The Davis Family

4 months in a nutshell

2011-04-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

Taking a minute to update you on us!

Corrine turned one! She is seriously the love of our lives right now. We all absolutely adore her and her every move.
She loved the cake! George and Ruby designed the cake and insisted that we put a mug of Cocoa after her name because we call her coco all the time.

She sleeps and eats great and can entertain herself as long as she is making some kind of mess. She is pulling out all the tissues from the box right now and I'm not stopping it because of the sheer look of enjoyment on her face.

She loves to snack on crushed ice. She will bring me a cup and I know exactly what that means. She adores Steve and gives him kisses when she first sees him. She loves to dance! She eats almost as much as George it seems like.

She wants to be naked all the time. Right when I get her out of her crib in the morning she is pulling on her clothes for me to take them off and she doesn't not like when I clothes on her after a bath.

LOVE HER.

George turned 6!

Keeping with tradition George opened his presents in the morning at the kitchen table. He is always so grateful for the gifts he gets. The girls were excited that morning too.

George had his first friend party. It was LEGO themed. Yes I made the cake......I know I should really go into business.....I mean look at how straight I wrote the words "Happy Birthday George" ha ha ha.

At 6 George is pretty much the best boy I could ask for. He helps with his sisters, hangs up his clothes, practices his piano, makes his bed, and says the sweetest prayers. He also has crazy energy that makes my head spin, but seriously he has been the best thing for Steve and I and our family.

LOVE HIM.

It is sad but true....I have entered my last year in my 20's. Turned 29-celebrated by eating my favorite, traditional Brownie Cake from Baskin Robbins. Not a great picture but the only one we got of the festitivies.

There is more, but I must stop. Blog overload....can't deal with it! More to come.......

I have to just write this down

2011-01-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Okay so I feel like I have been playing house for the last 9 years and now life has hit me smack dab in the middle of my face.

Our Care-free days with one baby!

I have completely enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom since George was born. Yes, it was boring sometimes and I wasted time some times, but mostly I loved the freedom and the peace and the leisure. Then I had another little one and things took me longer, but still very fun. Then I had another sweet baby and things changed. I no longer had any leisure in my life. Everything became a struggle. Nothing was just done and finished and complete, there was always something to do: cleaning, cooking, shopping, reading with the kids, teaching the kids, laundry, callings, friendships to maintain, yardwork, not to mention my own spiritual and physical nourishment and a little fun-yes I like to watch movies and eat ice cream with Steve!

I know I sound like I'm complaining. My life is beyond blessed. I won't even start with the list of things that are great in my life, but somehow over the past week I have literally felt like I can't do it. Steve and I were planning out the week and I felt totally overwhelmed. Work, callings, kids, teaching piano, playing with the kids, family time, temple, date, visiting family & friends, housework, exercise (there is reason that one is listed last.) I seriously had heart palpatations. I felt like a terrible mother and wife-I felt like a failure.

Then I just sat there, something I never do lately, and thought. The thought came to me.........this is exactly what should be happening right now. You and Steve should feel pushed and tired and worn out at the end of the day. This is my job/test to see if I can balance it all and prioritize-making sure the most important things are being cared for first. Then I thought of this sweet lady who was in my ward in Riverton. A story she told me gave me another thought that the adversary doesn't just tempt us to sin, but he tempts us to doubt ourselves. I have heard this before, but haven't ever really felt it and that is exactly what I have been feeling. I wanted to give up and that would mean failing the test and that is what he wants me to do so of course he would tempt me to have those feelings. Well, I'm not going to. Period. I will do what it takes because I have to. I have spent too much time and energy to give up now. Our promised reward is attainable.

Today I have been balanced. Dishes sit in the sink, but Ruby and I played Candyland and George and I worked on homework together. Now I am letting them have wii/playing time for 20 mins and I am writing this down because it is reminding me of my committment to keep moving forward. Life is fantastic, fantasitically stressful sometimes, but fantastic none-the-less. Thanks for reading.

Why?

2010-12-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Why does CHRISTMAS come so much faster when you are an adult? I remember waiting and waiting as a child for christmas to come. It seemed like the tree was up for months. Now, I feel like I just barely put it up. I want time in general to slow down. I wish I could enjoy life more and not feel like it is passing me by. Does anyone else feel like this?

Okay, so I have been so on top of Christmas this year. I was practically done by Thanksgiving. I wanted to be able to just enjoy, watch Chrismtas movies, and cook treats for my friends and family, but in my haste I sent out my Christmas cards without including a letter. I never have done a letter before because I felt like we really didn't have anything exciting to share-lame I know. But this year a lot has happened and I LOVE getting Christmas updates from your families so I decided to put one on the blog to update y'all on us. I also didn't send out as many I as normally have because I didn't have a lot of addresses and frankly just wanted to get them out so I didn't spend too much time tracking people down. But I do think of so many of you from Riverton, Orem, Midvale, and SF. I know you can't keep in touch with EVERYONE, but I think often of the people who we have shared memories and time with and hope you all have a great Christmas!

Here we are a few days after Thanksgiving!

So our 2010 opened with the birth of our third child, Corinne. She was born on a cold January night. She has been such a blessing. I have enjoyed her so much. I think now that I know what I'm doing a little more as a mother, I have been able to just love her and not stress. She has brought me and the whole family so much love! I mean seriously....look at that face!

In February, George turned 5! He loves birthdays and presents and had a great birthday. He is such a home/family boy though and he didn't want a friend party. We had a great time as a family celebrating his birthday. He started school in August and really likes it. He gets bored sometimes, but has learned to read and has made friends with a few boys. It is fun seeing him have some of the same feelings I remember having as I started school. He loves his little sisters and is always concerned for me if I'm ever sick or tired or upset. He has such a good spirit. He is also a rowdy boy who jumps off of anything and teases me and the girls incessently.

