Tag, I'm it!

Okay, so I've been tagged a few times in the last couple of weeks. I didn't forget about it, though, and I'm now going to attempt to answer to all of them in one post!

3 joys: my family, books, the gospel
3 fears: something bad happening to Justin or Molly, my children rejecting the gospel, hobo spiders (we saw plenty in Logan and I never got used to it)
3 goals: cut back on gas consumption by only going somewhere once a week, use up the food in my freezer and pantry before buying more, offering Molly a fruit and/or veggie with every meal
3 current obsessions: blogging, reading is always an obsession, organization (with my clothes, chores, EVERYTHING!)
3 random surprising facts: I've never colored my hair (I'm ready to make the plunge-any ideas?), I've never had braces, I was part of a dance team that went to Australia (we were "cheerleaders" for an Arkansas football team)

4 Places I go over and over: the grocery store, church, my parents, Justin's parents
4 people who email me the most: not very many!!! Karla, Monster Jobsearch, forwards from Justin's mom, our ward's "good news minute"
4 of my favorite foods: Shredded Pork Burritos, Lasagna, Southwest Chicken Salad, anything from Cafe Sabor
4 Places that I'd rather be right now: I talked to my mom on the phone today-they were in Martha's Vineyard so that would be one, Italy, Australia, Hawaii
4 movies I could watch over and over: Italian Job, While You Were Sleeping, Far and Away, Gidget

That wasn't so bad, was it? I can't keep track of who has done this already and who hasn't so I tag anyone who is in need of a post!

Justin goes fishing, Meg heads north

A few weeks ago, Justin left for one of his annual (semi-annual?) fishing trips with his two friends, Rich and Jason. They went somewhere in Southern Utah/Northern Nevada. Such a long drive! I think they had a good time, although they did end up coming home early due to poor fishing (I think Justin is the only one that caught anything and he only caught one fish). Justin didn't have the camera with him but here's a picture from his last fishing adventure (they all look alike anyways): Justin's fishing trips are a great excuse for Molly and I to get away for a few days and stay at my mom and dad's in Plain City. It turned out to be beautiful weather the 3 days we were there so Molly played outside with Chloe quite a bit. On Monday night, the whole family went to Tony's for pizza-yum yum! It was my mom's week to work but luckily for me, Erin lives right next door. So I was able to spend some quality sister-time with her while the girls played. Thanks Erin for hanging out with me!

ABC's, 123's, and Elmo

This is old news to most of you, but Molly knows her ABCs (not the song, but she can recognize all the letters). Lately, she loves to point out all the letters she sees everywhere-on her sippy cup, on billboards, at the grocery store, wherever. I think she likes it so much because Justin and I clap our hands and offer tons of praise that makes her so proud of herself. She doesn't know the ABC song yet but she does enjoy singing it with Justin or me. So I couldn't resist posting this video clip because her voice is so cute. Sorry, I didn't catch the very first part:



She also enjoys counting to 10 with our help:



As with all kids, we have issues sometimes with Molly eating-she has no problems consuming tons of snacks each day, but meals are entirely different. On the day this next video was taken, I had made her two things for lunch (I hardly ever do this, I was extremely frustrated). She didn't eat either but then kept asking for snacks all day! Argh! So I made Navajo Tacos for dinner and made her a yummy scone and drizzled it in honey. I thought for sure she would gobble it right up! But she wouldn't even taste it! If she would have tasted it and then said she didn't like it, I wouldn't have made her eat it. But she wouldn't even try it!!! So this was our trick to get her to eat it:



It worked somewhat because she did end up eating about half of it!

Sorry for the many videos, I just thought they were fun!

Also, just a note for all you moms out there. My mother-in-law found a fun website to help kids learn their ABC's or if they are a little older, to help them with reading. It's called www.starfall.com-Molly loves it so go check it out!

We finally made it!

I've been wanting to go to a Real Salt Lake game since the franchise came to Utah. So when Justin's work offered tickets at a discount price, he snatched up enough for us, Eric, Heidi and Tiana, and Matt and Camille. It was so much fun!

