B r i a r H e r e

Summer Part I

2011-08-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Eden, Toren and I waited on the front lawn the last day of school for "The Bigs" to get home. We were all so excited for them to be home with us for a few months.

Eden took a photo of Toren and I while we waited for the girls.

Said photo. . .

We took the trax from our house all the way downtown to visit Ben at work. The drop-off was further than we thought from the new building. We walked about 2 miles in 90+ temps. It was good character building, right?

Hot pink strands for summer

Tay and Aves each took a friend to see Monte Carlo at the theatre.

AVERY

2011-06-08T15:00:00.001-07:00

Our little Avery turned 8 and was baptized last weekend.

She truly is our Angel.

Easter

2011-05-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Easter is my favorite holiday. No fuss, just family and a relaxing Sunday marking (what should be) the beginning of Spring.

Toren, just happy to be here, as always.

Eden, after being nervous to come downstairs in the morning, eventually realized that

"the bunny is so fun!"

Avery won the Easter Egg Hunt, hands down.

Téa, our reluctant teenager.

In our house, if you snooze, you don't necessarily lose. . .you just eat alone. Eden slept through dinner but didn't seem to mind the one-on-one company.

Edie-tude

2011-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

2011-03-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the green glaze on Eden's face, Ben had brought home doughnuts for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day. And as you can see by the rice cereal on Toren's face, Eden had tried to feed him breakfast. I think one was more satisfied with their morning meal than the other.

The Chief

2011-02-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Some days the most quality-time I get with my baby is when the other three are fast asleep. I can honestly say he is the most amazing baby on the planet. He smiles so big that you think his face will crack; his chubby cheeks cannot be pushed any tighter.

If you pucker up, he will always lean in for a kiss. He can't stop himself. Last night he was so so tired. Every time he would lean in for a kiss, his head would get so heavy that he couldn't lift it. He would have slept right there if I let him.

I still can't believe he's mine.

INSOMNIA

2011-01-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

It was midnight and it may as well been lunchtime. My body had no intention of falling asleep; I could tell it wasn't even considering it.

So, I came down into the office assuming I'd be back in bed within the hour. Six and a half hours later, I had gone through every old disk and every old file. I pulled out 477 photos, most of which I did not even know existed. Here are a few of the salvaged images/scans I found that night.

I have insomnia to thank and my body to pay back.

2011-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Eden and The Chapstick need to stop meeting like this.

CHRISTMAS

2011-01-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Toren slept through most of the day but was happy to get his first tooth for Christmas.

Tracking Santa on NORAD on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Day

2010-12-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

This pretty much sums up our Christmas.

It was perfect.

Only 3 More Sleeps!

2010-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Finally, the Tree

2010-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

We finally got our Christmas Tree! It was planned for last weekend, but Ben dislocated his shoulder. Soooo, no matter what, we were getting a tree on Saturday. The girls were sidetracked by the playground and Santa. This was Eden's second time meeting Santa. It went much better and she was able to tell him "Candy Bar" when asked what she wanted for Christmas.

"The lipstick so tasty, Mom."

2010-12-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

When the Cat's Away. . .

2010-12-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Avery and Téa head off to school, and Eden heads off to their stuff.

She is all business with that horse.

She is in heaven, and so am I.

2010-12-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes "Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen" is a good thing.

Eden Lederhosen

2010-11-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

Currently being buried under feet of snow, it is nice to remember how the backyard was just a few weeks ago.

I bought these lederhosen for my "future" little girls 14 years ago in Germany. They stayed safely packed away waiting for the day. . .

Well, 3 little girls later, Ben found them - still safely packaged - and put them on Eden.

I couldn't help but snap some shots of her little cute self keeping busy while we raked leaves.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

We love Eden as much as the others. She was the cutest giraffe you've ever seen . . . and the fastest. She was a block away before I got out the door. Megan got a shot of her. Photo of Edie to follow. . .

Harvest

2010-10-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Every year we head up to Ben's family farm for Potato Harvest. Even before I met Ben and was a student up there, I loved to be around during that time of year. Now, I love it just the same ... maybe even more.

The girls got to spend the day with their dad.

And Ben got to spend the day with his dad.

I love that.

Eden was terrified of the potatoes. ("Tatoes Scary") So so funny.

