IRIONISMS

Who Doesn't Love a Kid in Costume?

2010-11-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

We love Halloween out here. We had party after party and the kids just adored it all. Here are a few pics of the kiddos in costume:

The Bitty Bat

The Rocket/Helicopter/Airplane
Whatever Duncan was feeling like that particular day

Sleeping Beauty

Rosetta: Tinkerbell's Friend

Cinderella

Different Definitions

2010-10-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, I am pretty sure that in the past two days I have said the phrase, "Duncan, BE SOFT TO YOUR SISTER," hundreds of times. Sometimes I feel like I am constantly putting out flames and stopping WWIII. In the past two days Duncan has:

Hit Grace with his hand
Hit Grace with Lightening McQueen
Hit Grace with Thomas the Tank Engine
Hit Grace with his sippy cup
Hit Grace with the King and Chick Hicks
Pushed Grace into the window
Kicked Grace so hard in the face that he split her lip
Bit Grace ON THE BACK hard enough to draw blood

And honestly, this is just what I remember. I'm sure there were more encounters. So, today in a fit of exasperation I had this experience with Duncan:

Katie: "Duncan, can you please be soft? Why can't you be soft to your sister? Please, show me how you are soft."
At this point Duncan looked at me, looked at my chair, and then proceeded to head butt the chair and then chest bump it.
Katie: Completely flabbergasted

Well, I guess if that is his definition of "soft" no wonder we are experiencing difficulties. I really need to higher a wrestling buddy for him or something.

To Utah and Back

2010-10-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

So, a couple weeks ago Ricky and I flew out to Utah. We kind of made a spur of the moment trip to give Charlotte a name and a blessing surrounded by family. We were lucky because Ricky had an entire weekend off. We flew out of here Friday morning, had a family portrait taken Friday afternoon, stayed up until all hours of the night (midnight for me, 2 a.m. for Ricky) playing these mind numbing quizzes on sporacle.com with my mom, Stew, and Emily (this website is so addictive!, try Time Magazine covers), blessed Charlotte on Saturday morning, hung out at This is the Place State Park on Saturday afternoon with the fabulous Irion clan +Auntie Em, watched the babies run around playing "You Can't Catch Me" with Grandpa, made sure Nana snuggled Charlotte, finally went to bed, woke up, said good-bye to Ricky and then started a week just as jam packed as the weekend.
It was such a great trip. Besides giving half the family stomach flu and the other having coughs and aches, we really played and played. We really are blessed with such fabulous family members. Thanks for making our trip fantastic! We adore you all!

Our very serene Charlotte. She was perfect and looked like a little angel in the same blessing dress that Grace wore. My fantastic grandma and mother-in-law made this treasure. It is quite a piece of work.

Our attempts at a family picture! Yes, included in our family are
Chick Hicks and Lightening McQueen.

Natural History Museum
The kids loved the dinosaurs and insect section. I'm telling you, wolf spiders
are huge, scary, and incredibly disgusting.

All the Cousins! (well, minus Duncan. He was in the car refusing to put
on the Pooh Bear costume. To give him some credit it was like 80 degrees
and he probably would have roasted in that costume.
He would have looked cute though.)

Our Adventure at This Is the Place State Park
Ashlyn, Grace, and Ali.

Ok, this one makes me tear up. Gracie and her closet cousin Ali. We love this girl to pieces.

Look at these good looking people. Ricky and his brothers and sister. That adorable sister Lindsay is heading off to St. Petersburg, Russia in January to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is one amazing lady!

Sweet Duncan and the sheep. He loved these guys.

One cute 7 Week Old

2010-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just had to share. How could I not?? This little bug is a dream baby. Love her to pieces.

Just the look on Charlotte's face is priceless to me. She has some very loving siblings.

Hanging Out With Some Pumpkins

2010-10-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today we participated in one of the mandatory fall activities: going to a pumpkin patch. Don't get me wrong, I adore the fall. I really do but today was so weird. Today it was hot.
Ok, just for the record, it is never this hot in Wisconsin in October. It was a balmy 80 degrees today. 80 degrees!! It is like we live in California or something. Today we left the house only to almost sweat to death at the pumpkin patch. I'm in a sweater. Grace and Charlotte are in long sleeve shirts. We had planned to stay at the farm for a while. Pick some apples, pick a pumpkin, have a bowl of chili, some hot chocolate, go on a hay ride, you know, just enjoy a nice fall day. Ok, after we waited in line to buy tickets to the hay ride and then waited in line again to get on the hay ride and then waited in line again to leave the pumpkin patch, all without shade, we called it a day.
Even if we didn't get any apples we did get some fabulous looking pumpkins, some great pictures, and a great memory. Plus, Ricky got a very bright red forehead.
Suckered our friends Anna and Tim Hassell to come with us. We love having them come anywhere with us. We get great conversation, tons of laughs, and two very helpful adults. They pretty much become our nannies. Oh, and they brought our friend from the branch, Nile. He was dragged along too. Good sport.

Love Languages

2010-10-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

Ok, when you have a newborn baby and two other smallish children you really can't leave the newborn on the floor without supervision. It doesn't go well because the five love languages of toddler love are:

1.Smothering
2. Touching A TON!
3. Talking very loudly in ears
4. Patting a.k.a. hitting
5. More smothering

These languages do not go over very well with the newborn. I guess the toddlers aren't reading her memos when she mentions that her love languages are eating, gentle cuddling, and diaper changing.
Usually, mom of above mentioned toddlers and newborn, does not leave the newborn unattended but this morning was crazy and the baby was left in the room with her brother and sister for a moment. Here is what this mom saw when she came back:

Now, this may not be an official love language but I think this may be one of the sweetest moments I've witnessed between little Charlotte and Duncan. Duncan is actually sharing his prized McQueen car with his sister. It really was such a sweet moment. I sat there for a minute watching and watched as Duncan put McQueen on Charlotte and said, "Charlotte's car." That is quite a triumph because this kid lives and breathes Cars. If that wasn't all, I also witnessed Grace's love for Charlotte later in the day:Yup, Gracie just decking Charlotte out for a day on the town. Just making sure the little lady looks good. Good thing this little girl is one of the calmest little souls because she sure is smothered, touched, "shouted" at, "patted," and smothered some more all the time. Love this girl and her darling siblings.

When did this happen?

2010-09-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

How in the world do I have a little girl who is already going to school? Didn't I just graduate myself? Sigh. Back here in the good 'ol Midwest there is this thing called K-4. This is a grade commonly referred to as "pre-kindergarten." It is exactly what it sounds like. It is a class that is preparing kids for kindergarten. Grace goes every afternoon to the elementary school down the street. She brings a drink, has a snack, brings home a folder filled with notes for me to sign and assignments. She goes on field trips, will be the star of the week sometime, and learns about letters, numbers, and how to socialize with other little four year olds. She comes home and talks to me of her teacher, the bell, playing on the playground and making up puppet shows. I know, she is not old enough to be doing this.
Is someone making sure she doesn't fall down the slide? Does her teacher know she has a hard time getting her jacket on and off still? Do the other kids know she adores My Little Ponies and loves to imagine and pretend? Does she know how much Duncan and I miss her when she goes and how it brightens my day to see her smile when I pick her up? Does she understand that while I cringe to buy her 5T clothes and to send her off to school I am also beyond thrilled that she loves learning, her teacher, and growing up? This parenting stuff sure isn't as easy as I thought it was going to be.