In May we bought a home in Saratoga Springs. We love it here, although moving is always hard! Our home needed a new yard put in so Steve and some of our family members WORKED SO HARD digging up the absolutley dead, weedy yard, preping it, and seeding it. It now is Steve's pride and joy. He literally would come home from work and gaze at the lawn for about 15 minutes before coming in the house. It is lovely and the kids will enjoy having green grass! We have been painting and updating the house a little bit, but it has been the biggest blessing.

I began teaching piano when we moved our here and it is so much fun! I have 10 students who are all wonderful to teach. I'm so glad that my mom told me I COULD NOT quit piano. I think I will always teach, I just have to do it minimally right now while my kids are young. I have a neice who comes over to watch the kids while I do the bulk of my lessons. My love for music has been renewed through teaching and I love working on different songs.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. I don't know what we would do without her. She loves life! She loves eating, playing, swimming, movies, daddy, coloring, dancing. She is so openly affectionate and loves her family. She goes to Pre-school once a week and always has fun. She loves to play outside and turned 3 in November. She had a Princess Party with her Pre-school class and loved her presents and cake. Whenever I come in the room, she says, "well hello mom." She is so precious and sweet. Steve started a new job in October! He works for TD Ameritrade and loves it. He is still finishing his Master's Degree with only 3 more classes. He works so hard for us and we all love when he his home! Corinne especially goes crazy when he walks in the door!

Steve was saying the problem with blogs is that everyone's lives look perfect. It's true we put on the good face for others. Not that we should focus on the challenges, but of course we have them. But overall this year has been filled with blessings, family, and great memories. We hope you feel the Spirit of Christ as we celebrate his birth and the gift that is his life!

Love,

The Davis Family

My view

2010-11-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my front yard right this very moment....looks cold doesn't it? I love living by water. Okay so it is just Utah Lake but let me tell you how beautiful it can be. I should have gotten a picture when everything was green and the water was blue, but this will have to do. I have the best view and live in a beautiful place.

Okay is it seriously only 4:49pm?? This daylight savings thing is driving my nuts. My girls are up at 6:00 and it feels like we should be getting ready for bed right now. I used to love when it got dark earlier. I loved coming home and feeling like the day was over, but now I just want it to be light when Steve gets home. He won't be home for 2 more hours..........

Here are my Halloween kids. They loved it and were so excited to get CANDY!

Karate Kid

Cute Genie

Pink Monster with red eyes-very halloweeny!

So I tripped and fell at Lagoon....

2010-10-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

I knew that would get your attention. Yeah, so I fell......like down.......on the cement.....in public. This wasn't just a trip, oh no- this was a flat out fall and tear my pants, bleeding knees, painful fall. I haven't fallen or really hurt myself in years. I watch my little ones fall all the time and get scrapes and bruises and bumps, give them a hug and tell them to keep playing. Now, I have a lot more sympathy for them. I must be getting old because they rest of the day I felt like I couldn't walk. My hands hurt and my knees were on FIRE! It must not affect kids like it does old people like me. It was kind of funny. Ruby said, "what did you do mom, did you just trip?" It must have been kind of shocking to see me like that flat on the ground. I'm healing up nicely thanks:)
So now that I've entertained you all with my humiliating experience of falling. Let's move on.

George and I at Lagoon (pre-fall)

I'm back. Come on, it has only been 7 months. Serious slackage in the blog department- Thanks to all those who haven't given up on me and encouraged me to update. I really love tapping into your lives and the absolute cuteness of your kids so let me share some cuteness with you.

Corinne is growing so much. She is 9 months and she is obviously very happy! Coco has been such a good baby for our family. She has made me a better mom-given me more perspective on what life is really about. She eats great and smiles ALL THE TIME- At least with people she knows. Like all my kids she has been wary of strangers. I don't know if I have done something to cause this, but I know it bugs some people that my kids aren't "good with other people" but I can honestly say I don't know what to do about it. They are who they are! Take us or leave us. I'm a little sensitive to issue lately......I'm working through it:)

George took Karate lessons over the summer. He loved it! He wants to wear his karate clothes for halloween. He started kindergarten and is reading really well. There is no more "baby" in my baby boy! He wants to do everything Steve does and would live outside if I let him. I love his personality.
Ruby started preschool-a few moms and myself take turns everyweek teaching the class. She is always a little hesitant to go, but then always enjoys it. This girl just loves life. She loves family, reminds us to read scriptures, takes care of all of us and adds such sweetness to my life. She wants to go to Grandma and Grandpa's or Grandma's every day. She talks about her cousins constantly and is a smarty pants!

We bought a home in Saratoga Springs in May. It is really nice having more room and having our own home. It is a lot of work though, the yard was in total disarray and the house needed (still needs) a facelift, but it is such a blessing. I love the area. It is absolutley beautiful out here. I have never appreciated Utah Lake, but it is so pretty from this side. I'm still getting to know people in the neighborhood, everyone is very nice. George and Ruby have found a few friends, but they honestly prefer just playing together.

Steve is still working hard and finishing up his Master's Degree. I have 10 piano students and am trying to play more.

I better stop here lest I lose my readers.....this is getting long. I will post some picture of the house soon. Thanks for reading!

Corinne's blessing

2010-03-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Several of my friends keep saying that I'm not posting enough pics of Corinne so here they are. It is true with 3 kids, the time I have to blog is even more limited, but I can hardly neglect to show my sweet CoCo on her blessing day.

She is wearing the blessing dress that was made for me by my mother's friend. Ruby also wore it, we are sentimental around here!

We also celebrated my 28th birthday! I've always wanted one of those ice cream cakes, so we splurged and got one from Baskin Robbins-it was heavenly and between the 4 of us, we ate it all!

Corinne is changing so much! I will post more soon! We are crazy busy right now trying to close on our house. It is never as easy as you think it will be. For those of you who have read all the way to the bottom of this, I have a question. When you are painting your walls a color (just a neutral color) do you leave the ceilings white? Erin C-I know you have the answer!