Deer Creek Reservoir

2010-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Deer Creek for the day with our friends, the Lawrences. Their two daughters have all but raised my kids - babysitting Tay and Aves since they were babies. They are like family to us. We spent the day on the lake where they introduced us to wakesurfing (I think Ben's hooked).

We went on the last possible day before it got too cold. I am already missing the summer!

State Fair

2010-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to the state fair! I have only missed it once - and that was because I was in the hospital after having Téa. I would have gone if the doctors let me.

Ben had his annual stint as Templeton, eating his way through the fair. I had my annual stint of going on as many rides with the girls as I can. . .until I'm sick.

We shut the place down! It was close to 11pm and we were going strong. Even Eden was still hyper.

Seriously. . .one of my very favorite traditions.

Deja Vu all Over Again

2010-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Téa and Avery 2003

Eden and Toren 2010

New Digs

2010-09-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

It's official. The Mandate is on the move again. In our five years since inception, we've moved 6 times - each time to a little larger space. I have a feeling this building will fit everything just fine - at least for awhile.

2010-09-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

My grandma, Bobbi, passed away yesterday. I cannot tell you how much I am going to miss her. She was such a huge part of my life. The thing about her is that all of her grandchildren feel the same way. We all feel like we are her favorite. Because we are.

She would always want to know the latest in our lives. Always make sure we were keeping in contact with our cousins. She was always armed with a stack of pictures to fill us in on everyone's lives. You could tell she was genuinely proud of each one of us.

She was famous for her arm-scratching. We would fight to sit next to her at church so that we could be "scratched" and play with her sequins purse. (I am realizing how strange this sounds if you are not one of her grandkids, but it was so normal for us.)

Every birthday we would get to go on Bobbi's Special Day. She would come pick us up at the house, feel our arm and say, "Hmmm, what do you feel like?" The rules were that we had to eat somewhere we'd never been before. We'd see a movie (the last one I remember seeing with her was Stand and Deliver), and pick out a birthday present. I would look forward to that every year. She would call me and say "Palos Verdes calling!" and talk about "My two oceans" (they lived on a peninsula). I am going to miss her voice.

She and Chief were married for 67 years and loved each other to the end. They are such a great example to me.

I love my Bobbi and am comforted knowing that she and Chief will be together again some day.

Mandate Pit Stop

2010-09-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

I accidentally drove past our shop because I was gawking at all the motorcycles lining the business park. I was driving super slow trying to get a look into a doorway jammed with Harley riders.

It wasn't until I turned around that I realized they were in our shop. What?!

My head hurt trying to figure out what they were doing there.

I walked in and Jeannie was giving an overview on letterpress and a tour of our shop.

Turns out - a Harley group tours the valley visiting all things print related. Our shop was the last stop on the tour. Ben was still at the U teaching class and missed the entire thing, but I'm glad I caught the tail end, even if it was by accident.

To Tonga! (literally)

2010-09-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

We dropped my mom off at the MTC Monday morning. She is a nurse and will be living in Tonga for the 18 months as a medical missionary. We are so proud and excited for her.

2010-09-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ben still had four years of school left when we got married. Every year I would make him cupcakes on his first day of school. Now that he teaches up at the University, he still gets his cupcakes, only these are made by 8 hands instead of just 2. That's Toren back there singing Ben's praises.

2010-09-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Breakfast of Champions

2010-09-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

2010-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

If only a cupcake from Carlucci's and a Capri Sun could bring her this much joy forever.

2010-09-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Really?

2010-09-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

A visit to Ben around noon is actually a kid-break for Briar disguised as lunch.

Happy 9th Birthday Téa!

2010-09-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Tay's birthday dinner choice: Cheesecake Factory

Toren's Blessing

2010-08-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

2010-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Do you see that smirk on my face? That is the face of an excited expecting-mother. I knew that within the week I would have a son

. . . in my arms, not in my belly.

Some women have peaceful pregnancies. I do not. It's a rough road for nine months.

But so worth it. Every moment of it is well worth it.

Due to my pregnancy-induced neuralgia, I was induced 3 days before my due date on a Monday morning. Ben and I left at 6:30 am, leaving behind 2 very excited sisters - and one sleeping, oblivious 2 year old - home with their Grammie. Nine hours later our lives changed once again.

There was now six of us.

We were instantly in love with our little boy. He was healthy and beautiful.

