.

5. that you let me go to the gym no matter how tired you are.

6. that you will seriously eat ANYTHING I make for dinner (even if it's vegan).

7. how you order pizza on nights that I nanny late and don't get home in time to cook.

8. that you love to stay in and rent movies.

9. how you like to make a cozy bed in the living room on movie nights.

10. that you put the bed away in the morning so I don't have to! :)

11. that you don't judge me.

12. that you support my crazy ideas.

13. that you have wonderful crazy ideas too.

14. that you work so hard to support our family.

15. that you love to play Scrabble with me

16. that you love to be outside with us even though you're outside all week for work.

17. how you love the mountains.
18. how you play the guitar.

19. the songs you write for the guitar.

20. that you love to surprise me.

21. that you love to surprise the girls.

22. that you let me sleep in a little sometimes.

23. that you never get mad if I slack on housework or laundry.

24. that you miss us while you are at work.

25. that you let me watch the Biggest Loser last season and didn't complain.

26. that we have the same sense of humor.

27. how you remind me to relax.

28. how you try to speak Czech sometimes. :)

29. how you love your kids.

30. how you love me!

I thought about including jokes about how old you are, but you seem bummed out about the whole "out of the 20's" thing, so just this once I will let it slide. (Maybe my kindness has something to do with the fact that I am just one year behind you.)

I will just say that I love and I appreciate you. Happy Birthday!!

Q: What time is it?

*note the mischievous grin on her face!

A: Time to get a big girl bed!!

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

I made these muffins this morning and remembered that someone recently asked me for the recipe, so here it is:

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/8 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. evaporated cane juice
6 tbsp. ground flax meal
1/8-1/4 cup applesauce

Preheat oven to 375. Grease muffin tin or line with muffin cups.
Mix ingredients in order given. The batter should be a little thicker than regular muffins, but if it seems too thick or chunky add a bit more applesauce.
Scoop into muffin cups.
Top with topping.

Topping (in separate bowl mix together the following):
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tbsp. melted Smart Balance spread

Bake for about 15 minutes!

This is a recipe I found and altered. If you want to see the original recipe you can visit this link on cooks.com.

Happy Birthday Naiya Mae!!

Dear Naiya Mae,

I can't believe that it's been three years since we first met. I knew from the beginning that you were going to keep me busy. You have always been such a sponge soaking in everything around you. Sometimes when I'm talking to you, I forget that you are still a toddler. I love that you love to sing songs all the time. It's been fun listening to you make up your own songs in the car and while you are playing at home. I love that you like to read. I can't believe how much you are able to remember and recite back when you are playing with your books. I love that you like to help your little sister, Eva. She looks up to you so much, and I appreciate you taking time to teach her things. I'm so excited to see all the new things this year will bring for us. You are now and will always be my little dreamer. Happy birthday Naiya! I love you!

Love,

Mommy

your original birthday

your 1st birthday

your 2nd birthday

your 3rd birthday

Little Naiya had a Farm E-I-E-I-O!

After weeks of marking down the calendar the day has finally arrived. Naiya could hardly wait for her farm party. We played "Pin the Tail on the Cow" and "Help Find Old McDonald's Animals." I wanted to play "Duck-Duck-Goose," but Naiya was strictly against it. We had little cowboy hats and bandannas. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Naiya and Eva in their hats (well Eva I can cause she only had it on for 5.2 seconds). Thank you to everyone who came and had fun... or even if you didn't ;). Thank you especially to the grown ups that helped out, I appreciate it!

I might make the girls reenact the party later this week so I can get a picture with the hats, but for now here's what I have:

My naked chefs "helping" bake the birthday cake

Ride 'em cow girls! (Lainie, Payton, and Naiya)Naiya and Jace trying to make faces for a silly picture. Tiny tots hanging out. (Eva, Naiya, the back of Tayte's head, Lainie, and Isaiah in the background)

A Day at the "Farm"

As you probably already know, Naiya wanted a farm party this year. I thought about going out to Wheeler Farm with the cousins and some friends, but she really wanted to do pony and train rides (a.k.a. She wanted to go to This is the Place Heritage Park). We decided to take her to This is the Place today and do a little farm party at the house tomorrow. The girls loved it again. I like that there is such a variety of things to do there (pony rides, petting coral, train rides, wagon rides, crafts...). Naiya's favorite part was when the wagon driver let her sit up front and drive the team. Is she really that old already? Here are some pics from Naiya's last day as a 2 year old!

Naiya loving it!

Checking out the sheep.

Eva... winking at the camera?

Naiya's pony ride

Alcohol can be Gas?

Another dangerous thing I like to do (like reading) is listening to NPR. I listen to it in the car when I have had enough "John Jacob" and want the girls to fall asleep. ;) Today I was listening to this farmer who wrote a book called "Alcohol Can Be Gas." He was telling all about how corn is made into alcohol that can be used as fuel (I knew about that). He also said that if we grew sugar beets we could use one acre to make something like 100,000 gallons of fuel. Plus he's figured out that if we plant kelp along the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, we could use the sugar in that to make enough fuel for the country plus it would clean up our oceans from the sewage that is dumped in there. I have no idea if this is true or not, but should we not be looking into it? He was asked by the interviewer why are we not doing this already. His answer was, "Politics." He said that the people who hold power in the fuel industry right now do not want to loose that power and are doing everything they can to hold onto it. Seriously? Could this be possible? I have to read this book. (Someone warn Jared.)