And who said this little bug could already be 4 weeks old? Come on kids, stop growing up. I'm not emotionally prepared for this.
I was reading Real Simple magazine the other day and I came across a quotation that perfectly explains my emotions right now.

"Living with your kids under the same roof is a long exercise in simultaneously wanting them to reach the next phase of development and wishing time would stop completely. Once your child is potty trained, you long for those chubby legs squirming under your grasp on the changing table. Once your child can brush his own teeth, you miss the silly clown act you had to do to get him to open his mouth for you. And as soon as your child is old enough to schedule his own playdates you feel a pang of sadness every time you watch him walk out the front door without so much as a backward glance." -Kristin Van Ogtrop

This describes me to a "t" right now. I want Charlotte to sleep through the night but I also cherish the moments I spend looking at her at 3 a.m. without any distractions. I want Duncan to talk and communicate and to learn not to scream but I love his messed up sentence structure. I want Gracie to learn how to tie her shoes and buckle herself in her booster seat but I honestly tear up thinking about her turning 5. So, there you go. I'm an emotional basketcase who can go from laughing one minute at something Duncan does to crying the next because I need him to stay my baby. Anyway, life definitely marches on.

On a completely different note, how in the flip do I have a month old baby and still manage to look 5-6 months pregnant depending upon the shirt. I'll never get used to this "having a baby thing but still look pregnant." What's up with that?

Ok, Back to Being a Mom

2010-08-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now back to reality. I have left the world of District 13 and am back to being a mom. It is a good thing. I have three darling kids and Mockingjay was just a bit too depressing. I did have to finish it though. Those books are addictive. I was trying to read the book Thursday morning while I ate breakfast, fed Charlotte, got the kids dressed and everything else that happens in the morning. At one point my mom looked at me and said, "You are no good to us until you finish that book. I'm taking the kids to the park. Finish the book." She's one awesome mom, and she was right. Once I finished the book and finished staring into space thinking about what I'd just read, I was back to being useful and productive. And who can't help but be glad to be a mom when you get these three little munchkins looking at you and asking for something to drink practically every 15 minutes.

Are you reading???

2010-08-25T07:37:00.001-07:00

Most anticipated novel of the summer. I pre-ordered mine, well, actually my awesome brother-in-law pre-ordered mine for me, so it hasn't come yet. If you spoil anything at all I will formally disown you as a friend. You'll just have to wait to spill anything until I get my book. You know, because I have all the time in the world to read this book what with two kids and a newborn. Nothing much going on here.

You Know You Haven't Blogged in a while when...

2010-08-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

you didn't even announce you were pregnant and now you have a baby. Oh well, better late than never.

Introducing......

Charlotte Elizabeth Irion
Arrived: August 16, 2010 at 10:48
Weighed in at 6 lb. 5 oz
Measured in at 20 inches

Both Mom and Baby are doing well. She was two pounds lighter than Duncan and didn't break my tail bone so recovery is a breeze this time around. She, so far, is a sweet, darling angel and we are so thrilled to finally have her in our home. Grace is over the moon for her. She is constantly asking about "Baby Charlotte" and is always willing to help feed her, change her, and hold her. Duncan, on the other hand, is quite indifferent. He is neither in love or in hate so we'll take it. He's not hitting her or bothering her at this point and that is a good thing.

So we might have been a little late letting people know I was expecting but we are right on time letting you all know she arrived. We couldn't be happier and am sure will update with more adventures at some point. (I can't promise anything yet. I have to get an idea about how I am going to respond to three kids. Possibilities: calm, crazy, insane, organized, or out of my mind. Keep you posted!)

All The Things To Love

2009-11-05T13:12:00.001-08:00

1. The Sun
Yup, the sun is shining today in Wisconsin. A miracle. We rarely see it from November to April so anytime we get the good old sunshine shining there is cause to rejoice. Hooray!
2. Halloween
How can you not? Look at these little cuties. So Gracie's dress about weighed her down and Ricky about had a coronary that Duncan was wearing tights but it was all worth it. They look fantastic. Let me tell you, Duncan can rock those tights. He was a superstar fish.

3. Turning 30
I hear it's the new 20. Had a surprise party. Had my wonderful mom out here. Had steak, trifle, twice baked potatoes and as much Halloween candy as I can eat. Nothing to complain about here.
4. Glee Songs
I got an I-tune gift card for my birthday and immediately bought this little gem. I've found reasons to get into the car today so I can listen to it. Seriously, it just made me happy. LOVING IT! Before you know it I'm going to have Gracie singing "Don't Stop Believing" and "Halo/Walking on Sunshine." Bonus track of upcoming song: "Defying Gravity." I cannot wait.

5. Soft-hearted Dads
Yup, talked my por dad into going to Disneyland next week. He's the best. Grace, Duncan, and I are going to be living it up with a Monte Cristo sandwich in one hand and some apple fritters in the other.
6. Visitors
Love 'em! We had our wonderful friends the Leavitts here for a week and we had a blast. We had my mom for my birthday. Shes' amazing. I think she is burned out on ponies and princesses. We get my amazing in-laws and brother in-law Robbie tonight. CAN'T WAIT! Original Pancake House here I come. Two times in a week.

Armed and Dangerous

2009-10-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hello cyberworld. Just wanted to let everyone know that I have the best in-laws. The best! I know you think you may have the ultimate in-laws but you got it wrong because look what came in the mail today:
Oh yeah, Rich and Gloria Irion are awesome. Now nothing will get by me. No spider, ant, centipede, house centipede, earwig, or even harmless potato bugs. If you are in my house, you are going to get sucked up into oblivion. I hate to say I can't wait to try this out, because that would mean I have a bug in my house, but I am looking forward with GLEE to vacuuming up bugs all while laughing evilily! Bugs beware! You have met your match!!

I'm Throwing Up In My Mouth

2009-10-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ricky does not think this warrants a blog post but I am so thoroughly disgusted with something I found this evening that I can't help but write about it.
I found this in my house tonight:
A disgusting, revolting, absolutely horrifying creature called house centipedes. I have no idea why they are allowed on this earth. I think I hate this thing more than spiders. Seriously. That is big for me. I have never seen one of these in Utah. Utah, of course, being Zion and no bad things living there, but I have seen one of these when I lived in our apartment in Milwaukee. I saw one in the stairwell and did not do laundry the rest of the day because it was lurking on the walls waiting to tangle itself in my hair and eat my brain.
I thought that was my brush with "house centipedes" but today I was proven wrong. I found this little bugger in my trash. I think that is an awesome place to find it but I found it only after emptying out the trash from my BEDROOM. I refuse to believe this thing was meandering in my bedroom waiting to pounce. I'm just going to have to convince myself it was always in the trash. I am willing my brain to even forget about my friend out here who found a house centipede in her bed. I would pass out. If that wasn't bad enough, she was bit by one of these idiots and had two bite marks on her neck for weeks. She honestly looked like a vampire had bitten her. Kind of cool until you realize it was a centipede and not Edward.
When I saw it, I honestly about went into shock. I just started screaming and throwing every on hand object on top of it. It was not getting out of that garbage as long as I had mobility. This was Duncan's reaction to my screaming:
I took a picture to prove to Ricky it was disgusting. This is his reaction:
"Not that bad."
"NOT THAT BAD!" I about went into shock and he thinks I overreacted. I am sure you agree with me that I didn't. Awful. I HATE these bugs. They are now my mortal enemy.