The happenings

2010-03-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hey! We have been so busy and happy since our sweet Corinne was born. Things are definitely busier with 3 little ones, but not nearly as bad as some people said it would be.....I heard many times that 3 is the hardest. I disagree. Two was a tougher transition than 3. Things are getting back to normal and we are loving having a baby around. We've celebrated a couple of Birthdays and had the baby blessed since I last blogged. We also found a house and will be moving the first of May. I am sad, once again, to leave a place I have grown to love, but the space is much needed and appreciated and we have been really blessed in finding this home!

CoCo (Corinnes nick name the kids gave her, so subsequently I call her CoCo Puff) is growing! She sleeps great at night! She isn't really on a schedule during the day yet. She is smiling and loves to be held, especially by ME!This is fun most of the time until I need to do something. Suprisingly she doesn't love Steve. Ruby was such a Daddy's girl at this stage. He would pick her up and she would melt into his arms. Corinne is the opposite. She knows where the food is and she wants to remain close to the source. George turned 5 and is getting ready to go to kindergarten. He is starting to read and is so proud of himself that he can read to mommy at bedtime. Ruby has transitioned really well to the baby, but she does like her Mommy time and is constantly telling me she loves me, she melts my heart! Steve is doing great at school and work. He works hard for our family. I'm so happy we are on the same team and are working together toward our goals. We are incredibly blessed. Now on to the pictures.

George turned 5!

We have this weird tradition of opening b-day presents on the top of the kitchen table!

The Dino cake! That was actually fun to make, I usually don't "do" cakes.

The grandkids on the Davis side. Little sweeties!

This picture is too funny.

Me and the Rubster.

BLESSING PICS ON THE NEXT POST!

A new baby girl

2010-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since October......wait yes I can believe that. Anyway, a very blog worthy event has happened- our sweet baby girl was born on Friday, right on her due date. I went into labor on my own and she was born about 4 hours later. She is beautiful and wonderful. We named her Corinne Adele Davis. She weighed 7lbs 7 oz and was 20 inches.

I am always surprised at how much you love this person you just barely met. She has lots of black hair and the sweetest little cry. She has already been an easier baby than Ruby (sorry Ruby, but it is true). I'm so happy she got here safely and that pregnancy is over!! I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal life and raising these sweet babies I have been blessed with. George and Ruby have been so great and are adjusting well. Steve has been super husband and father. He is in stay-at-home parent mode where he is cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the kids like crazy. I love it! Here are some pictures:

Just a few mintues after she was born. She wasn't very happy!

Getting all cleaned up.

Me and my girls.

Very proud big brother!

Her eyes are open!

I love her face in this one.

Our family of 5!

They love her!

Thanks to all our family and friend who have offered support and congratulations.

Any Suggestions?

2009-10-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

I can't figure out how to move my pictures, so the post is at the end of the pictures, but please read it because I need your ideas!
We went to Lagoon, we had lots of fun!

Okay, so I lack in the creative department on many levels. It's okay, I've accepted it and understand that I must look for my strengths other places.

I'm not kidding when I say I'm amazed by people who can have a vision of what a room should look like or how an outfit should be put together. They can come up with games, lessons, scrapbook pages, and gift ideas. I not only look up to these people, but I like to steal from them. I love to get people's ideas! They should impart their knowledge and share their talent because they are so lucky to have it.

I NEED GIFT IDEAS!! I know what to get for my kids, that's an easy one. I need help with adult silbings and parents. I know every person is different and not everyone would like the same thing, but I would love some great gifts you have received or given to your parents or in-laws. Are you willing to share??

I want to get an early start on Christmas. I am due just a couple weeks later and considering I already feel like I'm 9 1/2 months pregnant, I don't think I will be wanting to "hit the mall" with 2 kids in the Christmas rush.

Is anyone still there?

2009-09-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hello out there, is there anyone still there? I know I have been such a terrible blogger. I don't really love to blog, but for some reason I feel like I should, perhaps I need to prove to myself I can do it like everyone else.

My long absence can be attributed to my 3rd pregnancy! For 2 months I basically laid there hoping my kids wouldn't get hungry or thirsty until the worst had passed. I am feeling much better, but it is still such a different experience than the other two. When people ask me how I feel I am quite honest and tell them I feel old and big......about 80 and 300 pounds. I am excited about this baby, SHE will be coming in January and I can't wait to prove everyone wrong about how the third baby is the hardest. Of course I know life will get more complicated, but I refuse to listen to those who laugh at me and say good luck. I've been a mother for almost 5 years now and I will do what I have always done.....tell myself "this too shall pass" when I am going through a rough moment.

Other than our news, we have been spending a lot of time with family this summer. I had two sisters who visited and we went to 7 peaks almost every week. George just started preschool and I can't wait for fall. I am done with heat. Ruby is growing up so fast. She talks like crazy and wants to go to school with George.

So for the moment I'm back and I would love to hear from you, even though I have been the worst friend ever and haven't talked to many of you all summer......I'm back.....I think.

Where's Daddy?

2009-04-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

So after 2 1/2 months of being unemployed, Steven found and job! Yay, that is a good thing. It is basically what he was doing before, but with a different investment company. Of course after having daddy home for 2 months the kids were a little shocked when he was not there when they woke up. They both asked a couple of times where he was. Steve spent so much time with them when he wasn't working and now I have to step it up and be the one to take them to the park and outside to play. He and George were outside investigating the insects in the yard the second he got home.

As for me, it was good having my husband home for a little while......but even better to have him come home after a hard days work!