More Junk

Good-bye to the following:

24. baby swing
25. bouncy seat
26. Baby Bjorn
27. baby bear rug
28. XL winter coat (soo not my size... I'm 5'3!)
29. wooden harvest tray
30. kick-boxing gloves (when did I buy those?)
31. leather duffel bag (looks like it's 40 years old)
32. plastic camping dishes (I'm sure they are LOADED with BPA)
33. picnic basket (fun concept, but in 5 years we've actually used it twice)
34. wooden picture frame box
35. old cordless phone

23 down 77 to go!

Moving on to the bathroom. Here's what's gone:
16. Make-up - lots
17. toothbrush holder
18. expired meds
19. old lotions/hair product
20. hair stuff- lots

And the living room:
21. Wine atlas (book)
22. Rock climbing books- (and the last time I rock climbed was?...)
23. Candle holders - set of 2

100 Thing Challenge!

Dang it! Here I go reading articles again!! Soo.... This time I read an article about this guy who is doing a 100 Thing Challenge. He is cutting down all of his possessions to 100 things and will try to live with just 100 possessions for one full year. Why? To bring attention to how commercialized we all are and to how much stuff we have. Stuff? I am the queen of stuff! Oddly enough even before I read this article, I have become increasingly irritated with all of the stuff we have (especially in our basement which is 1/8 completed and at a stand still). So realistically. there is no way I would ever be able to live off of 100 possessions with 2 kids and a husband. Even if we each had 100 things it wouldn't be enough. Look around yourself right now. How fast would 100 things add up? Yeah, not gonna happen. I, being the freak that I am, feel like I have to do something, though. So I am doing my own 100 thing challenge. I am giving myself one month to get rid of (sell, donate or toss) 100 things (mostly my things) in our house. Each time I buy something new for myself, I have to give one extra thing away. I got a good start today already when I went through our bedroom. Here's the list so far:

1. Bathing suits -2 (No need for bikinis with these stretch marks!)
2. Underroos-lots (Don't need those big prego underoos and nursing bras any more!)
3. Socks- lots
4. pajamas- 3 sets
5. workout clothes- 7
6. jewelry- 20 pcs.
7. Nail stuff- lots (How many yucky sealed-shut polishes does one need to hang on to?)
8. sunglasses- 1 pair
9. hats- 2 (Ever seen me wear a hat? Chances are no!)
10. hangers- 20+
11. Jeans -2
12. shorts- 2
13. jackets- 2
14. sweaters- 1
15. shirts- 8

So far it's been like a nice spring cleaning. My dresser and closet are much more organized now and I was able to make a little nook in our closet for my jewelry/lotions. All it needs is a little mirror!

I know that technically I don't get to count all these until I sell/donate/toss them but I am setting things aside for the yard sale I hope to have in a few weeks.
*** side note...If you see me reading ANYTHING please stop me! :)

Privacy Please!

I found cute little Eva reading in their tent this morning and when I came back to take a picture she looked up at me and said (in her cute little voice), "Can I have privacy, please." So stinkin' cute!

Go Veg!

I read a book. I really shouldn't read books, or the newspaper either for that matter. I'm way too high anxiety about everything. One time I read an article once about plastic cups with BPA and threw out everything to start a new with BPA-free cups, bowls, plates, cutlery, etc.. When I read about the toy recalls, I tossed everything that was remotely near anything on the list (1/2 the girls toys). I seriously wonder what poor Jared thinks every time he sees that look of insanity sweeping across my face as I hide behind some book/newspaper/magazine article. I have no problem admitting I'm a little OCD about some stuff. Yeah, I'm a freak. Now it's going to be taken to a whole new level. The book I read this time is called Skinny B****! I don't recommend it to anyone who is easily offended as it has a LOT of curse words, and it's very "tough love." Anyway... now that I did read it I'm thinking my life would be a lot easier if I hadn't read it. As a result of reading this book, I am going to try out the vegan thing. (For those of you who don't know a vegan does not eat any animal products. No meat, eggs, milk, cheese....) I told myself I would give it a month and then see how I feel at that point. (Anyone wanna place bets as to how long this will really last?) Wish me luck!

*** For anyone who is worried about the well being of my kids and my husband, I am not forcing this on them... yet. The girls already like soy milk more than regular milk and they LOVE tofu. So they will eat more of that sort of stuff and less dairy and meat for now. If, for whatever reason, I really do feel fabulous after a month or so and decide to stick to it, I will discuss things with their pediatrician before making any drastic changes to their diets. :)

Happy (almost) Birthday!!