P.S. Today is not my day. I literally just saw a baby house centipede run across my wall. (I was talking to my sister while it happened. Call her if you don't believe me.) In my adrenaline rush I tried to kill it with our rubber band ball but it got away. I'm still recovering. Ricky was in the bathroom while this all went down. He just asked me to stop screaming. I hope I can sleep tonight.
P.P.S. I feel like they are crawling all over me. Yuck.

Anything Is Okay With Pumpkin Bread

2009-10-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

So, I turned the heat on today (much to Ricky's dismay) and wore socks to bed last night. Sigh. I guess it is time for the cold to sweep the Midwest and to start counting the days until May. I used to adore fall. In fact, I used to say it was my favorite season. That was until I moved to Wisconsin. We have about two weeks of fall and then winter and its brutal winds and below freezing temperatures take over and leave only misery in their wake. I love fall in Utah. I love the mountains. I love the crisp air. I love pulling out my sweaters and my pea coats. I love the excitement over Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love the anticipation of Christmas. I love the smell of fall in the air. I love the warm Indian summer days. I love the promise of a first snow fall. Did I mention the pea coats??
I was in a bad mood last night because the house was so cold, Grace has suddenly become the winner of "Little Miss Bossy America" and Duncan had fallen off the couch three times in an hour. (Yes, your head will hurt again when you fall!!) In this wonderful mood I started putting out my Halloween decorations and you know what, I instantly cheered up. My love for fall and Halloween. came back. It didn't hurt that my kids were ecstatic over the orange lights and spider web plates. Grace came up to me in a witches' hat and said, "Mom, this is going to be best Halloween ever!" Yeah, that's right. It is. And not because I'm turning the blasted 30 but because my kids are so darn excited. Both of them have run around all day with trick or treating bags hanging around their necks. I baked pumpkin bread today and as the smell permeated the entire house I once again fell in love with fall. Grace tried some pumpkin bread and said, "Yum, pumpkin bread is the best." This little girl does not fall far from the tree. (umm, I think that half loaf is gone thanks to me. It is only half the calories if it is a mini-loaf. Right?)

So, here's to you fall. Even if you only last like two weeks out here I am going to enjoy you. I'm going to wear my pea coats, put on my sweaters and not remember that I'll be wearing them for the next seven months. I'm going to enjoy the leaves changing and not think about the fact that snow will quickly replace them. I am going to love the crispness in the air and forget about the fact that that crispness will be replaced by -30 wind chill factors. I'm going to bake pumpkin bread with and without chocolate chips and eat as much as I like because this is the one season you can. I'm going to look forward to Halloween even though I'm turning 30 because Duncan and Grace are going to look smashing in their costumes. I'm going to talk about Halloween everyday with my kids and completely forget (as much as my dad reminds me) that it is a pagan holiday that has been blown out of proportion by corporations out to make a buck. Oh well, bring on the candy and the orange and the black and the pumpkins. You gotta going on Fall.

Jealous

2009-09-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

Gonna be in Disneyland tomorrow. Enough said.

The Impossible Has Happened

2009-09-15T06:45:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,
I'm alive! Yes, I didn't know if I would be alive after this weekend but I have successfully run a half marathon and lived to tell about it. I know for a lot of you out my prediction of death may seem a bit dramatic. Let me tell you though, I don't think it is. When my friend Anna Hassell approached me in May and asked me to run a half-marathon with her I just started laughing. Now, if you know me, you know that I abhor running. I think it is taxing, too hard, and just plain boring. So, I have no idea why I finally told her yes. Maybe I was crazy. Maybe the competitive spirit in me overruled my rational side. I don't know what it was, but I decided I'd do this. This means I've spent the last three months training for this thing which meant I got up every Saturday morning at the crack of dawn to run long runs. I think those Saturday mornings were worse than the actual run. I hate mornings. Almost as much as I hate running. Anyway, to make a long story short I stuck with it and now I can say I did it. I didn't care about my time. I only cared about two things: 1) Finishing before the awards ceremony started 2) Not coming in last. I am happy to report I accomplished both of those goals.
I know the only thing that got me through training and through the race was some wonderful friends. Man, I got lucky when I met these girls. I trained with Anna and Jenny and then ran the race with them and with Diane Bridges and my sister-in-law Katie C. Hutchison. Yes, Katie came alll the way from freakin' Virgina to run this with me. Can you believe it! She was a celebrity in Elroy, Wisconsin. All the Lion Club members who organized the race, went out of there way to meet the girl from Virginia. Awesome.
So, a memorable day and help save some memories, here are some pics.
Before the race. All glowing and happy.

After the race. Just survived.
Katie and the apple dumpling you get after the race. Way too heavy for me. I had one bite and felt the desires to throw up.

Fleeting

2009-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

1. Well, Auntie Em came and went and who knew five days could fly by so fast. In the course of five days we went to the Jelly Belly Factory, two malls, the zoo, the pool, and on a boat tour. It was great. We miss her around here. Grace walks around and will occasionally say, "I miss Emmy." Today she said, "We need to go to Nana and Grandpa's house and then we see Emmy." Sometimes I really don't like living out here. I hate the winter (quickly approaching), I hate when people leave (they all do), and I hate buying airplane tickets if I want to see most of my family (they're blasted expensive). Don't get me wrong, most of the time I really enjoy being out here but sometimes I'm reminded about all I'm missing by living so far away. It's hard for me. I miss seeing my parents more than a couple times a year. I miss seeing my grandmas. I miss seeing my siblings. I miss seeing all of the Irion clan who I adore and do not communicate with enough. I miss seeing my kids with their grandparents and uncles and aunts and cousins. It's a lot to miss. Sigh. I don't want to start the waterworks. Ricky came home to a blubbering wife yesterday and I think he worried about my emotional stability. It's okay though. Today is better. Heck, Katie C. Hutchison comes tomorrow morning and we need to get pumped up to run 13.1 miles. No time for tears.

2.Also, on a completely different note. I also need to get some sleep. I have been consumed with some books. (Surprise, surprise.) So, in an effort to champion you all to my cause to read books I'm reading so I can talk to more people about them here is a new book recommendation. Be prepared. You will lose sleep. You will ignore your children. You will be a little disturbed. I can't stop thinking about this and the sequel. The dumb books are a trilogy though and the third's not out so just be prepared. You're going to get sucked in and then left wanting. So good.

