My Favorite 2 Year Old

Jace hasn't been feeling well this week. But even through the nose bleeds, high fever, loss of appetite, inability to sleep through the night, and puking he has managed to be just as sweet as ever and I have been blessed with lots and lots of cuddles and kisses.

Would you guess that this little guy was not feeling like himself?

Book Review - The Glass Castle

Nothing like a good book about true family dysfunction to make you feel like your parenting isn't so bad...

Happy Birthday Matt!

My little brother turned 36 today...

My brother and I have always been pretty close. There was a time when I considered him to be one of my best friends. This was back in Edmonton and started when I was in Jr. High and lasted until he moved back to the U.S. in '87. Now that isn't to say that we didn't play well together earlier on or don't play well together now, I just have very fond and vivid memories of him during this time. What I find most interesting is that his memories and my memories of the same events are very, very different. It's been fun to read his blog, his version of what went on throughout our childhood and yes, every now and again, I have an aha moment and remember "his side of the story" to be true. At one time, Matt and I talked about blogging/sharing our account of a specific event or a picture, just to see what the similarities and differences would be. I would still love to do that.

I have a ton of stories and I have a ton of pictures, but today I just want to tell Matt that I love him and that I am proud of him.

HE IS FUNNNNEEE
Matt can make me laugh. He can tell a story that will have you crying or peeing your pants. Seriously, the story about the Big Blue Burger or Dumb Pheasant Road or any of his mission stories make me laugh and laugh and it's not just the story, it's the presentation. If you haven't heard the stories and need a little pick-me-up, have Matt tell them to you, you will not be disappointed.

When we were little, Matt would take my stuffed animals and do shows for me. Each animal had a name and a story all it's own. He would make them come to life for me and always had me laughing. It's nice to see he does it now for his own family.

Matt also makes this little farting noise that always sets me off.

HE IS MY CONFIDANT
Matt knows more about me than most people do, even my parents. I did a lot of stupid things as a teenager and Matt was my BFF, my confidant, my adviser and my #1 fan. I could tell him anything and he never turned me in... even when interrogated! I know if I needed him now, he would do the same thing.

HE KNOWS WHEN I NEED A HUG
One thing about Matt that I love is his "big brother" hug. When I am sick or just don't feel like myself, I love getting one of these hugs from him. He does it in such a way that I know everything will be alright and that no matter what happens, I will always have someone that loves me, prays for me and thinks I am cool.

HE'S A FAMILY GUY

Matt loves Kristy and Logan. I love to see him and Kristy, whispering and giggling and carrying on now, just like they did when they first started dating. I also like to hear Matt talk about all the boys stuff him and Logan do together. I love to hear about them plotting and scaring the hell out of each other. I am glad it's not me anymore!

NO TO AUTHORITY
I am proud of my brother for saying "no" to authority. For becoming his own boss and for trying something most would call risky. I am envious of his ability to live and enjoy simple pleasures.

GEEK
Yes, I love Matt's geekiness. I think he makes it look cool. I love that he likes to write. I love that he has hopes and dreams and that, like me, Star Wars is real. I love that he loves Princess Leia in the same way I love Han Solo... I love that we can talk about what kind of "super power" we wish we had and how we would spend a million dollars. Hey Matt, we haven't had that conversation in a long, long time...

Matt, I love you and I am proud to be your sister. I think you are as awesome today as I did on the days we scared the little neighbor girl, or the day we discovered the toilet paper in the backyard, or the night you and I went to the mall without permission, or the days we crank phone called people, or the day you left on your mission, or the days we played Star Wars together, or the day you got married, or the day we figured out mashed potatoes don't bounce, or the night we searched for presents or the day you thought you heard a helicopter, or the day you became a father, or the day we ... well you get the picture, right?

Anyway, I hope you had a good day today. I didn't call you because I knew you were out on the town and I really had hopes of having this post done before you went to bed and I will be officially celebrating with you on Wednesday.

Forward and Backwards

Yesterday Justin and I decided to go to Bear Lake and stay in his dad's cabin for the night so I wasn't able to post. We got back late this afternoon and I had to finish a project for my new niece Lola. Now it is almost midnight and I don't have the energy to post for yesterday although I did record my blog, I just don't have it in me to download and add my pictures.