Nee-ma and Pa threw Naiya a mini-birthday party this weekend because they will be out of town next weekend and will miss her actual farm birthday party. (Yeah, I said FARM birthday party... that's all Naiya). They took us up to Silver Lake at Solitude for a picnic to celebrate. Of course just as we pulled into the parking lot it started to rain. Then it stopped. We set up the picnic and it started again. So we brought it into the ranger station and had an inside picnic (just as fun if not more fun!). After lunch it cleared up so we could take a stroll around the lake. It was a good day. The girls loved it! Thanks mom and dad!!

Eva loving the rain...

Naiya loving her new bike gear... she wore it for much of the picnic...

Pa loving his girls....

My splurge

Yesterday when I was out with Eva I stopped at my friend Christy's house to pick up this calendar that she has that I've been coveting for a couple years now. She has this awesome business called Better Home Interiors where she sells the cutest stuff for homes. She does these neat craft kits too so you can do it some stuff yourself. (I totally need that kind of stuff to be crafty cause I just can't do it myself otherwise!)

Anyway, here's a pic of my new magnetic kitchen calendar. I know this isn't a wonderful picture but as calendars go, it really is the best!

A Mommy-Eva Outing

I took the girls to my mom's today thinking that I would go workout for a little bit. On my way there I got inspired to instead take Eva out for a little quality time. Occasionally I take Naiya with me to run errands when Eva is sleeping and Jared is home, but I never really get to take just Eva out. I left Naiya with Neema and took Eva with me to run some errands and help me pick stuff out for Naiya's birthday party. She was SOOO good. I couldn't believe it was the same child from yesterday. She was happy, smiling, joyously helping pick things for her sisiter. It was a wonderful experience, and the whole rest of the day was better too. Poor little Eva. All she needed was some special time.

Eva

I have been having a hard time wit Eva. I alluded to this in an earlier post from the Ranch, but I haven't yet gone into detail about it. She was such a happy baby for the first 8 months or so. I could always get a full-hearted belly laugh out of her just by singing a silly song. By the time she turned one, she had grown a little more moody, and very sensitive to any change, but it was still okay. Lately, she still has happy moments, but they are starting to be out-numbered by tears, crying, whining, and even anger. By the 3rd day at the Ranch she was awful! I started to feel like I was loosing it. I know it's not all about me, but it really makes me feel inadequate to see her like that and not be able to help her cope with what she is feeling. Surprisingly the last couple of days at the ranch, when everyone but the 4 of us had gone home, she was much better. I realized that she was having anxiety about all of the people and changes that week. Driving home Saturday was definitely not a bowl full of cherries, but that's to be expected with a 7 hour drive and 2 toddlers. Sunday had it's ups and downs too. Yesterday was AWFUL!! Between trying to run errands with screaming kids, and cleaning up three major Eva messes involving baby wipes, Desitin, and a minor flood from our bathroom into the basement (yes, she's that talented), I was not the happiest person to be around. I totally let her cry herself to sleep, and I never have to do that! (I HATE to do that because I think it's an awful way for a little one to end their day.)
After they were sleeping I went downstairs thinking I should blog more about our trip, but I honestly wasn't in the mood. I ended up blog hopping a little bit and stumbled upon this blog A Daily Scoop. It is the saddest story of a family's loss of their 14 month old baby girl last June. I read it for an hour and cried the entire time. Then I went upstairs and picked up little sleeping Eva out of her bed and held her and cried for another hour. I was secretly wishing she would wake up so I could tell her I'm sorry, but she didn't. I'll have to tell her today.

Tagged

Here we go...

3 of My Joys:
~Jared

~Naiya

~Eva

3 of My Fears:
~Someone in my family getting hurt/killed

~Something happening to me so I couldn't take care of my girls

~The teenage years (2 girls, 1 year apart....)

3 Current Obsessions:
~Finding the perfect B-day gifts for Jared and Naiya

~Ironing.... don't ask, I just LOVE it!

~ 10 minute trainer (Okay so maybe I just need to make this an obsession!!)

3 Random Surprising Facts:
~Although I really want to learn, I don't scrap book.... at all. The girls baby pics are hanging out in a box until I get it all together and figured out.

~I don't like brownies. (Seriously for how much I like chocolate how can I not like brownies?!!) I do however love plane chocolate cake. I used to bake one once in a while just to eat it warm out of the pan. (Not the whole thing.... but not just a little either)

~ I'm pregnant. JUST KIDDING... but wouldn't that be surprising? :)

So my turn to pick on you! Consider yourself tagged:
~Erica

~Heather

~Holly

Back in the "Real" World

We rolled back into town last night after a great family vacation to Jared's family ranch in Idaho. I will be sure to do a little of my famous "back blogging" to fill you in on how our trip went after I catch up on laundry and other stuff around here. Meanwhile, if you want to see a link to the ranch, you can visit http://www.pinnaclepeaks.com/. Hope you all had a great week!

More Pictures from the Ranch

Mmmm.... S'mores! My little rock climber... well one of them
Daddy taking Eva for a dip in the riverMomma and her girlsEva's first 4-Wheeler rideThe "H-House" (where we stayed the last 2 days)Proof that they did get along at the "H-House"!
The only thing cuter than a toddler sleeping is TWO toddlers sleeping!