Some Countdowns

2009-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

4 or less-hours until I polish off this huge box of sugar babies I bought at Pick 'N Save. (I bought this with the intention of having it last weeks. Not going to happen. Addictive!)
6-how many weeks until Duncan can go to nursery (That's going to be a long six weeks.)
8-days until my darling sister Emily arrives in beautiful Wisconsin (We are definitely going to show her a good time. Ya know, maybe some brewery tours and a walk down by the lake to find the biggest beer gut. Some fun things like that.)
14-days without a potty accident with Grace. (A great two weeks and then the poor little girl got sick and all training went out the window. Back to square one. Blarg.)
16-days until Katie C. Hutchison, my adorable sister-in-law, arrives in Milwaukee to run a half-marathon with me. (Katie says this has always been a goal/dream of hers. I just used to have a goal to exercise at least once a month. I bet she never in a million years thought she'd accomplish this goal of hers with little 'ol me.)
17-days until I pass out at the end of a half-marathon. (Pass out will probably be true but it will be the end. I'm already dreading the after affect on my thighs. Oh they are going to hurt.)
21-days until yours truly boards a plane sans children to go to Disneyland. (CANNOT WAIT! Heading to Disney with my roommies from BYU. We all met in Jerusalem. 10 years ago this week. I still call them my roommates and Ricky is always correcting me. I don't care. They're still my roommies.)
4-days Ricky is on his own with the kiddos. (I don't think he'll ever let me go after these four days.)
42-days until my parents come out to visit. (Reference back to Emily's visit. Not a lot to do in Milwaukee.)
66-days until I turn 30. (I'm just speechless. When did this happen?)
112-days until we go to Utah for Christmas. (HOORAY! We get to spend Christmas in Utah. Even Ricky.)

What Seven Year Itch?

2009-08-24T11:37:00.001-07:00

So today is our seven year anniversary. 7 years, two states, three places to live, four different cities, two kids, 1 med school, 1 parent’s mission, 3 brother’s missions, 6 ½ nieces and nephews, thousands of dollars in food, clothes, insurance, and loans. Geez, a lot has happened. I can’t imagine my life without Ricky. Can you believe it? I still feel like we are in high school sometimes. See, seven years doesn't adequately covers the years we've spent together. Seven years ago today we were married in the Salt Lake Temple but heck, our first kiss was 12 years ago last May. 12 years! Who would have thought this would have worked out?? Only in my wildest dreams in high school did I ever allow myself to think Ricky and I would get married. I mean, my mom had to convince me to ask him to a dance. I was terrified. You see, I was cool in high school (no joke) but Ricky was cooler. (He'll never let me live this down.) I used to called him one of the "PK" (popular kids). So, it took a major confidence boost from my mom to get up the guts to ask him. And look, all thanks to me (and my mom I guess) we're still here. Nuts. So, one year of high school together, one year of college, two years of letters while he was on his mission, one more year of college and boom, seven years later here we are. Did I mention that while he was on his mission I found out how to wax my eyebrows, grow out my bangs, and stop wearing classic style jeans from the Gap. I got as cool. Don't you worry.
So, I thought some of you may like this stroll down memory lane. I am sorry I don't have any of our dance pictures from high school. All my scrapbooks are still in my parents' house. I wish I did, you would have got some major laughs. Oh well, here's what I got.
High school. Oh geez, worse than I thought. Why didn't anyone mention those pants were awful. Sorry Trace and Ang. Only one I had on hand!

Ricky and our friend Spencer at Senior Ball. So flippin' cute. No wonder I fell for him. (By the way, Spencer married one of my best friend's from high. Murray's got love in the air.)

The day Ricky came home from his mission. So awkward. Notice how I'm playing hard to get and staying far away.

Going to a dance at my BYU ward. A couple months after Ricky came home I dyed my hair brown. Hmm, I might do that again.

2002 Olympics in Salt Lake

Getting engaged in New York City. Isn't Ricky the best! On our first date we saw "One Fine Day" and in it, George Clooney and Michelle Phiffer have this great scene by a fountain in Central Park. You got it, this is the same fountain. Pretty romantic.

The big day. Ahh, sweet memories.

After our first year in Milwaukee.

GRACE

DUNCAN

Graduation Day

Ta-Da-Today

A great journey. Here's to many, many more Ricky. Love you!

Facts (well, at least for right now)

2009-08-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Fact:
Duncan can say the following words: car, go, ball, Dada
Duncan attempts to say the following words: bike, airplane, cheese, and "all aboard."
Did anyone notice that nowhere in this list is mama? Yeah, last on the totem pole. Just can't believe I'm after "all aboard."
Fact:
The following things have somehow ended up in my toilet in the past three days:
1-"Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech. Now this book is a sorry looking bunch of pages.
2-One of my pots. I came in to find some little monster using my pot to dump water from the toilet to the floor.
3-My steamer. Yup, today I found my steamer in the toilet. Do I live here? How does Duncan get this stuff into the toilet without me knowing!!!???
Fact:
Duncan has figured out how to climb on the kitchen chairs and subsequently, the kitchen table. This about gave me a heart attack when I walked in to find Duncan standing up on the table just smiling. Once again, do I live here?

Fact:
Gracie is obsessed with listening to "her music" in the car. One can only take so much of the Laurie Berkner band, Raffi, and Disney soundtracks. I had had enough. So, in an attempt to get something else in the car I grabbed the Hairspray soundtrack at the library the other day. Little did I know that Grace would fall in love with it. I know all those words by heart now. I am wondering if I should have picked it up after Gracie told/asked me the following things today: "Mom, now I've tasted chocolate, I'm never going back." "Mom, why does Tracy's (character in the show) mom sound like a boy?" (Hmm, not sure how to explain to a three year old that in fact Tracy's mom is a boy dressed up like a woman.) Umm, this soundtrack could be a bit advanced for her. I'm guess I'm back to "Baby Beluga" tomorrow.
Fact:
Gracie is practically potty training herself. She decided she didn't want to be a baby anymore and started on Monday wearing panties. She hasn't had an accident since. Knock on wood!
Fact:
Grace won't use public bathrooms. Just picture a Barnes and Noble restroom, a little girl screaming "I want to be a baby again," a little boy trying to get his hands in every toilet bowl possible, and me, just trying not to cry. I have to give it to her though, she held it until we got home. Am I raising a germaphobe or just someone who will use a Diego kiddy seat the rest of her life?
Fact:
I have got to take a shower. I have no idea the last time I shaved my legs.
Fact:
I was hoping Brandon would win SYTYCD last night.
Fact:
I am running a freakin' half marathon in a month and I am scared to death.
Fact:
I am going to put my kids down for a nap and read. Hmm, maybe I'll think about the shower.

A better question is "Why Not"?