Even though I have been making up my own rules for this 365 day adventure (I don't think there were any rules to begin with) I want everyone to know, I have been writing things down, I have just been to busy or out of touch to add them... my brother is the only one that can make that judgment call... go easy on me bro!

Having said that... I am going to bed and will post yesterdays tomorrow along with a little ode to my brother Matt for his birthday...

Bear Lake

Justin and I decided to go over to Bear Lake and take advantage of his father's cabin for the night. I haven't been there in quite a while and now that I am back, don't really understand why I don't take my family and venture up there on a regular basis.

The cabin itself is more like a lodge; with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a huge kitchen and a couple of family rooms.

The view of the lake is spectacular...

We didn't get there until about 5:30pm and Ray and Shelley were just packing up to leave. Unfortunately, we missed grandpa and grandma Olsen as well which was disappointing because I love to sit and chat with them.

The beach, as I knew it, was no longer a beach because there is quite a bit more water in the lake. The cabin looked a lot different as well. Ray had cleared out a bunch of large trees from in front of the deck making the view even better. Dax walked down to the lake through the grass and tried his hand at catching himself some really big fish.

It was nice just to sit around and read and hang out as a family. The kids went to bed like they were in their own home and slept all night long. We headed to the beach around noon the next day and just enjoyed sitting and watching the boys play in the water. We even took the Craigcat out and cruised the lake for a bit. Neither Dax or Jace enjoyed that enough to take it out again, much to my disappointment.

All in all, it was fun and I look forward to doing that again (and again) this summer.

Olsen Adventures

It is so nice to have mountains in my backyard and it is so pretty right now while everything is still wet and green. We took the boys up Left Hand Fork this afternoon in search of a waterfall that one of Justin's friends suggested we go see.

You had to wade through a shallow pool of water to get to the fall. Dax was all over it, but Jace wasn't real fond of how cold the water was but still humored me with a picture.

Dax loves to take pictures and he is pretty good at it.

My handsome men.

The boys had fun throwing rocks and Dax loved tromping through the water.

It was an awesome drive although when we got home we were all feeling a little bit queasy because the trail was pretty bumpy. I think we'll probably go on another adventure tomorrow.

Bits & Pieces

I am stealing this idea from my cousin... mainly because I have so many things running through my head, but none of them interesting enough to do a full post on.

• worked my last "official" day at the school today and am excited to be home with my kids until August
  
• need to get Dax registered for swim lessons
• wondering what is making everyone cry when watching Toy Story 3
• worried about Sheba sitting and if she is going to leave her mark somewhere in my house
• sent Jill off to Canada for 2 1/2 weeks
• love, love, love the project I have going for my niece, Lola
• can't believe the 4th of July is just around the corner (this holiday always comes around too quickly)
• loving the smell of my planters outside (thanks to SC for letting me take them home for the summer)
• looking forward to 4-wheeling this weekend and maybe a little camping
• why does laundry just keep piling up and piling up when I do a little every day?
• my best friend, Melissa, is so talented... more on her 7/1
• have been listening to Rush and Dr. Laura lately and have to wonder if that is the cause of my afternoon gut ache
  

See you later... Tim & Tara

Earlier this year, Tim, Justin's younger brother, was accepted to Syracuse University. This morning, Tim and his wife, Tara, left on an 8 day trek across the US that will end with them settling in New York for a year.

What a beautiful campus. I see lush, rolling hills.

Doesn't that sound fun?

It's only 8 states away.

Seriously, I for one would so much enjoy the road trip. I love to drive and I especially would love to see parts of this country I have never seen before. But how about moving across the country with your spouse and setting up a home in a place you are unfamiliar with? Yes, yes and yes... sign me up! What a fun adventure to take. I think this is a great opportunity for Tim and Tara and I just know they will have an incredible experience.

Drive safely... good luck... and remember we love ya.

Rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong

When it comes to raising our kids, Justin and I totally see eye to eye. We don't expect any one else to raise them... we don't leave our kids with anyone and everyone just to take time out for us. We work opposite schedules so that they boys spend as little time possible with other people. That being said, Justin and I don't "date" or spend a lot of time alone with each other like we did when we first met. If we do have the opportunity to go out for dinner or a movie, we usually can't wait to get home to our family.