Our girls got to meet Toren later that day. Eden was not sure what to think and was a little frightened. She warmed very quickly and still continues her "Mommy, I hold it" chant still today.

We love him and have already made huge strides in this huge (and very cute) adjustment.

Baby Toren

2010-06-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Introducing our sweet Toren.

He was born 2 weeks ago on a Monday afternoon.

8lb. 10 0z. - 20 1/2 inches

We are madly in love.

More pictures to follow soon (I promise).

Eden is Two

2010-06-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

I don't think you could pack more personality in a little 2-year-old body if you tried.

She's amazing and a huge light in our family.

Happy Birthday Edie. You are our World.

Loose Ends

2010-06-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ben accidentally locked Avery out when he went for a bike ride last week. I got home, grabbed Aves and we ran some errands - only to find Ben sitting on the porch when we returned. He was genuinely locked out. Not planned - but perfect. Avery was thrilled and felt like they had a locked-out bond.

When Eden's babysitter came over we had just gotten the stroller out. When I came back 2 1/2 hours later, they were still out walking Pig. She had a fantastic time, and a "fantastic" sunburn.

What I found when the upstairs got unusually quiet on Saturday.

Téa being the comic relief while Nervous Avery's ears were prepped to be pierced.

AIGA 100 Show.

Three of Ben's art pieces won a place in Salt Lake's professional design association's yearly award show. One of the pieces won the Copper Ingut (one of the top 10 pieces.) I was a very proud - and very pregnant - wife.

Cruising the Cul-de-sac

2010-05-26T11:12:00.001-07:00

I happened to look out the front window to luckily

catch a glimpse of this little beauty just cruising by.

Avery Turns Seven

2010-05-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Avery is my baby. I still call Eden "Avery" on accident because Aves was the little one for over 5 years. She is definitely not little anymore.

Her birthday was a 3-day family event.

It started with a surprise trip to get her ears pierced (something she has BEGGED for for over a year). That was followed by a trip to get her a new bike, a quick pit-stop at Ben and I's friend's art show (which was made fun with a HUGE lollipop and rocking horse) and "front row seats" at the Mayan for dinner and a diving show. The weekend-birthday was capped off with cake and ice cream on Sunday with her cousins.

But being 7 means nothing to me. When she's 70 she will still be "little Aves."

Me and Edes

2010-05-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

The result of keeping Avery company while in the shower.

Keeping Ben company when we visit him at the shop.

For the past eight months, it has just been me and Eden for the majority of the day.

She is my little buddy and we do everything together.

I get the older girls off to school, Eden stands at the door and waves until they are out of sight, then she looks over to me and says "Mommy seat? Mimi? Joosh?" Translation: Come sit with me and watch a cartoon with a sippy of juice.

That is how our day begins. Just the two of us. Everyday.

Our daily routine is in for a big change in the next month.

I get sentimental about the time we have now and admittedly-teary, but that quickly turns to excitement for all of us.

2010-05-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Eden and I had 2 full days home alone together. I didn't feel well and as it turned out, neither did she. After 2 days of her refusing to leave my lap - or stomach - I saw that she had cut 4 teeth all at the same time.

Sweet little thing. . .it was good we had each other.

Super Market Sweep

2010-05-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

I had to grab a prescription from the pharmacy.

Eden had to go for a run.

I wasn't feeling well and didn't have the energy to fight her.

So off she and Bebe went -who was "sleeping" in its "bed" by the way - running the aisles in pure bliss.

After about 20 minutes she wore down and I easily scooped her tired body up and out to the car.

I brought her home for a well-deserved nap.

Perfect.

2010-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

The girls have begged to get a pedicure for a very long time.

Well the day came and I think it was all they had hoped for.

Both girls left with bright blue toes and the biggest smiles I've seen in a long time.

Chat Room

2010-04-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

A lot of times when the girls get home from school, they run down to the basement and "call" their dad on iChat. They love to give him the blow-by-blow of what happened at school that day. I've learned to not freak out when I suddenly hear a man's voice downstairs talking to my daughter.

There are days Eden just cries for Ben and points to the computer, so she'll call him too.

Ben recently emailed me these screen shots. He's been saving them every time we log off.

I had no idea.

Ben's a cute dad.