2009-07-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all you lovely people. I was on a blogging hiatus due to a wonderful trip to Utah.
So, I have a handful of friends out here that think my desire to move to Utah one day and be one big happy family with my parents and Ricky's parents is crazy. They also find my frequent traveling to be rather extensive. I mean, I guess if you think being on an airplane at least once every month from January to May and then again in July is excessive than I am guilty. I won't kid everyone by saying I love the traveling, because I don't. I certainly dread the airplane ride. I mean who likes getting awful looks when you arrive on the plane and everyone sees you with two small children. Who likes calming a screaming 15 month old who wants to walk, trying to fish a certain DVD out of the DVD case for the 3 year old all while trying not to scream and prove all those bad lookers right that I am a mess. Who likes to have their child have a blow out in the airport that gets all over his pants, shirt, and socks and then have him walk around pantless and barefoot all while getting more dirty looks? Who likes to have two overly tired children screaming their eyes out all while you sing "Twinkle Twinkle" and "I Am a Child of God" in the hopes of calming them down? Oh yeah, and the dirty looks keep coming.
No, I wouldn't say I like to travel but at the risk of sounding sappy, I think it's all worth it. When my kids see their grandparents for the first time or jump on Grandpa's tramp or swim in Bappo and Bappa's pool or talk about their cousins incessantly or light up when they see any of their aunts or uncles or go crazy when Nana has bought another princess toy, I can't help but think all those dirty looks are worth it.
So, when people ask me why I would ever move back to Utah I'm going to start saying "Why not?" I'm going to take the power back. I love the place. I mean Lake Powell, Midway, Park City, MURRAY. You can't go wrong when you go back to Zion baby.
Did I mention winter is only four months?

Don't Stop Believin'

2009-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we would have been freakin' awesome had we lived it up in the 80's. Our friend had an 80's themed birthday party this past weekend and we had so much fun. 80's tunes were playing and everyone was in costume. I'm telling you, it was a blast. We ate airheads, pop rocks, and Capri Suns. We played Twister and Super Mario Brothers 1. Yeah, radical. I think Ricky should think he's pretty lucky to be with such an amazing rocker chick. I guess I had a thing for mullets in another life or something. Can you believe that my entire outfit came out of my mom's dress up box. I guess she was some closet rocker in the 80's. Who knew.

Back in the Saddle

2009-07-01T17:37:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've officially resurrected my sewing machine. It has been in hibernation since before I had Duncan. I went into a little quilting shop in Nauvoo and feel in love with this pattern. Isn't it adorable! So, it inspired me to put my skills, or rather attempts to duplicate skills, to good use.
Just in case you were wondering, no I have no idea what I'm going to do with this quilt. No I am not pregnant and getting a quilt ready. And no, I have no idea how to use quilts once I've finished them. If any of you have any handy ideas about how to incorporate quilts into your decor without going all county, I'd love the advice. You see, I have a box full of quilts that is just sitting around gathering dust. I asked my friend the other day why in the world I make quilts to sit in boxes. She told me I make them to pass them down to future generations. Is Grace going to just put this in a box too? I really need to start giving these away or doing something with them. I spend too much time to have these sit in a box. Bother.

Are you kidding me?

2009-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Bachleorette is driving me crazy. I was nuts last night. How can she not see through that slimeball Wes?? Does she think that Jake is secretly a deceiver and had nothing better to do than fly down to Austin to try to win her back? Hasn't she figured out yet that she and Reid talk about NOTHING? Does she really want a very manipulative, involved mother-in-law like Kiptyn's mom? Hello!!! What are you thinking Jillian? I am dumbfounded. I am too emotionally involved and it makes me crazy. Does she even know how badly she hurt Michael? How could you not feel for that kid. I need to find him and set him up with my sister.
I'm giving you one more chance Jillian but Wes better not get a key to your suite or your heart or I'm throwing in the towel.

Random or otherwise unrelated items of interest

2009-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

So my darling sister called (here's a picture of her just in case you forgot what this beauty queen looks like) and reprimanded me the other day because I haven't blogged in a while. I told her she really had some nerve telling me that considering she hasn't blogged in a month either. I miss my sister's blog. She is funny, witty, and quite unconventional. She makes everyday randomness funny. So, I am now publicly reprimanding her and telling her to get her blog on.
When we were talking I told her I haven't blogged because quite frankly, I really have got nothing going on. What am I supposed to blog about? The fact that my son doesn't care about his mother's sanity and insists upon waking up at 6 a.m. every stinking morning? I guess I could blog about the fact that my very smart three year old has no desire to be toilet trained and in fact told me that she thinks she will go on the potty when she is four. Umm, yeah, still at a loss about that whole mess. Or, I could blog about my guilt over lack of no potty training and the burning need to apologize and explain myself to every mom who asks me how old Grace is. "Yeah, she really should be potty trained but she has no desire and I've tried timer, sticker chart, cajoling, bribes, threats, compliments, and tears. Nothing is working. Blah, blah, blah." I quickly run my mouth and end up looking idiotic. Not a good conversation. Or, I could blog about my goal to run a half marathon in September and how I think I'm going to die because I haven't been able to run past 7 miles. I literally feel like I am going to expire. How am I going to make it to 13??
I don't think any of these things are too entertaining to blog about though so to appease my sister I'll blog about some of my favorite things right now. How does that sound? Interesting? Maybe. Entertaining. Hopefully. Worthwhile. Probably not, but what do you have going on? Dinner preparations. Yeah, stay here and maybe something I love right now will become something you love right now.
1. The FABLEHAVEN Series by Brandon Mull
This may be the reason I don't blog and sometimes my darling children are neglected. Honestly, I was obsessed. This is a great series of books by a Mormon guy. Go Mormons! He has written four thus far in the series and I loved them all. It is the story of a brother and sister, Seth and Kendra, and their discovery that their grandparents are caretakers of Fablehaven. A mythical creature scantuary. Yeah, do I sound like a fantasy nerd yet?? I really enjoyed these books. I know I like a book when I am willing to buy it and I am buying all four that are out yet. This is a great seris for young kids or for you to read aloud to your kids. I gave the book to my brother for his birthday and he finished it in one day. That kid is amazing. So, if you are looking for something entertaining, light, interesting to read, I'd suggest this series. Even if you do not think you like fantasy, I think these will convince you or at least persuade you to think about fantasy more.
2. PANDORA. This is one of my favorite little discoveries. I think my brother Andrew was the first one to mention it to Ricky and Ricky has converted me. This little internet gem is so great. You go on the internet, type in your favorite artist and Pandora streams a great selection of music from that artist and any other that is similar. Lovin it. So far I am quite addicated to the Ingrid Michaleson channel and the Beyonce channel. You can't get enough booty shakin for me. I plug my I-phone into my kitchen speakers, put this one and am suddenly in a better mood. Ahh. I might need to mix up my channels considering today Grace was walking around singing "I'm okay, I'm really okay. Don't worry about me." We must hear that song a bit too much.
3. So You Think You Can Dance
I don't think I need to say too much except that I loved Wednesday and Thursday nights now. I am just lovin' this show so thanks to everyone who encouraged me to give it a try. I'm rooting for Ade ladies. I don't care if I'm jumping on the band wagon. He's great.