Tonight was the Logan River Women's Summer Solstice Tournament and of course, I invited Justin to play in it with me. It is a fun time for us to get out in the sunshine and play a little golf together. I love to golf with my hubby and I would have it NO OTHER WAY. While we don't "ham & egg" it or win money, we really enjoy being together doing something we both love. The format for this tournament is a fun one to play and was even funner than usual because we got to play it with Jason and Leslee.

Gnome update: Dax named his gnome Cyclops and Jace named his Christmas! Interesting and perfect, just like I thought.

Sunday Drivers

Yesterday at my sister-in-laws house, my kids were able to take their cousin Zoe's car out for a spin. It was so funny to watch them. It took Jace a minute to get the hang of it and I think that even though Dax is older, he was still thrilled to get behind the wheel.


The expression on Jace's face reminds me of my Grandpa Anhder. Is it the smile, the hair, the ears or the combination?



Enjoy the clip...

Happy Father's Day!

I have some wonderful fathers in my life and I was lucky to be able to spend a little time with all of them today.

Dad:
My dad has always been supportive of me. He loved me even when I was unlovable and no one else did. He taught me to appreciate "weird" food and "weird" music. He is kind. He works hard. He reads directions and follows them to a fault. He always made sure that I was safe and still reminds me to be careful and lock my doors.


Dave:
Dave loves to be with his kids and their families. He is patient, kind and just plain old fun to be around. I love hearing his laugh, especially when he is with my kids.

Ray:
Ray is a fatherly father. I appreciate his advise and support and the help he has given me. I love it most though when he is around my kids and can just relax and be fun and silly with them.


My husband:
Justin loves his kids unconditionally and without restraint. He makes sure his kids have everything they need, but not everything they want. He loves to have fun with them and is always there when they need him.

Pet Peeve #13 - Sleeping In & Kids

Last night, my friend and I were working on a couple of art projects and I didn't get home until 5 this morning... I walked through the door just as Justin was getting up for work. Lack of sleep is my excuse for sitting here for the last 30 minutes wondering what to blog about.

Oh wait, I just had a thought. Since I haven't "peeved" in a while...

Pet Peeve #13 - Sleeping In & Kids

Why is it, when I have to wake up early and get to work, I typically have to wake my kids up? BUT, if I have the day off and can enjoy a little extra sleep in the morning, my kids wake up real early?

Justin and I at 2

This is Justin and I at 2... Who do you think our kids look like?

The Job

Have I ever mentioned that I love my job? Well, I do... We had a meeting this morning to talk about the 2012 plan for South Campus. I was a little nervous and very skeptical about the purpose of the meeting and the outcome. Thankfully, one of the Board of Education members was there and pretty much told us that if he had anything to do with it, South Campus would remain where it was with the program running the way it was. He also told us that he felt the other Board members would agree. I am so relieved that someone in this community, especially someone with a voice, realizes the value in this program.

While I love my job, I love the fact that I have at least one month off during the summer to spend at home with my kids. It doesn't get much better than this...

Lake Powell 2009

Gnomes Away from Home

While I was away in California, Dax and Jace brought a couple of friends home. Low maintenance and quiet...

I am letting them pick their names out. I'll bet they will be interesting and perfect!

Hoo Knew?

My mom used to work in a building not too far from my home. It was so nice because I would get weekly visits and could pop in on her any time. Once, I drove by her building and was surprised to see an owl on the roof. I quickly pulled into the parking lot to flip around and do another drive by to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Sure enough, there it was. I got out my phone and took a picture...

When I got home, I called her at work and told her there was an owl on the roof of her building. She laughed and then laughed some more. Apparently they had some troubles with woodpeckers pecking on the sides of the building and apparently woodpeckers don't like owls. The owners went and bought fake owls (yes, now you are laughing) to put on all 4 corners of the building. OK, so the woodpeckers weren't the only ones fooled!

I went back later that week with my camera, zoomed in and took this shot...

Caramel or Carmel?

Disneyland has the best of everything. My favorite treat was a caramel apple. A green, juicy, tart apple covered in caramel from heaven. Yum...

Did you know that carmel and caramel are not the same thing?. One morning I stopped for a latte at one of my favorite bakeries. I asked them to add carmel to my coffee. The gal looked at me and said, "You mean caramel, right?" Uh, yes, yes I did... I learned something new that day.

Thankfully, I knew better than to make the same mistake when I got my apple.