2010-04-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our cute neighbor, whom we lovingly call Fancy Nancy, dropped off these hats for the girls the other day. She said she saw them and couldn't resist. We happened to be going to a party down at The Mandate that night so the girls made sure they got used. Eden was very aware of all the hat-hoopla and was sure to grab hers out of her drawer. . . perfect for her jammies.

Sunday at the Park

2010-04-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

2010-03-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to go out for lunch, Eden brought me this entire ensemble.

I've taught her well.

2010-03-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Katie and Mindy (who I've known for over 26 years collectively!) threw me a baby shower for our first little boy. It was so fun and so nice. I love them to pieces. Thank you!!

2010-03-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Last week Ben and I needed to switch cars. At 8:30 pm (well past the girls' bedtime) Ben called and told me it was no use. . .he had truly lost the keys to the car and I was going to have to come get him.

I loaded the tired girls into the truck and we headed downtown to pick him up.

And of course, enroute, he finds the keys.

And of course, enroute, we found ice cream on the way back to the house.

Getting them to bed was another story.

The girls are still hoping Ben will lose the keys again soon.

Outta Dodge

2010-02-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

We left the freezing temps of home and headed to Las Vegas for Ben's birthday. We stayed 4 nights with his sister and her family. Her boys are so cute with my girls. We did a lot of hanging out and relaxing. Exactly what we were looking for. . .

2010-02-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Eden's favorite accessory: "TayTay"

The Birthday Boy

2010-02-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Ben!

He and I are the same age now. In a few weeks I will become older than him. . .again.

I walked into Ben's shop for lunch the other day and found him sitting right there, with Rocco by his side, just like that.

Justin Hackworth was taking his photo for an interview Ben's doing for Process Magazine.

Our Little Valentines

2010-02-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon we had our Valentine's Dinner. To say the table was Pinkalicious would be an understatement. Ben and I beat the crowds and went out Thursday night. So, Sunday was all about our other 3 Valentines.

I love them so much I can barely stand it.

(The roses Ben got his three littlest Valentines)

Another one from Avery

2010-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Last night I had one of those insane pregnancy foot cramps.

Do you know the kind I'm talking about? Out of control. . .

Anyhow, Avery saw me in tears and it worried her.

This morning she got into bed with me and wanted to make sure I was ok. She asked if the baby felt last night's cramp.

I told her no, that he had no idea it was even happening.

To which she responded:

Is that because he's not very smart?

Because he hasn't been to school yet?

I have no response to that.

The Girls Have Something to Say

2010-01-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

We are bringing another little one into our home in June.

And we couldn't be happier.

2010-01-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

Little Eden is definitely a girl's girl - already having to be draped in necklaces and constantly switching out shoes. She's always climbing onto her older sisters' beds and covering herself with blankets and pillows. Her newest "must" is having her fingers and toes painted. The nail color is switched-out a few times a week. And Téa is always happy to be "The Salon Girl."

2010-01-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

After reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid in a matter of days, Téa has been on my case to read it too. I always respond with the typical mom-style of a nod and smile. Well, 2 nights ago I came to bed and this was on my nightstand with her very subtle note.

I'm on page 54. . .

Modern Communication

2010-01-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Last month Avery couldn't get ahold of Ben at work, so she texted him this photo. We got our Christmas tree that night in the 12 degree weather; she was miserable the whole time. Sweet little thing turned out to have Croup.

Overheard

2010-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Avery, trust me, you don't want a cabin. Cabins are for old people.

And the only reason they get a cabin is because

they don't have the energy to go to Disneyland.

Eden's Priorities

2010-01-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

Three things she never leaves home without:

1. Her phone (which she "talks" to " hi daddy" the entire time)

2. Her stuffed animal, LaLa

3. Her green furry vest

All equally important to a successful trip anywhere.

I'm not kidding.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

We got to bring in the New Year with The Francis'. The kids seemed to fare better than their tired parents. Even Eden stayed up until midnight. Here's looking forward to a fantastic 2010!

Happy New Year's Eve!

2009-12-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

It was New Year's Eve and I had flown in from California to visit Ben in Idaho.

It was 1999 and for weeks I had been telling him I wanted a memento, something to remind me of where I was at the turn of the century. I told him I didn't even care if it was a rock from the side of the road.

Just before midnight that night, Ben and I went for a drive out into the middle of nowhere. It was freezing but we stood outside the car, huddled together, and watched the far-off fireworks until we could not handle the cold any longer.