Poor Matt, Molly only wanted to sit on his lap (she has always favored men over women!). When I took her out to change her diaper, she cried and kept saying, "Matt, back!" Still after a couple of weeks, whenever she sees a picture of Matt, she gets really excited. Thanks Matt and Camille for taking care of Molly the whole time! (Don't you just love the lady eating cheetos in the back ground? Apparently she is some big-wig at the credit union!)

We were glad that Molly had so much fun. There was a family sitting in front of us with a little boy that was probably just a few months younger than Molly that screamed to whole time! The mom and dad had to take turns walking him around outside of the stadium. Both Molly and Tiana had so much fun! I guess you could say we were lucky because Real did play the LA Galaxy which means we did get to see David Beckham (he's out there somewhere). The score ended up being 2-2 but Beckham scored both of their goals. When the game was over, tons of screaming girls ran down to the field for a chance to see him. He pulled off his jersey and hands it to one of the girls. Of course, she was screaming like crazy! The whole gang: Justin and Molly in the back; Heidi, Eric, Tiana, Camille and Matt in the front I definitely think we'll make this a family tradition. It was so much fun!

Wheeler Farm

Molly and I had so much fun a couple of weeks ago with Grandma April and Tiana at Wheeler Historic Farm. Molly loved seeing the animals! While we were there, Molly saw bunnies, cows ("tows"), horses ("neighs") lambs, goats, pigs (when the pigs started fighting Molly said "Pigs, be nice!"), chickens, roosters (when the rooster would crow, Molly would laugh and jump up and down and clap her hands) and ducks. Tiana and Molly also had fun riding this little horse (although I think Tiana liked it a little more) and climbing in the treehouse. It was a chilly day but we had so much fun. Thanks Grandma April for inviting us to tag along. Molly wanted to say thank you too. This is how much fun she had: She can't wait to go back!

Molly was so tuckered out. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and we couldn't keep her awake! She slept like this on me for quite a while-looks comfy, huh?

Family Fishing Night

Justin heard about this fun place to go fishing so we decided to check it out a couple of weeks ago. So we packed a picnic, jackets, and our fishing gear and headed out. We got lost, of course-Utah County is so confusing! As soon as you enter into another city, all the street coordinates change-it's so frustrating! Well, we almost gave up but then we found it. It was a fun place, although not entirely clean. But Molly didn't care-she had a blast!

Molly didn't want to take time for a pictures with Mommy! Can you see how dirty her face is?I tried to get Molly to feed the ducks but all she wanted to do was throw the rocks-in the water, in her shoes, wherever she could find! This was probably a good thing considering the ducks didn't want to eat the bread I threw them. It was quite crowded-I think they were full! The highlight for Molly was when Justin caught the fish. She had fun petting it (I was trying not to cringe-gross!) and holding the fishing pole. Aren't these Daddy/daughter pictures so cute! True to character, Molly was a mess when we packed up to head home. She was also exhausted! She would have fallen asleep on the way home but I didn't have jammies and she desperately needed a bath. So we sang songs while patting our knees to the beat all the way home. It seemed to entertain Molly and, more importantly, kept her awake!

Settlers of Catan

Thanks to our friends, Steve and Jen Allen, for introducing us to Settlers of Catan a few years ago. Before Molly was born, we would go over to their house almost every night (seriously) and quite often we ended up playing Settlers. Justin and I liked it so much we bought the game and then we ended up buying all the expansions that go with it (Cities and Knights and Seafarers). Sunday nights after Molly is gone to bed you can often find us playing this: (this is actually what the board looks like before the game begins. I forgot to take a picture of the end of the game.)

My family is extremely intimidated by this game because they think it is going to be hard or too much of a strategic game. I will admit there is strategy involved but it's pretty easy to catch on to-and it's so fun! Justin also enjoys having a little treat while we play... We would recommend this game to anyone! Happy Settlers everyone!