Lazy Sunday

Today was spent just lazing around... I unpacked, did a little laundry and just loved on my boys. I missed them a ton and I think by the reception I got, they missed me too. It's nice to be back. For whatever reason, my house looks bigger and the little things that bugged me about it, just didn't matter when I got home. I am just happy to have a comfortable home to live in, in a beautiful, clean city.

Speaking of appreciating my home... can I just tell you that my car, while it is not sporty or fun or even real nice to look at, got 42.666 miles to the gallon? I spent less than $120 on fuel for this trip (the average gallon was like $3) and my last fill up was in Willard so I still have a full tank... that I can appreciate!

Homeward Bound

Well, today was the long, long drive back to Utah. Actually, it didn't really seem to take that long at all. We made it in just over 11 hours and I only had to drink 1 Red Bull. Jill wrote the whole time while I listened to music. We pondered "What Would You Do?" questions my brother had posted in a recent blog and just enjoyed sitting on our butts.

I have to say, there is no place like Las Vegas and there is no place like Disneyland. Jill thought it was funny that we were going to be in "Sin City" and in "The Happiest Place on Earth" in the same trip. I would rather spend my time in Disneyland. If I won a huge amount of money in Vegas, I would take my entire family to Disneyland.

Matt... I couldn't find you an Ariel shirt. I asked at each shop we went into and was always led to the little girl's section. They had the cutest jammies, but I didn't think you would fit into them. One guy I asked said, "We don't carry any shirts for men, but let me show you one of the BEST pictures I have ever seen of Ariel." He then proceeded to the books, grabbed a princess book and then said, "If you turn to page 85... doesn't she just look retro and trendy?" WOW... I took a picture just for you.

Here is a collection of our other photos...

World of Color

California Adventure premiered their new "World of Color" light show tonight. This was unforgettable... Water, color, lasers, music... WOW!

Our ticket time was for 11:15 pm and we were supposed to be in line an hour early. The temptation to leave the line was huge, we had whiners behind us (a sad story of food, love and denial) and a bunch of obnoxious, tired kids in front. To add to the madness, we were in line under the wild rapids attraction and had to listen to the clack of chains and the repetitive oooga, wampa, ooga wampa sound it made. Torture, but so worth the wait!

Just so you know the photos and video I took did not do this justice so I pulled a section off of You Tube if you want to see it. This was the best part of the show...

Post

Greetings from Disneyland... I have been blogging, I just haven't had the ability to use the internet. When I get back on Saturday, I will post Tuesday thru Friday.

We are having fun.

Rides, rides and more rides...

I can't say there are any L-A-M-E rides or attractions at Disney or California Adventure. There are some that I like better than others, but everything is entertaining... Here are my favorites in no particular order. I am not going to go into too much detail in case you have never been there, but plan to go someday.

DISNEYLAND

Haunted Mansion

This is incredible for its graphics. Ghosts everywhere... even one sitting with you!

Indiana Jones

This is so fun! As you can see, even standing in line for 45 minutes is entertaining because your surroundings are interesting to look at. I love being tossed around in the jeep AND I love that Indiana makes a few special appearances... This is Jill's favorite.

Space Mountain

Nothing like a roller coaster in the dark.


Yes, that is us in the back...

We only rode this once, but not for lack of trying. We fast passed it, but it was out of order when we came back. Then we stood in line for nearly 45 minutes on our last night, about missed the fireworks, and then to our dismay, it went out of order when we were about to enter it! My theory is this: when people puke at high speed, in the dark, in a very closed space, it takes a lot of time *gag* to clean up the mess.

Star Wars Jedi Training Academy

Jill and I loved watching this! Young kids given the opportunity to train with a Jedi and then fight Darth Vader or Darth Maul.


Some take this responsibility very seriously. One kid forced back 2 stormtroopers (who totally went with it) without being prompted by the trainer.



This is awesome and I am jealous it is only for kids! So entertaining to watch!


CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Tower of Terror

WOW! This ride is intense every time. Great graphics and of course a great rush. Even on our umpteenth time, I had to grip my seat!

Soaring Over California

This for me is a serious trip. I don't know what it is that makes me want to leap out of my seat, but I really have to restrain from doing so. Incredible. Jill hates this ride but humored me anyway. In the end, I think she at least enjoyed watching me freak out.

California Screamer

The smoothest roller coaster in the world! It's fun to be launched up the initial climb and the g-force in the loop was like none other.