Arizona, Easter, Logan

2009-04-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, there has been a lot going on around here and I thought I would catch everyone up. Me, my mom, and my kids went to Arizona to see my sister who lives down there. It was so much fun. The Arizona weather is amazing and perfect. We caught it just at the right time before it gets hotter than you know where. Anyway, it was great to see my sister and her family and fun to get away for a while.
Easter was great too. The kids loved the easter baskets, church was wonderful and dinner at my sisters was great too. I made rolls and they actually turned out this time. On Monday Steve was offered a job! It has been about 2 months now of applying and interviewing like crazy. The job is a great opportunity and really close to what he was doing before. We are very blessed and it will be great for life to get back to normal.
We decided since the job didn't start for a couple of weeks we would go on a little family vacation since Steve wasn't able to come to Arizona with us. We went to Logan for a couple of days and the kids loved it. We went to the little zoo, Cox Honey (You can see a beehive and learn how honey is made) the Cheese Factory, the Temple, and Aggie Creamery. Of course the best part for the kids was the swimming pool. The best part for Steve and I was that most of the things we did were totally free. It is great place to go get away for a while. The canyon was beautiful too, even though it snowed most of the time.
So here are some pictures of what has been going on with us, they are totally out of order because it wouldn't let me move them around. Anyway....you get the point.

Steve and kids watching the video about making honey.
All ready to swim! Remember how exciting this way when you were a kid?

Ready for church on Easter Morning!

George fascinated with the Peacock.

Easter morning.

Eating an In-n-Out shake on the way home from AZ.

We went to the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple. It was so good!

Ruby at my sisters playing dress up with Olivia

My sister has a pool in her backyard. Needless to say it was a daily thing even though the water was still cold!

On the way down there....they actually did pretty good for a 12 hour drive.

What I do in the morning....books.....my babies

2009-03-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

So a couple of my friends are blogging their morning "routine" just for fun and so here is mine. Ruby and I usually wake up around 8:00-8:30. We play lay in bed and play for about a 1/2 hour. George is usually awake by 9:00. Then we eat breakfast and the kids watch Super Why while I take a shower. On Monday/Wednesday George goes to school at 10:30 and Ruby and I go walking at the mall. On the other days we usually start cleaning and playing and that is pretty much what we do the rest of the day......cleaning and playing......what a life!! I love it! I know I probably won't, okay I definitley won't be able to have such a chill morning once my kids are in school, but I'm living it up while I can!

Okay so I need some good book recommendations. I have found a new love of reading. I especially enjoy history books, which I am always reading at least one of, but ever since I read Twilight, I found I need a fiction book to escape to once in a while. I love my life and usually my days are very rewarding and fullfilling, but I have to admit that I loved escaping to Forks for a few minutes before bed everynight and I need another book that I can read and feel like I have escaped Orem, UT (no offense fellow Orem dwellers). Anyway, would all you lovely people be willing to either leave me a comment or post a few of your favorite books. I know I'm always asking for stuff (like recipes) through my blog, but I love getting feedback and seeing what everyone likes and dislikes. "Preciate cha!"
This is an old picture of George, I loved that age. We've been going through old pics/movies and it has made me nostalgic.

Present-day George with wild hair. I love that boy!
So we have this ledge all around our front room and one morning I was in the kitchen and went into check on the kids and this is what I found. My little Ruby is so brave. George never climbed on anything! We are in for an adverture!

All ready for Church, you've got to love when they both smile for a picture.
Ruby with her cute hat.

Does anyone want to know random happenings of my life?

2009-02-17T20:42:00.001-08:00

I must admit that I dread posting things with pictures because it always takes me forever! Does it take everyone else forever to get them in the right position?

Anyway, I didn't mean to start out on a bad note. Everything is actually really great! Even though Steve was laid off a couple of weeks ago, we feel really blessed. I have had a lot of comfort through this scary time and I know everything is going to be okay. I have a great, hard-working husband who is bound to find work soon. I would take this trial over almost anything. My kids are healthy and we have plenty of food to eat and a warm house in which to eat it and so life is pretty good. George and Ruby went to the doctor today, Ruby needs to put on a little weight, she wasn't even on the chart so I'm going to try and fatten her up. George was disappointed he wasn't going to get a shot.....I know kind of weird. He told me later that he wanted to show me how he is very brave, so that made a little more sense. He is such a sweet boy, he just turned four and I can't believe how the time has gone by, he holds such a special place in my heart. I can't imagine my life without him. I don't think there is any feeling in the world to replace the love you feel for your child.

We had a great valentines day. Steve's brother had a baby so we got a baby-sitter and went to see new baby, who is seriously darling, and then we went to dinner. We ate at Fuddruckers because we had a coupon. I hadn't been there since I was 10, is was actually really good, but I hate the name.....serioulsy where did they get that?? I am becoming an advocate of weekly dates, although we hardly get to it go out every week. We try to do something fun, usually eating ice cream. We just started to watch the Lord of Rings trilogy after the kids go to bed so that should provide plenty of date time for a while.

I read the best talk, please read it if you want to be spirtually nourished, serioulsy it was so good: Neal A. Maxwell, In Him all Things Hold Together. He was truly a prophet. He had such an intelligent way of speaking.

Has anyone ever been to Greece?

Visuals:

This is George and I on the bus on the way to see the Draper Temple. The temple was beautiful and the art work throughout was amazing!

Isn't this sweet.

Here is George opening presents on his Birthday, I love his smile!

Okay, so turn your head to the side and you will see this is my attempt at a dinosaur cake!

Happy Birthday to you!

Ruby was loving the cake. It is actually the best chocolate cake. It's not my recipe so I can say that. I should post it sometime...................

What should I say.....