A few last words

Justin and I made a goal at the beginning of the year to read the Book of Mormon this year as a couple. We are doing pretty good, only a little bit behind but I want to share something we read the other night that stuck out to me. I always find it interesting to see what the writers chose to write about when then were finishing their accounts so I always pay extra close attention. The other night we were reading in Omni and we read the words of Amaleki before he passed the plates on to King Benjamin:
"...wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord; and that which is evil cometh from the devil.
And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I just wanted to tell my mom and Justin's mom Happy Mother's Day! I love you both so much. You are great examples to me, especially as I try to emulate your examples as I raise our little Molly. I don't say it often enough but I truly appreciate all the love you shower on our little family. I don't know what I'd do without these two great women in my life! I love you!Thanks also to them for being such great grandma's! Molly loves both of you so much! She is so lucky that she has you as examples as well.The only thing I ever wanted to do was be a wife and a mom. I feel extremely blessed to be able to be doing that right now! I love being a mom! Yes, there are little things everyday that try my patience or are frustrating but the joy and happiness I find in motherhood far outweighs the little trials. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending me such a wonderful spirit-Molly is great and being a mom is better than I ever imagined it would be! And a Happy Mother's Day to my sisters and my sisters-in-law. You are all great mothers and I learn a lot from watching each of you. I love you!

Our Crazy Girl

Just a couple of things that Molly has done lately worth mentioning...Molly and I got to the library quite often. I let her pick out some board books to take home, then we go get a new Elmo movie (or Elmo moo-gie), then a book for Mama. The Orem library is quite big-it has three stories! So yesterday we were on our way to the check-out when we got in the elevator to go upstairs (I thought it would be faster than stairs). Molly was holding my hand but I had my back turned and, yup, sure enough, Molly pushes the big red button that says "Press This Button in Case of Emergency." Yikes! They shouldn't make those so curious kids can reach! So it starts ringing and someone comes on the line and says, "Is this an emergency?" I ran out of the elevator as soon as the doors open and run to the circulation desk to tell them it was just Molly and we don't have an emergency! Luckily, I was in time for them to call the police to let them know it was just an accident and that they didn't need to run over with their lights flashing! Oh, how embarrassing!This is Molly's doll, named "Baby" (I know, pretty creative, huh?). Molly loves this baby that my Grandma Elaine gave her for her birthday. It goes everywhere with us, and quite often the stroller goes too. When Molly can see that I'm getting ready to go somewhere, she'll come up to me with Baby in arms and say "Mommy, Baby take" which means she wants to take Baby with us. Last night I was sitting on the couch reading a book when Molly brought me Baby to hold. I picked her up and she was soaking wet! Upon further investigation, I discovered that Molly had tried to give Baby a bath-in the toilet! Ew gross! She has never, ever opened up the toilet so I guess that's something I'll have to watch now. Does anyone know if I can just stick the baby in the washing machine?
Last thing-this is just cute. Molly is getting such a cute personality and she loves to tease her mom and dad! She has this new thing at night that she does-she'll come up to me or Justin and say "Night-night." So we ask, "Are you ready for night-night?" Molly gets this cute grin on her face and says "Nope!" (Not "no" but "nope"-I'm not sure where she learned this word.) Anyways, it is so cute, I wish you could all see her face when she does this!

I thought this was funny!

The Good Wife's Guide

This is an article believed to have been published in the May 1955 Good Housekeeping Magazine.

• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

• Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

• Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

• Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

• Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

• Don't greet him with complaints or problems.

• Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

• Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

• A good wife always knows her place.

18 months

These are a little late! I had an appointment for Molly's 18-month pictures in March (when she actually turned 18 months) but then she got RSV so I canceled. By the time I finally got around to taking her in, she was 19 months. Then, of course, you have to wait a couple of weeks to go pick them up-so, that's why they're a little late. Better late then never!

I've always taken Molly to Kiddie Kandids because we had two bad experiences when she was a baby and they always do a great job. But this time I had a coupon from my sister (thanks, Erin!) for $4 sheets. So I decided to try Target. Molly was happy while we were waiting but as soon as we got into the room, she started crying and she totally clammed up! How frustrating. Also, the girl taking the pictures was not interactive at all! She just sat there with the camera and didn't even try to make Molly smile! Oh well, they turned out pretty cute anyways-how could they not, with someone as cute as Molly to work with?