4. I don't think I could included a list of favorites without these three people:
Aren't they cute? They are definitely my favorties.
Okay, so the little boy does wake up at 6 and sometimes I want to pull my hair out. He makes up for it by grabbing my legs and burrowing his head as he gives me a little hug or when he dances around the room with shaking movements. Maybe he is channeling Mia Micheals.
So, this little girl has no desire to wear panties. Okay, I'm going to roll with that and just continue to ask her. I can't help but love her darling little voice and face. I love when her face lights up when she sees me and just loves life to the fullest.
This guy, well, what can I say? He is pretty close to perfect. So what if he doesn't want to watch The Bachelorette with me. It would probably question his manhood. And it's okay that he never wants to get chocolate ice cream to split. I guess that means I get all of it. So I don't think I'll convince him to watch The Duchess with me. That's okay, I'm not so keen on Taken or Transformers. Even with these major flaws :) I still love to be with him.
Well, if you made it to here, I commend you. Let me know some of your favorites if you want to comment. I'm always up for some new favorite in my life.

Song

2009-05-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

I know, two posts in one day. If you inferred from this that I am still inside with a sick child then, ding, ding, ding, you're right.
Okay, I heeded all your advice and watched SYTYCD (this is how insiders refer to So You Think You Can Dance). I will say, I was quite impressed and Mary was not too grating. Now I am just flabbergasted with Nigel's hair. Oh well. I can say that Ricky even watched the last 30 minutes with me and did not leave the room in disgust. Progress.
So, last night two different girls danced to a song that I was immediately drawn to. After the show was over I looked up the lyrics and found this beautiful song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson called "The Winter Song." Okay, so maybe it's like over a year old, it is new to me and I thought I'd share it with you. I think I've watched the video on you tube like 20 times already. That includes the three times with Grace this morning. She kept requesting it. As beautiful as it is I also find it extremely melancholy. Ricky says I'm not allowed to listen to it. Just because I teared up the first few times I listened to it, that is no reason to stop listening to it. Yeah, I also tear up at the gym when I listen to "Halo" by Beyoncee. Music gets me. Ricky says melancholy music is off limits for me because no matter what the song is about it inevitably makes me think of moving back to Utah and being closer to all our family which in turns turns me into a sad girl.
Well, if you are willing to maybe shed a few tears check this link out. I don't think you'll regret it. Because of this I now have an Ingrid Michaelson station on Pandora. Katie C. Hutchison, I'm thinking you'll like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO0gd7cr9o

Losing

2009-05-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Potty Training: 1
Katie: 0

Yup, that is a big fat zero. I don't claim to be an sort of expert on potty training but if there is one thing I've learned this week it is this: Just because you can't leave the house because one of your children is sick does not mean that is a good time to start potty training your other child. Bad idea.
The baby with the 103 fever, goopy eyes, sore throat and new teeth coming in, will not stop crying just because you are potty training the other one. The child will not go on the potty even though the mother has set the timer to go off every 20 minutes and sets the child on the potty. In fact, the child will probably go potty all over the bathroom floor about 1 minute after she gets off the potty. After hours of screaming and beepers going off the mother will eventually give in, put a diaper back on the child She will then put an inane Baby Einstein on for the baby because the swirling vortex of spinning toys and talking puppets seem to be the only thing that makes him happy. The mother, well, she will go upstairs and lay in her secret place where children don't seem to look and revel in the guilt that accompanies a three year old who is not potty trained and a one year old who has watched endless amounts of Baby Einstein in one day. Welcome back guilt.

Obsessions

2009-05-21T21:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, there are a few material things on this world that I am slightly in love with. You might say I could be borderline obsessed with them.
1. Books
2. Chocolate
3. Cold Cereal
4. Indoor plumbing
5. Shopping
For a while, those have ranked supreme but I am now in a new relationship that may take the cake. I don't know if it can take over book's number one spot but it is trying its hardest. The new latest and greatest in my life: my DVR.
Okay, this could be one of the best inventions ever. Ever since Ricky gave in and let me get basic, basic cable I have become obsessed with DVR. I mean, now I can watch like an hours worth of TV in like 30 minutes. I never have to worry about missing anything because I can watch it all. Ace of Cakes, America's Next Top Model, Seinfeld, American Idol, The Amazing Race, 24 (come on, there has to be something Ricky will watch with me). The mention of all these shows may appear to mislead you into thinking all I do all day long is watch TV but with my trusty new friend I can watch all these shows in a short hour before I go to bed. LOVE IT.
If recording shows weren't enough, now I can fast forward and boy do I utilize that fast forward key. No more blah, blah ramblings from Paula. No more talks on fierceness from Tyra. No more credits, commercials, sappy 24 moments, nothing but the meat. Now when I feel super awkward watching a super bad singer audition on American Idol I can just fast forward through it instead of leaving the room or changing the channel. Now when there are like a thousand Travelocity ads during the Amazing Race, I don't have to watch them. Now when Tyra mentions for the thousandth time how to make your "eyes smile" or to "make your neck appear longer without straining it," or how to "embody your inner fierecness" I don't have to watch. Just click, and fast forward.
So, this love of DVR has enabled me to watch plenty of reality shows in a short amount of time. Now, however, I am in a state of mourning. Seasons have ended and I am show-less-ness. I no longer have Jack's tirades to look forward to on Monday night, or Tina Fey as Liz Lemon on Thursday nights, or bizarre challenges on the Amazing Race on Sunday night. I've got nothin.' I've just got reruns of Ace of Cakes and old Law and Orders. I need something to look forward to when Ricky is on call.
So, in my quest to find a new reality show to DVR I am allowing auditions to the following shows: The Bachlorette and So You Think You Can Dance. Yup, these two are in the running to become DVRd. Right now they are just on deck. I watched them both this week to see if they will be allowed to be DVRd next week and I still haven't decided. Can I stand watching 12 weeks of idiotic men make complete fools of themselves for one lady all while say "seemingly sincere and romantic things?" Can I stand hearing the words "awesome," "beautiful," "super pumped" repeatedly on a weekly basis? Can I stand that?? Can I stand that one judge named Mary on So You Think You Can Dance? She might be as bad as Paula. Can I stand Nigel's hair also on the above mentioned show? Will I be able to stomach this for weeks on end? I am currently debating this. If there is anyone out there with an opinion on this weighty subject I would glady welcome your advice. No judging here. Heck, I've just admitted to watching like 100 shows.
I will have to keep you posted.

Little Miss

2009-04-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm a week late in announcing to all my faithful readers that my daughter had a birthday. I am pretty sure none of you are going to care, but I was in Utah and absolutely nothing productive happens in Utah. (Does updating your blog count as productive?) Well, in my book updating the blog does count as productive since when I do it I feel less guilt, like I accomplished something, and a general feeling of well being.
So, Gracie Girl turned 3 last week. Whoever made up crazy sayings was right, time does fly by. It really feels like just a couple days ago when she tried to be born at 32 weeks and I had to cancel my trip to Utah and go to the hospital and have that gross magnesium stuff to stop my labor and the nurse told me it would feel like I was having hot flashes or better yet, like I was having a hangover. Hmm, I don't think I can relate to either of those things. I guess the magnesium did some good because Grace stayed put and didn't come until a week before she was due.
Ever since then she's been a gem. So she's a little sassy, I like it. So she doesn't like tomatoes or mushrooms, who does? So she like to wear her Wellies with a super short dress, she rocks it. I love this little girl. She's smart (from me), short (hmm, me again), cute (okay, me one more time), and so happy (I'll take that too). Wait, Ricky's a doctor, I better give him smart. Somehow, she got a lot of good things. She is one fabulous little girl and I honestly adore her personality, face, laugh, fashion sense, love of books, imagination, and artistic flair. Here's to you Gracie. All my love!