2009-01-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, of course I have been trying to think of something to say about our new President. I am trying to stay positive and respectful. He, of course is a person of worth and if I may sound so cheesy, a child of God. I have tried to see him as a father and a husband and as a son. I'm sure he has some good attributes. He serves as a symbol of success to the African Americans, these are all good things. But we all know how it works, with the good Satan always throws in a little bad. Okay in this case a lot of bad. Abortion is bad, socialism is bad, stealing money to give it to someone else is bad, hanging out with unrepetent terrorists is bad.
So please, as you witness the love affair (sean hannity's line) that the world is having with Mr. President please remember that a president should be judged on his character, moral, and actions. Unfortunatley, I believe he was elected because he was black and because he promised poor people a good job, outstanding healthcare, and a dignified retirement......things he cannot give them. They of couse can only truly attain these things by themselves. I wish I could have been happy on the day of that historic inauguration. I guess what I am trying to respectfully say, is that I hope he learns a few things in office. I hope he realizes that socialism always fails, capitalism always succeeds, why people must not be deprived of their responsiblity to care for themselves, that freedom comes with a price, that their are some terrorists so evil and so dark they must not be let out into society again (GITMO), and that life is precious, a baby is a gift and miracle, not a punishment or inconveinience. Oh, how I hope he learns these things and learns them fast. Good Luck Mr. President, you are going to need it.

Very Useful Website

2009-01-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

Okay so I don't need to tell anyone about the trashy movies that are out there. I'm a big believer of keeping bad media out of your house, your mind and your life. I have felt the effects of watching "bad"movies or t.v. shows and I have also felt the effects of not watching these things. However, I love to be entertained, nothing is more relaxing than watching a good movie after the kids go to bed....accompanied by lots of chocolate ice cream! However, I am wary about renting even PG-13 movies because some of them are totally offensive whereas others are reasonable to watch. Well I found this website www.kids-in-mind.com. It breaks down what the movie has in it in terms of sexuality, profanity, and violence. Movies that are PG-13 can range so drastically in these categories it is nice to check out which ones you are comfortable with. I also just want to say that I know everyone has their own opinions and comfort levels with movies....people can watch what they want to,.I don't want to come off like a prude, but let's face sometimes Hollywood crosses lines and I want to know which lines are being crossed before I see movie.

Update

2009-01-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged forever, I am determined this year to do better! So here is what has been happening with us. We had a wonderful christmas and holiday season. George is really starting to feel the magic that is Christmas. My cute sister Jolisa and her kids came to stay for a few weeks and it was great to spend time with them. I have to give a little tribute to my sister because I love her so much. Everytime she comes to visit, it feels like a vacation to me. Our kids love to play together and it just feels like one big happy family. My mom fell at church and broke her pelvis while Jolisa was here and she really took care ofher. She took her to the ER where they had to wait a really long time well into the night. She was such a big help and I really appreciated her during that little mishap. Jolisa is wonderfully talented and smart. She is someone I can tell anything to and I know she would love me just the same. Sisters are the best.

We went to several parties and ate more than I would like to think about right now. We saw the lights at the temple and enjoyed the Christmas decor, lights, music, and movies. The Holiday season is always gone too soon, but time seems to pass quickly these days and it will be here again before we know it. I am looking forward to what the new year holds and all the fun things I can do with the kids OUTSIDE when it is warm. George is looking longingly at the swingset and sandbox everyday.

What else has been going on.........I went to girl's night with my friends in Riverton a few days ago. I love going back to what still feels like home. It was such a blessing to be able to live there and meet the people I met. It has been great to still keep in touch with them. We have consistently held girl's night once a month and I always come away feeling so great. These women are all different and I have learned something different from each one of them. They are smart and funny and talented. We laugh and eat and talk forever! It is so comforting to know that I have friends who I can be vulnerable and open with and they still accept me. They are such great mom's too, we always have to talk about and give advice on what works with kids.

George started preschool and he is loving it. He feels like such big boy. It is bittersweet to see him growing up. Here are some pictures of our lives lately. Oh thanks for all the dinner ideas. They helped!

George on his way to preschool

Ruby and her friend Trey playing at Arctic Circle, she is a chocolatey mess!

Ruby and her cousin William

Cousin Olivia and George decorating cookies at Grandma's house

Ruby found some stickers.......

Jolisa and I on Christmas Eve

Steven and George on Christmas morning

Ruby and I on Christmas morning. She got a fruit roll up in her stocking and couldn't put it down

George and his light saber......there is no hope for my children.....they will be Star Wars nerds

HELP!

2008-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is bad. I need dinner ideas. I love to cook and don't mind making dinner, but I hate coming up with things to make. I used to do this fun dinner group/exchange thing with my friends in Riverton and it was so nice to get new ideas. Unfortunatly, I don't live by those girl's anymore and I need some help getting ideas. I thought maybe we (as in me and the readers of this blog) could do a dinner idea exchange. Here is what I ask of you wonderful readers......what did you have for dinner for the last three nights? I am going to make a menu based on your meals. I am desperate, thanks for your help. If you are looking for ideas, I had pasta spinach salad, corn chowder, and baked potato bar. I look forward to your ideas. Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas Season!

Crazy Eight Tag

2008-12-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Eight shows I watch:
My Three Sons
Good Things Utah
BBC News
Perry Mason
Nova
I can't think of eight!

Eight things that happened yesterday:
Visited my mom
Did laundry
Made Ginger Chicken
Paid bills
Talked with my sister Jolisa
Mopped my mom's floor
Cleaned up toys like a hundred times

Eight places I like to eat:
PF Changs
Training Table
Old Spaghetti Factory
Kneaders
Wendy's
Macaroni Grill
Subway
Gandolfos

Eight things I'm looking forward to:
Eating ice cream and watching the news tonight
Seeing Steve when he gets home
Christmas Eve
Christmas
Girl's Night
My sister having her baby
Ruby being able to walk

Eight things on my wish list:
A Minivan (I know it is not very cool!)
A Digital Camara
New running shoes
Perfume
Trip to England
Photographic Memory
Ability to write (like books)
More babies