We jumped back into the warm car - it was exactly midnight - and Ben reminded me of that keepsake I had wanted. He suggested I actually go get a rock from the side of the road. We both jumped out, and as I rounded the front of the car in the pitch black, there was Ben on the side of the road - with the only light being from the headlights - on one knee holding my "rock" in a small black sparkly box.

I got my "Turn of the Century Memento" ten years ago tonight.

I am wearing it right now.

And more importantly, I got my Ben.

2004

2009-12-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

It's official - I haven't wanted to say it because it would make it true - but I have lost my camera. I am so sad and have been hating only using my iPhone. So, I haven't really been taking any photos.

I did, however, come across this today.

Téa and Avery, squished together in Avery's high chair.

If only we could freeze time.

Thanksgiving Move

2009-11-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a nice weekend and Thanksgiving.

Thursday morning Ben was considered prime real estate. Everyone was excited to have him home in the morning. He has a very cute entourage that follows him around the house.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is just being able to hang out with everyone.

We had a great Thanksgiving at Ben's sister, Roz's house. I really do have the best in-laws. It was so nice to be with the family.

For the past 7 years my mom has lived about 20 minutes away. Yesterday she moved to Las Vegas. She and I spent the week packing her home. It was nice to spend so much time with her, but sad to see her go. Luckily we are in Vegas quite regularly.

2009-11-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

Eden and I kidnapped Avery from school for lunch the other day. She walked down the school hallway toward me with a confused-covered grin on her face. She asked what was going on and I told her I was lonely for her and needed some company for lunch. To which she excitedly asked her usual, "And not Téa!?" She's been needing some one on one time and I was happy to give it to her. We ate and she talked and talked. And then she talked some more.

Téa Leoni has a new Biggest Fan

2009-11-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

And that would be me. Not because of Family Man, or Spanglish, or Fun with Dick and Jane (hilarious). No, it is because she wrote to my daughter not as a celebrity, but as a mom.

About 6 months ago, Téa came home and lamented to Ben about how she didn't like her name. No one can pronounce it. Trying to say he understood wasn't cutting it. He told her about Téa Leoni and that maybe she could ask her. She wrote the cutest letter I've ever read ("Did anyone ever tease you? Call you Tortilla or Tommy or Tomagolchi?") She added her school picture and an origami bird. So sweet.

It broke my heart knowing the grim probability of Téa ever hearing back from her. After unsuccessfully searching for an address, I remembered a friend of mine's husband is a director and was able to get me her production company's address. (Thank you Trevi!)

Needless to say, the other day Téa got a letter addressed just to her.

Téa screamed when she opened it. It was the sweetest letter explaining what she went through and how much she loves her name now. And to top it off, she sent her a friendship bracelet.

The fact that she took the time to reply to Téa the way she did means the world to me. Téa has become really excited and proud of her name. It has been fun to watch.

So, yes, I am a huge fan and have a load of respect for Téa Leoni.

So from one mom to another: Thank you thank you thank you.

Just Read

2009-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia. Amzanig huh? And yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

2009-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

The 3 hour wait with 3 kids was well worth it . . . considering the ride we got to go on! Oh wait - there was a shot waiting for them at the end of the line; no ride. Better luck next time.

From the Mouth of Aves

2009-10-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Last week my brother called early and told us (on speaker phone) that my sister was in labor and that the baby should be delivered within the hour. The girls and I were excited as I put their backpacks on and sent them on their way.

We live in the back of a cul-de-sac and it wasn't until Avery got all the way to the corner that she decided to ask/shout her question.

She yells, "Hey Mom! Are they going to put the baby in a box or something?

Or is someone going to hold the baby when she's born?"

(Remember, she is 4 houses away.)

I yell back the obvious, "No. They are not going to put the baby in a box!"

She shouts back, "Well, Jake said she was going to be delivered.

Does Auntie Josie go home without the baby and they mail her to their house?"

Time to buy some Amelia Bedelia books. . .

You Are Welcome

2009-10-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

It was one of those moments when you stop and realize it is strangely quiet in the house. I called for Téa and there was no answer. So I started opening doors. I eventually opened my bedroom closet door and Tay was on the floor and just said, "Shut the door, Mom." There was no blood, no tears, and a slight smile. So, I just smiled back and shut the door.