"I was born to kiss you"

2009-04-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I went to Redbox and in a fit of nostalgia, got Only You. Do you remember this flick? Do you remember thinking about your "one and only?" Do you remember just loving it and thinking that Robert Downey Jr was the best? Do you remember contemplating cutting your hair short so you would look more like Marisa Tomei? Do you remember thinking, "Wow, when I get older and rich I am going to go to Italy because this place looks amazing"? And of course, do you remember thinking how romantic and beautiful it was? If you said yes to any of these questions, you should watch this one again, you may think differently.
I didn't want to think differently. I wanted to like this as much as I did when I was 15 and getting it every weekend from Smith's video. I should have just left it as a really great memory.
So, here is how last night goes. Ricky has to study for a big test so I get myself all ready with a blanket, an ice cream sandwich, and the remote control and get ready to be wowed with Only You. I can only say, at the end of the movie I had some realizations. Here's my beefs:
1. I guess I used to think it was cool that Peter (Robert Downey Jr.) was a shoe salesman. He could look at Faith's (Marisa Tomei) foot and could tell her what type of shoe she was wearing. Was that ever cool? No, I don't think this is a desirable profession any more. Minus one point.
2. The fashion: Were cut-out dresses every fashionable??? I am not talking about a little keyhole cut out. I am talking about full on cut outs around the stomach area. Too weird. Also, remember when big scarves for your hair were in? I do, I purchases quite a few of those puppies at Nordstrom during their half-yearly sale. Well, you can see a big black and white polka dot scarf in this flick. Awesome. Plus, Peter's pants are always hiked up way too high. I just kept thinking, "Wow, Robert Downey Jr. is way hotter in an iron hero suit."
3. What in the heck is the deal with the second story line about Faith's sister-in-law Kate? Kate goes to Italy with Faith after leaving her husband because she thinks he's having an affair. She has absolutely NO proof. This is just her assumption. While in Italy she is wooed by some Italian hunk named Giovanni. At no point is either Kate or Faith concerned that Kate is "dating" this guy while she's still married. Even though at the end she decides to work things out with Larry she still says the weekend with Giovanni was the most exciting of her life. Not a good message people! I guess this didn't bother me when I was 15. Now, I am bothered.
So, needless to say, I was a little disappointed. I will admit though, even with my cynical view, I still got a little choked up when Faith talks about how much Larry loves Kate. Simply put, Faith says: "Kate, he would slay tigers for you." Ahh, I'm melting again. Maybe I can watch romantic comedies still. Maybe I'm not too hardened with a realistic view. Maybe I can stomach another Matthew McConaughey movie. Well, let's not push it too far. I did see Fool's Gold and that may have cured me of good 'ol M.M. Maybe I can watch another Hugh Grant movie and fall in love with romantic comedies again. Yes, much more realistic.

Mr. One

2009-04-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, the inevitable has happened, Duncan turned one today. I guess I should be excited that he is growing and happy and strong and developing on schedule and all that jazz, but I can't help but be a little sad. I just need him to slow down and stop growing up so fast. Yesterday Ricky said to Grace, "Do you want a baby in the house?' Umm, we have a baby and his name is Duncan. Except, he really isn't a little baby anymore. (Cue sappy music.) So, I am happy to celebrate the little squirt's birthday but sad to think how fast the last year went. As my friend so lovingly reminded me, "I can't believe it was a year ago today Duncan was shattering your tailbone." Yes, he made quite an impression when he came into the world. Thanks Duncan. Good thing it healed and you are too cute for words. Want some proof?? Here you go.

Tribute to the chunky Dunk, the chunkster, The Dunkster, Little Man, and Dunk.

"To Sleep, perchance to dream"

2009-04-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had the best dream last night. I dreamt that I had this dream job of reviewing books. It was not just writing reviews though, oh no, it was reading aloud book reviews to critics and fancy people. Anyway, I had to review a new edition of "The Wizard of Oz" and did some passable impression of Galinda/Kristen Chenoworth while I reviewed the book. So, here's the good part, somehow in this strange universe Disney heard about me and asked me to be a voice for one of their animated movies. Excited. . .um, that is an understatment. I was thrilled. I distinctly remember asking them if I was going to get the star treatment just like the kids from High School Musical. Yup, I guess in my dream world that is the top notch life. Don't worry, Disney told me I would.
Please let this be prophecy.
Anyone know how to get a job as a book reviewer? Igotta' make this happen.

Selective Hearing

2009-04-07T13:01:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up my mom and dad had like quite a few collection of Far Side Cartoon books. I have NO idea why. For a while, I was quite taken with these witty observations about life. These were cartoons I got and thought I was pretty darn smart to find one panel cartoons funny. This is no Family Circle. I don't necessarily devour Far Side books anymore but there are a couple cartoons I still remember. The above cartoon is one. I still think this one is quite hilarious. I used to think it just related to dogs but I had this cartoon pop into my head the other day when I was talking to Grace.
For some reason, who knows, maybe she is 3 and is just slow, Grace did not want to come up the stairs and put her shoes on. Even though putting the shoes on meant a golden trip to the grocery store, she still was moving as slow as molasses (thanks mom). So, after like a minute of waiting for her upstairs I said, "Hey Grace, I'm serious now. You better come up stairs and put your shoes on." After a minute, and still no Grace, I thought, "What in the world? Did I just say 'I'm serious?' I think she has absolutely no idea what that means." And then, this cartoon popped in my head. Yes, I think it is quite applicable to parenting. Sometimes I think Grace must look at me talking to her and just think, "Why is this lady still talking to me? Blah, blah blah. Oh butterflies and Mickey Mouse. Wonder Pets! I wish she would just let me watch some Noggin." Yes, I think that is a more realistic view of my scoldings or lectures to her. Like today when she did not make it to the toilet and yet again used her diaper. Our conversation: "Gracie, why didn't you tell me you needed to go on the toto?" After a very long pause her response was, "Are my friends coming over today?" Umm, did you hear anything I said. I doubt it.
I will have to remember this cartoon more frequently so I don't get frustrated. Geez, we all need a Gary Larson in our life sometimes. Just makes things so much clearer.

Caved

2009-04-02T17:52:00.001-07:00

A haiku for the most deletable treat in the world:
You are too tempting
You smile and beg me to eat
I cannot resist

I tried, I mean, heck, Easter candy has been in the stores since the day after Valentine's Day. I was doing so well but the 30% off all Easter candy sign did me in and I had to buy the delicious little mini-Cadbury eggs. I can't resist a bargain, or apparently, these wonderfully, sinful Easter chocolate explosions. Must go open the bag while I watch the final ER. Chocolate and George Clooney. Yum.

Bad Habit Alert

2009-03-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

So I have some bad habits. I will readily admit that. However, I don't think any of them are bad enough that I should stop. I realized today I should probably stop one though. I have the outrageous habit of biting my nails. I know, most of you stopped that in like 8th grade but it never seemed to catch on with me. If that isn't bad enough, I bite my nails and spit them out. I know, I know, I'm grossing myself out.