I tag erin, brynn, heidi

My thoughts on President Elect Obama and my sweet family

2008-11-10T14:43:00.001-08:00

Yay! I am finally finding time to blog. My daughter is sleeping and my mom is entertaining George. I have been wanting to write something about our new President....Mr. Barrack Hussein Obama. First of all, for all those who think I am an unfeeling, selfish conservative, let me explain. Yes, I am fearful for what our country will face with Obama as Commander and Cheif. His values and principles are so far from what I believe and more over what the founding fathers believed.
When he won, I felt nauseous and disappointed. As a history major I have had the privilage of learning a lot about those first pilgrims who sacrificed beyond measure to come and pave the road to freedom. Then the revolutionaries whose intelligence and inspiration gave us our country and the constitution. To see how far we have veered from the priciples the country was founded upon is discouraging.
However, I am an American and I respect the office of the Presidency. The Obama family is lovely, his children and wife are beautiful. I wish them all luck. They all are making a sacrifice. The First Family gets a lot of perks, but their lives will be different from here on out. They won't ever be just normal again. The road to the presidency is long and hard and anyone willing to fight that hard has to be respected to some point. Obama is charasmatic and intriguing. I hope he does what is best for the country and leads from the center as he said he will.
However, let it not be misunderstood that I do not under any circumstances support him on his ideas about taxes, welfare, free money for college, healthcare, abortion, or gay marriage. I am a true conservative and will be proud if people remember me as someone who stood for hardwork, self-respect, dignity, and morality.
The only really good thing I take from him winning is now there is a Democratic Executive Administration, a Democratic Majority House and Senate, and he will no doubt appoint Democratic Judges, so when things don't turn out rosy as he says it will be, at least they won't be able to blame the Republicans and we can come back strong in 2012.
Okay, I've got to post some sweet pictures of my family and what we have been up to lately.George buried Ruby's legs. She is not loving this!George was so excited to carve pumpkins!

We lost George's Dinosaur hat, of course, but he is still a cute dino and Ruby is our little flower.

Picture Tag and This Outrageously Ridiculous Urge to Say Something of the Truth About Barrack Obama!

2008-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it seems like it takes a tag to get me to post anything, but I spend my time reading everyone elses blog that I am blogged out when it comes to blogging about me. Anyway, the tag says to go to your fourth computer picture file and post the fourth picture. Lucky it wasn't of me, but of my sweet husband and Ruby. Unfortunatley Steve was going through the beard growing stage, but he is still very handsome:)

Okay, my patriotic heart can be silenced no longer. I must say a few things about the man who may become the next president of the United States, yes the leader of the free world, the most powerful position in the world. Please know that I just want everyone to be informed.

Unfortunatley journalism is dead! Yes, I am stealing this phrase from Sean Hannity, a great American. This is absolutely a truth statement. The Mainstream Media is a disgrace. They are disgustingly biased and misleading. They out and out LIE!! If Obama wins this election, it will be because the media worked around the clock, covering up every single negative piece of information that may require him to answer for his actions. They not only praised BO non-stop, but they have drug John McCain through the mud. Now, let me say that I am not happy about either candidate, but clearly, Clearly, CLEARLY, there is a lesser of two evils here. I wish we could start all over, but even if we could, the media would see it to it that the conservative fell on his or her face. It would be easier to take Obama's "possible victory" if it is legit, but many of his votes will come from people not truly informed about who he is, many of them will base their decision on unrelialbe information they got from Charles Gisbon!

Obama is a socialist, he does not believe in the core values of America. He wants to take money from hardworking people, entrepetnuers, and people who have sacrificed and give it to people who didn't.

Please don't believe that he is going to lower your taxes!! That is false. He voted twice to raise taxes on people who make 42,000 per year! He is telling you that people who make $250,000 are the only ones who will have increased taxes, but that is a twisted statement. Think about this logically: if he gets rid of the Bush tax cuts, everyones taxes go UP!

Remember the Proper Role of Government, it is not to give everyone education and healthcare. That is socialist thinking. It steals people's dignity and self-respect when things are handed to them with no sacrifice on their part. Socialism kills the human spirit. Please think about it, if we have socialized medicine intelligent individuals will not be motivated to make the huge sacrifice it is to go to medical school to provide us good medical care. Our medical system will deteriorate. Welfare and other social programs trap people into mediocrity. It fundamentally makes people irresponsible and unaccountable. Government programs don't create wealth and prosperity, government doesn't move the economy, businesses do. Captialism is the perfect system, it is self-correctly and rewarding.

Barrack Obama has the most liberal attitude toward abortion than any other senator in history. He is for abortion of all kinds, infanticide is okay by him. I heard him with my own ears answer a question regarding the Born Alive Protection Act (doesn't it send shivers down your spine?) When asked if in the event that a child is alive and breathing after labor has been induced with the plan to abort, should an additional physician be called in to assess the viablitliy of the infant. He said that would simply burden the mother's decision she has already made to induce labor and perform an abortion. He voted against it 3 times. This is a person SEPARATE from the mother. This no longer has anything to do with the mother or her body. You too can hear him basically say we should just let the baby die, most likely of painful suffocation because another person has decided that person shouldn't live. Naturally he is going to deny this since it is clearly an unthinkable to do to a person, but the proof is there, listen to this link.

http://buriedplanet.com/2008/08/21/damning-audio-on-the-baipa/

Obama lacks in character, he spews out unemotional, socialistic rhetoric during debates. He sounds smooth, but lacking any emotion. I believe it is because he doesn't have a healthy emotion about American. Obama wants to equalize everyone and that will create a socialist nation where prosperity will cease.

If anyone wants a great book about the proper role of government called, An Enemy Hath Done This, by Ezra T. Benson.

Tagged

2008-10-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Lindsey! This is a different kind of tag, kind of funny. The tag is this: list three of your quirks and three of your husband's quirks. Then tag three people to play along.
My Quirks:
1. I cannot touch an opened orange. I hate them with a burning passion....the smell, taste, texture.
2. I think/dream of going back in time at least once a week. Really back in time, not like high school back in time. I would first go to Plymouth Massachusetts, year 1620. Then England in the early 1400s.
3. I never fold down the corners of my books, I use a bookmark or memorize the page number I was on.