I forgot about that and she eventually ran over to play at a friend's.

It all started with noticing Rocco's freshly-filled bowls. Then the note above my bed that she had just made. Then Avery's bed, Eden's bed, and finally - our perfectly organized closet.

Each with a "Your Welcome" note.

Love her. Love love love her.

Wedding at Sundance

2009-10-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

Jeannie and Julian got married on Saturday. It was in Sundance and it was so beautiful. We couldn't be happier for the two of them.

And I am going to make my own vows now. . .I Briar, vow to take a real camera - and not just my camera phone - if I would like to take a decent picture at night.

Beautiful Macy

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

My sister Josie had her 3rd child (first daughter) on Wednesday morning.

She is beautiful and so is Josie.

Now if we could only get her city of San Francisco to move closer to me.

What Happens in Vegas Sta- well, Goes on my Blog

2009-10-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a 5 day break from school, we headed to Las Vegas. During the trip, Ben caught a flight to Austin, Texas for a concert with our brother-in-law, David.

Meanwhile, Megan and the girls showed me and my girls a good time.

We love the Bullochs!

Megan and I crafted...

Had a birthday party and got to swim...

Megan made sure I remembered how long my legs are...

Had a night-out with Megan and Roger and without the kids...

Forgot my legwarmers. . .

Sat VIP at a Vegas Show

And got to go home with a member of the band. . .

I Think it's Genetic

2009-10-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

These are the feet of my girls today; a day with an outdoor high of 45 degrees. Today they pulled out their Fall clothes and shoes, got dressed, and we headed to Cabela's for a no-school day outing. I didn't think a thing of it until Aves complained of how cold she was. I told her she was crazy for wearing sandals on a freezing cold day. . .just as I become strangely aware of my own naked feet.

I have absolutely ZERO weight to throw around on this issue...I still wear flip flops in the snow.

Post Script: Why Cabela's? Well, because yesterday Avery asked if we could "go to that place with all of the dead animals where they take their skin off and put them on pretend bodies and then put glass eye balls back in??"

Oh, Cabela's. Of Course.

Racing the Horses

2009-09-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Another great year at The Races!

Thanks to everyone who came over and made the night. It's been eight consecutive years of serious competition. This year Lancelot took the race and Lorum Ipsom bet his way to a prize. Ben and I are grateful for such great people in our lives. Even though I am among friends, I still get insanely nervous every time I am called up to race! I'll never get over it.

Beth (aka Lancelot), our Grand Prize winner.

I think it was around 10pm that the effects of drinking about 12 abandoned drinks and leftover cupcakes took-over little Eden's body as she suddenly started to scream uncontrollably; she stopped - as if I had pushed a mute button - the second her head touched her pillow. I think I was the same way about 4 hours later.

The girls were put to bed, lights out and way way too late, when they started to cry that they were "soooooo hungry". I insisted they were just tired. But their insisting won out my insisting and they came downstairs for a midnight dinner. They were so sweet - refusing anything with sugar, just had a little chili and stumbled their way to bed. I am in love with them.

Paddle Boarding

2009-09-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Last night, the girls from The Mandate and I went out to celebrate Jeannie's upcoming nuptials. Brooks took us all Paddle Boarding at a reservoir near Park City. It was absolutely beautiful; the water was glass and there were baby deer nearby. Yes, baby deer.

Brooks gave me a 1 minute tutorial in the icy water and sent me on my way. I loved it immediately.

It was a great time. Thanks to Brooks for putting it all together.

Jeannie, the bride-to-be.

State Fair

2009-09-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Again, no pictures really taken. We were busy high-tailing it from one ride to the next (we got there late) and Ben, as he worked his way through all of the fine fair fare, told us to just call him Templeton.

2009-09-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Self-Proclaimed Blog Stalker,

Is the second letter of your first name A? Is the fourth letter of your last name M?

Then yes, I am talking to you.

Ben tells me communication has been a little one-sided as of late.

It's not fair.

So, consider this your personal invitation to come over one night (or two, or three) next week.

We'll all have dinner. And yes, if you insist, we can start another Connect Four Championship.

Ben and I love you and the girls don't even know you! And that makes me sad.

We need to change that.

Email me or Ben, pronto.

Ode to Jake

2009-09-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Jake!