Today I found a nail in Duncan's hair.
I have to stop.
Mom scale did not go up.
This may be worse than falling down the stairs.
Anyone got a file I could borrow?

Mom Scale

2009-03-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, if I were to rate myself on some mom scale that ranked one to 10, I think I'd have to give myself like a 3 today. Now don't worry about me. It is not like I am ranking myself a zero. I mean, I am not growing pot in my children's bedroom or reading a romance novel while my children run around naked begging for food and I begrudingly share my Cheetos with them. No, I'd like to think I'm better than that. Today was just a three day. I mean, Duncan flipping fell down our entire flight of stairs today. I might have been able to give myself a four if our stairs were carpeted but we have wood floors and wood stairs. My only consolation is that it was not concrete.
So, mornings are crazy and hectic and nuts around here. This morning was no different. I was trying to get out the door to the gym and the kids were finishing breakfast. I had to run upstairs so I left Gracie watching Raffi's "Banana Phone" on the I-phone and took Duncan up with me. See, he was perfectly content to just watch with Grace but I just didn't think it was safe leaving him in the kitchen with only a 3 year old supervising. Hmm, in hindsight, that was probably safer. Anyway, to make a long story short Duncan is fascinated with our landing banister and when I turned to grab my shoes he made a step around the last banister onto air and tumbled down those darn stairs. It was like a slow motion movie. I couldn't move fast enough. I tried to grab him but he was down the stairs before I could and I had to watch as his little tubby body rolled down while his head banged on each step. I don't advise seeing this for any mom.
So he made it to the bottom of the stairs. He was scared, and I am sure hurting, out of his wits so he was screaming bloody murder. His loving sister first said, "Duncan, I can't hear "Banana Phone." Such love. After five minutes of continued screaming she did ask why he was still screaming but her first thought was for her beloved Raffi. Some girls just like guys with beards. Anyway, Duncan emerged scared and a bit bruised but took it like a champ. I have spent the rest of today worrying about some latent concussion. He took a nap this morning and I went up every 20 minutes and clapped my hands to make sure he startled. Since waking up from his nap I have said his name at least once every 2 minutes to make sure he responds and is alert. I've checked his eyes with a flashlight but I don't know whether his pupils should be big or small. Not much help. I took a little trip to Target and pointed out every light to see if he'd look and was sure his arms were non-functioning when I put my arms out and he didn't reach for me. I was grabbing his arm and moving it up and down and starting to get hysterical. Only when he did reach for a Teddy Graham did my panic subside. I was convinced he was blind this afternoon when he didn't flinch away from the sunlight. He must have miraculously regained his sight because when he saw the vacuum he quickly ran over and put the cord in his mouth. Don't worry, I pulled it out! No cause to go even further down the scale. Poor kid, I think my over attentiveness could be worse than falling down the stairs.
So, a new day tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be back up to six or maybe seven if I get some sleep and don't check on Duncan every hour by clapping my hands and whistling to get him to startle. I'll try to get some sleep.

Maybe I'll become a pageant mom

2009-03-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

While I was in Utah my sister's friend, Ashley, came over to take some pictures of the kiddos. She is starting a company and needs more shots so I said to come on over. (Hello, what mom doesn't think her kids are the cutest.) So, we had a little photo session in the house and the kids were nuts. Grace was fascinated with all of Ashley's props and Duncan was a solemn little lad which is so rare. Despite the craziness, she got some cute shots in. If you want to take a peek, click this link.
You might notice that Grace looks so angelic. Don't let that face fool you. She looked nothing like that last night when she decided to bite Duncan. Yup, for no reason other than the fact that his finger was there and it looked tasty. Duncan did not appreciate her interest in his digit. And I just have to say, Duncan has still got some mad chunk going on. I should have had her take a picture of his thighs. Now that would have stunned you all.

Gotta' Love Murray

2009-03-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

For all of you who really know me, you will know my undying love for Murray. It is the greatest little city. Car dealerships galore, a new hospital, a Costco, David Archuleta, a huge mall with the new Nordstrom, I mean, come on, what is better than that.
So, just have to say that when I was a senior in high school little old Murray High did a great thing. That was the year we voted Shellie Eyre to be our homecoming queen. The great thing about it, is Shellie has down syndrome. I was also one of the homecoming candidates and was thrilled to have Shellie win. It was quite a tribute to the people of Murray. So, Deseret News has an article about this extraordinary event on the front page of the newspaper today. Not to toot my own horn, but you will see me in the picture. You may not recognize me because at that point in my life I didn't know what tweezers were and had some fantastic bangs. It's me though, in the green. While my eyebrows could take center stage, the best thing about the picture is the look on Shellie's face. It was such a great moment.
So, take a minute and read this wonderful article.

Bonus

2009-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just had to say, we had a bonus treat while we were in Disney. Our dear friends, the Jays, met us in Disneyland one afternoon. We all met while Rod and Ricky were going to medical school. For some strange reason they ranked Loma Linda, California over Wisconsin and matched in sunny CA. Who knows why? They have season tickets to Disneyland (I try not to hate them for that) and took an afternoon to hang out with me and Grace. Geez we miss you guys!
Grace and Nathan quickly fell back into old habits. We gotta watch these two.

Thanks Walt

2009-03-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, what better way to start a blog than to blog about the happiest place on earth and that is not just a slogan for me, that's reality. Grace, Duncan, and I took a little trip to Utah last week and Grace and I took a side trip down to Disneyland. Little Duncan got to hang out with his fabulous Grandmother while we partied down with Mickey. It is not like we dislike Duncan, we just didn't want to subject him to a 12 hour car ride in a car seat. That boy does not like to be contained any longer.
So Grace and I had a wonderful time with my parents and my sister Em. I guess it is no surprise that Grace did everything she wanted and more. That girl loves that place like crazy.
Yup, this is what Grace wore around Disneyland. She was in princess mode. It didn't help that her aunt bought her whatever she wanted including this larger than life sucker. Yeah, that was a mess.

So everything wasn't all sunny. Even little girls get tired in Disneyland. Just too much fun.
Or get ornery.
But, for the most part she was just a happy camper. She especially love good 'ol Tom Sawyer's island. Don't call it Pirate's Lair, or whatever it is called now, in front of my dad. He is a TSI (yes, this is how he referred to it) fanatic.

Ahh, Walt, you were one inspired guy. Thanks for the good times.

Does the phrase "better late than never come to mind?"

2009-03-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this post right now you are a true friend. Considering I haven't posted anything on my blog since Halloween, switched URL addresses, and gone private you really want to find our what is happening with the Irions. So, I guess a lot has happened because I am obviously too busy to blog. Let's see, what has been keeping me so busy I haven't been able to blog, hmm, oh buying a house, moving, Christmas, a new calling (well, new as in December and that is new to all of you), a long January where the dismal weather sucks all form of life out of you, two very mobile children, a darling husband, and a ton of good books. Yup, I continue to chose books over blogging but I will find a happy medium, well, at least I will try.
So to all of you tried and true people who have found this blog, I welcome you with open arms and hopefully frequent updates.