My Husbands Quirks:
1. He only uses one end of a Q-tip.
2. He will not share a spoon or drink with me or our kids...come on, are we really that disgusting.
3. He loves sour patch kids...anything sour will do. He could eat them all day!

I tag: Suzanne, Jodi, Kjerstin

I think I have a sixth sense

2008-09-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is a funny little story. As many of you know, I am an incompetent blogger. I don't blog very often and I can't successfully change my background. I asked my very intelligent sister Jolisa to change it for me. I told her I liked red and black. Anyway, I got on the computer to check some of my friends blogs. My friend Amberley has a darling baby boy and I love to check up and see how he is doing and what they are up to. Well, as I was looking at her blog, I had a very distinct thought run through my head....."I bet Jolisa picked this background for my blog" After I finished, I went to my own blog to see if she had changed it. Sure enough it was the same background as Amberley!! It was surreal looking at it....I knew she was going to pick that one...isn't that funny? This happens to me quite often....I think of something and then it happens or already has happened. Thanks Jolisa for helping me- you and Amberley have great taste!

Life

2008-09-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

So I just spent 20 minutes of my precious time (yes time is precious when the sweet babies are asleep) trying to get a new template for my blog. The old one was making me nauseous, literally, and so I tried to change it and ended up with this. Can anyone tell me how to get one from thecutestblogontheblock? I tried, but it says I need to change my template to Minima????Help and sorry about the crazy colors.

We sold our home in Riverton and moved to Orem. We are renting the basement of a house right now. It is closer to Steven's new office and that is really nice. I miss Riverton!! I have been back a few times and always have such nostalgic feelings. I absolutely loved our time there. I miss seeing friends, but luckily I have been able to see them a couple of times. I will have to post some pics of the new house for those of you who have requested them. I just barely got things put away.........It is fun to be down here closer to Steven's family and the mountains are so pretty.

Along with moving, two of my sisters were in town and we had some pictures taken. I love when my sisters come to visit, it is so great to spend time with them. I wish Amy and Jolisa lived closer. My best memories are those I have when we were all young. We had such a great time being an all girl family, we relied on one another a lot and we still do today. I will be forever grateful for each one of them and their individuality.

Julie, Amy, Me, Jolisa, Lori

Here are a few pictures from the summer.

My happy, precious little boy.

Jodi-we need help with our family pictures.....this is pretty bad. Needless to say, the kids were not in a picture taking mood. And it was spur of the moment so there is absolutley not coordination of the clothes.

Here is my sweet mom and her 14 grandchildren! I love these kids so much! My mom is not only the best mom, but the best grandma......ya know, like the milk and cookies when you come over grandma!

ABC tag

2008-08-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

If anyone wants to know uneccessary information about me.....read on.

A is for age: 26

B is for Burger of choice: Junior Bacon Cheese

C is for car I drive: An old Toyota camry

D is for your dog's name: are you kidding me? I'm not quite what you would call an animal lover.

E is for an essential item you use everyday: Curel lotion, I wash my hands like 4000 times a day.

F is for favorite TV show at the moment: My Three Sons, old but good.

G is for favorite game: Rumikub

H is for home state: Utah

I is for instrument you play: Piano and cello

J is for favorite juice: I don't drink it, I have never liked it, but lemonade is probably the closest thing.

K is for whose bum your'd like to kick: Joy on The View. I hate that show, but what I have seen of it, I could pretty much feel good about kicking her butt.

L is for the last restaurant at which you ate: Spaghetti Factory, brown butter spaghetti!

M is for your favorite muppet: Kermit the Frog has been the love of my life since I was 2, I'm serious. I used to ask my mom when I could marry him.

N is for number of piercings: Just my ears.

O is for overnight hospital stays: Twice when I had my sweet little ones.

P is for people you were with today: Steve, George, Ruby, Julie, Amberley and Jodi

R is for biggest regret: Not trying out for the play State Fair in high school. I know it sounds silly, but I have always wanted to be in a play and I absolutely love State Fair. I knew I should have done it and I didn't, dang it! Who knows maybe one day you'll see me on broadway....ha ha.

S is for status: Married 6 1/2 years

T is for time you woke up today: 8:44 am

U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I'm pretty run of the mill, but something weird is I prefer my cereal and fries soggy, I know it is gross.

V is for vegetable you love: Red Peppers

W is for worst habbit: interrupting people or finishing their sentences, sorry if I have ever done this to you.

X is for x-rays you've had: teeth and arm

Z is for Zodiac: Pisces, is that how you spell that. I'm not super into astrology.

Incompetent Blogger

2008-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've officially decided that I do not know how to blog. I read everyone's blogs and they are so funny and witty and interesting. I feel like I don't have anything interesting to say.....poor me, I know.

I'm too concerned about writing what people are interested in and making sure I don't sound like an idiot. This is far too much effort.....I've decided I'm just going to write whatever I want and if people want to read it they can and if not..........so here I go.

The latest in my life: Reading the Twilight Books. I know I know, this is old news to everyone else, but I just read them after hearing all the hype for the last couple of years. They were great, I haven't read a book so quickly before. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the fourth one. I feel so silly because I am usually not one to fall for the teeny-bopper loves stories, but this one has something that makes the "watching you while you sleep love" bearable.

Next, I have been taking care of my sweet kids. I love to be with them, our days are so full. Sometimes it feels like it is just full of cleaning and picking up, but today has been great. We slept in, cleaned, played, went to our friends and ate otter-pops, came home and built legos, read books and practices writing the letter A. George prefers being the teacher rather than the student so I pretend to be clueless about things and he teaches me.

Now we are going to make cookies and I will eat approximately 14ish before they are even cooked. Let's be honest, I'm not making cookies, I'm making cookie dough. So there you have it, if this was at all interesting--good. If this was not at all interesting--sorry.

Ruby and George love the water whether it be the hose or the faucet.

America the Beautiful!