We got to have a rushed - and I mean rushed - party for Jake on Sunday afternoon. He had a photo shoot in Albion that evening ("Albion? Where's Albion? Right by Declo, of course.").

My mom brought "the party" over to our house in her car. Bless her heart.

I honestly don't know what I would do without Jake. He is one of the best friends I have ever had. He works down here a lot and we get to have him stay with us - sometimes weekly. We even transform the Toy Room into what I like to call "The Chateau."

I am grateful for him and for always getting me to laugh harder than I had all week. It is so nice to have someone around who "gets you." Everyone needs someone like that and I am glad to have Jake.

Great to be Eight

2009-09-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been all about Téa.

And with good reason. We had a birthday and a baptism all within one day of each other.

It all started with a big jump - very early - onto our bed, hoping to spot the African Dwarf Frogs she had so desperately hoped for. We made her sweat it out a bit, but eventually pulled the little guys out.

That was followed by being VIP in class (large poster needed) and cupcakes delivered.

Followed by her main birthday request - to be dropped off at her dad's shop to spend the day working for him. . . with a change of clothes ("Very important, Mom.").

Followed by a (very hyper) "Late Night" with 2 friends.

Followed by a baptism the next day.

I'm tired.

Commercial Break:

When the cat's away, the mice will play.

Eden finally got her chance near the frogs after Téa left for school.

And. . . back to Téa:

Sweet Téa

2009-09-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 8. It is all going too fast.

It was just yesterday that I was walking into the water to be baptized, worrying that my dress would come up. And it was just yesterday that I met a cute boy in Idaho named Ben. It was just yesterday that we sat silently on our couch with bottles of root beer staring at our 2-day-old baby sleeping in her car seat on the coffee table - not quite sure what to do next. It was just yesterday that it was winter and the little 3-year-old ran around the house in her bathing suit just in case it warmed up. And now it was just yesterday that she was baptized.

I am so proud of her and love her even more than yesterday.

Back to School

2009-08-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

The girls are back to school. For the first time in over 6 years, I am home with just one kid. The girls were so excited and couldn't sleep. They had their outfits picked out before dinner the night before (Téa started 1 day before Avery). Eden is a little confused by all of the quiet and calls down the stairs for her sisters a few times a day. She is adjusting and making Rocco her new best friend.

I couldn't resist.

2009-08-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lagoon - Take 2

2009-08-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just had to take the girls to Lagoon one last time before school started. Ben had to work so I got a babysitter for Eden and talked Jake into driving 3 hours to meet us there (He's a saint). I threw the girls in the car and told them we were off for a long day of errands. They put up a pretty good fight, but they had no choice. We pulled up to the gates of the amusement park and they just started screaming.

Jake wasn't there yet. Tay broke her shoe on the first ride and was crying because she had to walk barefoot from store to store to find some flip flops to buy. I told her it would sure be nice if Uncle Jakey were there to carry her around. She was crying and agreeing. Just then Jake ran up behind them and grabbed Téa. It was perfect. We had such a fun "grown up" day on all of the big rides. Jake is my favorite. The girls are at the greatest age. I just want to freeze time.

Neighborhood Watch

2009-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

This used to be Avery's station, but Eden has taken over and is doing a fine job.

Two Firsts

2009-08-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Snowbird Hillclimb. Three hundred forty three riders, 10 miles, and 3,300 vertical feet straight up Little Cottonwood Canyon. No flatening out, no breaks, just up. It's brutal. Ridiculous really.

My brother-in-law David has been training since he was 13 and Ben has been training since Monday. I couldn't be more impressed with both of them.

Ben chose this to be his first bike race and made it with a smile on his face.

And David won! He took the whole race. I don't even know what to say to that. He's a rock star.

So proud and such great examples to me.

Video? What Video??

2009-08-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Téa is dramatic. Téa would like that to stay a secret within our family.
She can turn the drama on and off at will.
At the very threat of a tantrum being photographed, it will stop. Immediately.
Needless to say, I regularly pull my phone out to snap a photo. It's like a magical mute button.
So, at the pool Wednesday, I flipped it to video so you could all witness what I witness daily.
She thought I was just threatening a photo. Oh, but no.
If any of you breathe a word of this to Téa she will file for emancipation before I can pull the video off the web.
So please, don't get me in trouble.
Enjoy.

