Meet Health and Pulse

These are quite literally my "Life Lines."  

Everyone says you glow when you are pregnant.  

Yah, no. Not me.  

While pregnant, I lose all signs of life.  When people see me without makeup, I quite often hear, "You ok?  You look a little green." That's because I am.  That would be because I am sick and have been living in what seems to be the arctic tundra, for the last 6 months. 

So here's to Bobbi Brown for packing up some health-in-a-bottle for me, and to Neutragena for granting me that ever-important, often unappreciated need for the appearance a pulse.

Girls Weekend

Ben was gone all weekend.  He was only in Denver for 3 days but I treated Saturday like I had to keep the kids' mind off him, as if he'd be gone much longer.

We went to the gym, straight to a haircut for both girls (Avery chopped her hair off), over to lunch, hurried to the movies, directly over to the Living Planet Aquarium and then spent 30 minutes in a parking lot while Avery had a huge meltdown.

Yup, I did it.  I over did it.  Why do I do this? Why?  I purposely pack in tons of stuff and then just end up frying their tired little brains and I fry what's left of my patience.

She and I had a showdown and I absolutely had to win. 

I wouldn't move the car until her seatbelt was on.  She wouldn't put her seatbelt on until I started driving. I spent the whole time trying not to let her see me laughing while Téa screamed from the back, "Will someone please do something so that I can go home!!!"

I actually started to worry that we might spend the night right there.  Believe me, we would have.  But after almost a half an hour of window-shaking screams and pleads through sobs, I won.  

How sad is it that I feel so triumphant over out-waiting a 4-year-old.  But I do.  

Happy Birthday Ben!

He's doing exactly what he would want to be doing for his birthday...hanging out all weekend in Denver with a bunch of other letterpress printers.  Ben heaven.

Happy Birthday! I love love love you.

My Tired and Tattooed Little Valentine

My sweet little Avery had a big day, and lots of red and pink chalk candy.  She is still crying from her "hangover." The highlight of her day was strategically placing the heart tattoos on her face.  She stood in front of the mirror and made her decision hours before they actually went on.  Now she won't let me wash them; we wash around them in the tub.  I thought they'd be peeling off by now, but unfortunately they are going strong.

Valentines Day

I don't get many things right the first time.  In fact, I am told that a lot. Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls, brought me here. And where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday and I know that I am, I am the luckiest.

-Ben Folds

THIS COULD BE YOU! - Bridal Portrait Giveaway

No, not literally you, but you could win a FREE Bridal or Engagement Portrait Session from Justin Hackworth Photography.

Yes, I am serious.

Justin is experimenting to see how word spreads through the Wonderful World of Blogs. (And - he's not too shy to tell you that he wants to show-off his new website as well. It really is fantastic.)
There is no catch or strings attached. I promise you.

I have known Justin personally for years and years and I can truthfully say he is the greatest photographer. He has a great eye and is honestly a joy to be around. Just browse through his website and you will see what I mean.

If you, or someone you know, love, or admire - I guess even someone you don't admire - is getting married (and live in the Salt Lake/Provo area) sign-up!

If you are like me and think, "I never win anything anyway, why try. . ." Don't do that. Someone is going to win. Why not you? And if you tell your friend and they win - well - you could call it your wedding gift to them. So economical.
Just do it. It'll take what, like five minutes? You only have about a week, so get on it!



Here's how it all goes down. FIll out this form and send it directly to Justin. If you win - well, you win! - and are seriously, seriously hooked-up.

Good Luck and Enjoy!

(All photos shown taken by Justin Hackworth)

Weekend in Idaho

A few weeks ago we got to go up to Idaho. When I say "we" I mean all 20 of us, literally. Ben's brother, Collin and Rosemay flew out from Washington DC for all of us to meet their new addition, Josiah. The entire family - all of the aunts and uncles and cousins - piled into Grams and Papa Bart's house for a few days. So fun.

On more than one occasion, Bart loaded the kids into the truck and they took turns being dragged behind on sleds. He's a saint.
All of the kids slept together in the basement. Hallelujah.
Joanne took us all to the new Cupcake Cafe in town.

My little brood. . .
Ben and Emily took eachother on with Guitar Hero. I was admiring Ben's power-stance when I realized it could only be attributed to the fact that he was straddling a knocked-out Grace.
Collin, Rosemay and Josiah
The "Incredible Edible" Josiah. I just love him.
Proud Avery got Josiah to stop crying.

Since Preschool, whenever we get a chance, Téa and I rush off for a quick Hot Chocolate Date at the local coffee house. We used to swing by on her way home from school before we would pick up Avery from the babysitter's. Téa never wants to talk about school or things specifically about her. But get her some hot chocolate, big leather chairs by a window, and some alone-time with Mom and you've got yourself a talker. She ALWAYS starts by saying, "So, how was your day?" She then goes on and on about school, teachers, and yes, boys. We've kept the tradition for 3 years now and I hope we never stop.


I have to tell you how funny this is. It is snowville around here. The city is covered in 6 feet of snow and Tay is very angry because she cannot wear her Jellies out of the house. She acts like it is up to me to fix it; like I need to have a talk with the Weather Manager of something.
Anyway, she decided it was more important to wear those shoes and have the date in the car, than to put on some boots and go inside.

It's A Girl!

That is just the bottom of her little foot. I thought it was so so cute.
We are thrilled and the girls can barely stand it, they are so excited to have a little sister.
I told the girls I was going to the doctor to see pictures of the baby. I told Avery that the doctor could see if it was a boy or girl.
A little light bulb turned on in her head and she said:
"Oh Yah, yah. I know. The doctor is going to see if the baby has long hair or short hair, right?"
Exactly. We'll just leave it at that for now.