2008-07-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July. After graduating with a history degree, I have a much deeper appreciation for America, American values, and those who have fought and died for my freedom. The concept of democracy and freedom was something people worked for, fought for, and died for. I am overwhelmingly grateful to live in this country. I don't know why I was so lucky, but I am determined to not take it for granted anymore and do what I can to be a great American.

We kept with tradition and drove to provo for the parade and then we had a bbq with my sister and then went to Steve's mom and dad's. We hung out with them for a while and then went to watch the fire works at the stadium of fire. It was awesome, they were so loud and huge and patriotic. It took forever to get out of the parking lot, but it was well worth it.

Here is George enjoying a chocolate donut during the parade. He couldn't focus on smiling, but at least he is the picture right?

Time to catch up

2008-06-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

There are a few things I wanted to blog about, but I haven't found the time. Ruby is asleep right now and George is watching a movie, so I am going to try and catch up on a few random happenings in our life. First, is our sweetest son George. He is such a good boy and I love every minute I have with him. As we were walking out of a friends house today, he turned around and said, "Mommy be careful, that is a really big step." He finds joy in the smallest thing. This is a picture of him at a little grassy area we play on while we wait for Steve at the Trax. He always wants to get out and play there.

This next picture is George riding the carousel at the mall. He loves to do this and always has the biggest smile on his face. I'm trying to take his example and enjoy the small things in life, like a simple square of green grass or a ride on the carousel! There is your cheese for today in case anyone needed any.

George has a great friend in our neighborhood named Audrey. We get to babysit her on Thursdays and it is so much fun. Suprisingly, their opposite personalities really help them to get along. They have a great time together. George has a great time with all of our neighborhood friends. There are some wonderful girls I have gotten to know since we lived here and I just love all of them. So here is a shout out to all my neighborhood mamas! You guys are the best....so easy to talk to and so fun to be with. Thanks for being such great friends and having such great kids!

I am lucky enough to have some great friends I grew up with that live close and we keep in touch. Tiffani is my friend that I met in junior high, She is so great at calling and always keeping up on stuff, thank you Tiff for calling me even though I take forever to get back to you sometimes. She and her cute kids met us at the dinosaur museum and we had lots of fun. Here is a picture of them creating their own dinosaur land.

Ruby girl is growing so fast. We were having fun playing with her hair the other day.

Here is Ruby having a little "naked time". Funny Girl!
Okay, that will do for now.

The Intro to Food

2008-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

So Ruby is 6 months and I figured it was time to feed her some baby food. I must admit that I really dread this time, I hate baby food. I know I am an adult and should be able to deal with pureed (how do you spell that) squash, but I can't. When I open it, it spurts on my fingers and it grosses me out! I feel bad for poor Ruby... she was all excited but thoroughly disappointed after a few bites...we'll keep trying and I will try and be a big girl and deal with nastly watery green beans!

Ruby....looking very disappointed with her first experience with food.

My sisters

2008-05-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

I have 4 wonderful sisters. Julie, Lori, Amy, and Jolisa. I am trying to find a picture with all of us in it, but it is turning out to be unsuccessful. This is Lori and Jolisa in this picture. Lori lives here in Utah and I am so glad she lives close. She gives me so much stuff for my babies and my house and is such a fun person to talk to about politics and history. I love you Lori!

Jolisa has been visiting for the past 2 weeks with her little girl, Olivia and her brand new baby William. Her super smart husband just graduated from dental school and they are going to Arizona where he will practice and they stopped to chill with us for a while on their way. I wish she lived close, but at least I will have an excuse to go to Arizona! Her daughter Olivia and George love to play together. I have to thank her so much for all the clothes she gave Ruby!!! Jolisa had a brain tumor when she was younger and so because of potential problems with that, her doctor advised her to not have any more children, so Ruby got all of Olivia's old clothes! This girl was dressed well! She also helped me organize my food storage and finally get it done. She is such a wonderful sister.....and to think we used to fight all the time! Thanks Jolisa, I love you!

Here are George and Olivia playing, they are such good friends! We miss you guys already!

Sweet Success!

2008-05-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

We did it. My sweet baby daughter is sleeping through the night! It only took 3 nights and each night she cried less and less. I can't tell you how a full nights sleep feels when you haven't felt it for 6 months. Thanks to everyone who gave advice. I was excited to hear from some old friends and can't wait to check out your blogs! I have to say that I love being a mom even though there are hard times like the sleeping thing, it is so worth it!

To sleep or not to sleep.....

2008-05-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so for all you moms out there......I need to talk. Ruby is 6 months old and has never slept more than 5 hours at night. My doctor says I need to let her learn how to go to sleep on her own. Yes, I am guilty of nursing her and rocking her to sleep. I decided to start tonight and am trying to stay strong. She is crying hysterically and has been for 15 mintues. I want to run up and get her, but I know it will only make it worse in the long run. I have to leave the house! Tell me some success stories....am I doing the right thing??!!

Can you believe my mom is letting me cry all alone in my semi-dark room?!

We have arrived...

2008-05-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, with much persuasion from friends and family, we are bloggers. I must admit I have been hesitant, mostly because I was afraid I wouldn't have anything to say but I really love the fact that we can stay in touch with everyone so here it goes.

I will just quickly catch everyone up on the haps (happenings-for those of you who don't abbreviate like myself) in our lives....

I finally graduated from UVU. I graduated with a BS in History Education. I loved every minutes of it, I took my education so much more seriously when I went back after having my first baby. I am so glad I finished, maybe someday I will teach. In the meantime I will just keep up with lots of history books.

Steve had a couple days off so we decided to spend some outdoor family time before it got too hot. We decided to hike the Y. We weren't sure how it would turn out with two kids but George was a trooper and walked the whole way. Ruby was nice and comfy in the snuggly. Then we went to liberty park and ran through some water and looked at some ducks.

Okay so there you go, you are caught up on us. Please come again!