Lagoon 2009

2009-08-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Another fun Lagoon day with the Hillmans. We got there in the morning and shmoozed our way onto one more ride after the park was closed. (The girls weren't quite done, so I am surprising them and taking them again tomorrow with Jake.)

Loved it and love the Hillmans.

Tay and I got on the ride without knowing we would hang upside-down while being soaked. I could only hear her laughing. Whew.

Avery's first upside-down ride. She screamed the first 15 seconds until we made it through the loops then uncontrollably laughed the rest of the way while I screamed, "You did it!!"

Sweet Beth with Oliver and Calvin.

The Spider

Salon de Téa

2009-08-13T11:46:00.001-07:00

Forty-five minutes of twisting strands of my hair around her little finger, and a large can of hair spray later, Téa asked to take a photo of the finished product. She asked that I "put this on the internet so that everyone in the world" will know that she can do this for your hair too.

She will be available for appointments in 10 years...

Sweet Jayne

2009-08-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Avery's had a bitter-sweet last few days. One of her best friends, Jayne, stayed with us for almost 2 days straight. She just lives around the corner but we kept her while her parents packed up their house. They are moving to (literally) the other side of the country (Not Cool, Holly!).

On the second night, Jayne's mom came and picked her up on their way out of town at midnight. Avery was already knocked out but Téa was there to say goodbye and cried herself to sleep because she was going to miss Avery's little friend.

We miss them already.

Night One

Night Two

Eden's Idea of Playing at the Pool

2009-08-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

FHE

2009-08-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Once a month, for Family Home Evening, I have been teaching the girls about God's Children around the World.
I do a report about the country, their traditions and watch some YouTube videos about real life in that area. The girls eat it up.

We then go to an authentic restaurant (well, as authentic as you can get) serving that country's food.
Last time we learned about India and then went to an Indian restaurant for dinner. The second we walked in, the girls wanted to run out because they were not used to the "aroma." But because we had learned about the country, they wanted to stay and give it a try. Téa fell in love and always begs to go back. Avery, on the other hand, asked if we could get her a babysitter next time we went. She finally conceded and admitted she did indeed enjoy two things: the bread and the ketchup.

Yesterday Tay and I discussed what country to learn about today. She suggested Africa. Great idea, but I might have to cook a recipe from that region because there may not be any African restaurants nearby.

Her response: "Let's just go to a Mexican restaurant. It's close enough."

And that - right there - is the exact reason why I am doing this.

A Preview of Things to Come

2009-08-02T21:07:00.001-07:00

She's still only 7.
I'm in for trouble.

These Shiny Little Numbers

2009-08-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

They were marched in around the house for an hour. Removed for her nap.

Then were immediately demanded to be returned to her feet for her nap.

I know the feeling.

2009-07-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Talking to one of my favorite people tonight. This came on right when I got off the phone. Oh, so perfect to what we were talking about. I love that.

Now, this is how it works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
And try to love the things you took
And then you take that love you made
And stick it into some
Someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
And walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again

Regina Spector

Congrats to Amy and Jon

2009-07-31T17:52:00.001-07:00

I am a new auntie again today! Amy had her 3rd little girl. Pictures to follow. There are now 12 -almost 13 - kids between us West girls. Crazy.

Téa's Fired

2009-07-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Téa, did you get all of the pizza cleaned up downstairs?

Yes.

All of it?

Yes. I promise

Are. You. Sure? Because I just had to soak all of the pizza sauce off Eden's body from dinner and now that she is clean, I don't want to have to bathe her again. Please go check and make sure everything is picked up and out of reach.

Ok, I did. Everything is picked up. I swear.

Five minutes later, I find this...

Uh, that would be leftover peach kefir in the glass.

Idaho

2009-07-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

The drive from the house to the reunion.

You cannot believe how beautiful it is up there this time of year. It doesn't seem real.

2009-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know what my problem is. This summer I have all but stopped taking pictures. Four days in Idaho with 24 of us together and I took only 2 pictures. These other two were taken, thanks to David, with his phone. I am vowing to change.

Coming Soon.

2009-07-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Josie and Megan came and hung out with ME for a week!! I was so excited I did not take one photo. So as soon as I "borrow" some photos from them, I will share.

3 moms and 9 kids make for a loud house but so much fun.