Our Fun Weekend

After Grandma's funeral, we stayed in Plain City the whole weekend. Dad put the boys to work and the girls took care of the kiddos and the food. As always, it was so much fun (although it was a little cold)! Here are some highlights...

Dad bought a golf cart for the cabin. The kids had so much fun riding around in it. Abby and Molly (6 months apart)
It was fun to see Abby walking around and jabbering so much. I can't believe how big she's gotten. She's still a momma's girl but I did get her to come to me for a little while. Molly always has fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Molly and Ben
After everyone left on Friday, Ben stayed to play. He and Molly were playing outside by themselves, it was so fun to watch them. They both have such similar personalities that they played together so cute. Mom and Dad bought one of those big playground things for the backyard. This is what the boys worked on all day on Saturday. I think that Justin and Dad started before 10:00. Bryce and Christopher arrived shortly after and they all worked straight through until about 7:30 that night (except for a quick stop for lunch). I don't think they realized what a big job it would be to put together though. At lunch they were at step 4B out of 37! When they finally quit, I think they had made it to step 17! The girls and kids hung outside watching them work. Grandma Lue had some great photo albums from when we were little that we had fun looking at. Molly had her very first ice cream cone. She was so funny because she didn't understand that she was supposed to eat the cone too. When all the ice cream got below the cone, I kept trying to get her to bite the cone so it would be easier to get the rest of the ice cream. But she never did, she just kept digging with her lips and tongue. But surprisingly, she didn't get too messy. It was also funny watching Abby and Chloe eat their cones. Abby just shared with my mom-she would just put her whole face in it and not really open her mouth. Instead the ice cream just got all over her face. And Chloe was hilarious! She savored every single taste. She would close her eyes, stick out her tongue, and just barely touch her tongue to the ice cream. We were all laughing pretty hard! And we were all so proud of our Ben who went down the big slide at the park. Way to go Ben! As always, we had a great time! I know we left Mom and Dad's house a mess with toys all over and dishes in the sink. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with our messes! We love you!

One Long Post for One Special Lady

On April 19th, my Grandma Lue passed away. She was such a fun grandma and I wanted to share some of the memories I have of her.

1. I especially looked forward to my birthday "dates" with Grandma. Each year around my birthday, Grandma would take me to lunch and then we'd go to the mall and pick out my birthday present. We always went to the Tiffin Room at ZCMI (until the Ogden Mall was torn down). Then we'd go shopping-Grandma always wanted to hold my hand and she would introduce me to everyone she met, whether she already knew them or not! Then we would always get a treat to take home to my siblings.
2. When we were little, Grandma took us to the duck pond at Weber State quite often so we could feed the ducks.
3. Also when we were little, Grandma would come and babysit us quite often. Whenever she came we'd always make her play Nintendo. I think we did this just so we could laugh at her because she always fell down the first hole! But she was such a good sport about it- I think she kept trying because it made us so happy. Also, we always had to wait 30 minutes after lunch before we could go swimming. And, of course, we always watched her favorite show, "Golden Girls," even though my mom told her repeatedly that we couldn't watch it!
4. Grandma did water aerobics at Gold's Gym three times a week up until December. She always wanted us to come to her class with her-unfortunately I never did. I remember one Sunday at dinner she told us that she had tried "land aerobics!" We laughed so hard, much to her confusion!
5. Grandma was always excited to give us our Christmas presents. A few of the years, I remember her saying that we would be so stylish because she got us things that she saw Katie Couric wearing!
6. One day Grandma was holding Molly who had started to fuss a little. I noticed Grandma getting a little frustrated because Molly wouldn't take her binky. Upon closer inspection I noticed Grandma kept trying to put it in upside down! No wonder Molly kept spitting it out!
7. When Grandma couldn't drive anymore, we were the lucky ones to inherit her purple (and I mean purple) Nissan Sentra. She was so proud of this car! She asked us how it was everytime we saw her. She always told us that when we wanted to sell it, we could just park it at Weber State with a For Sale sign on it because all the students would love to have a car the same color of the school they go to! Everytime I drive it, I think about Grandma.
8. Mostly what I want to remember about Grandma Lue is her love, support, and pride in her family. I don't remember any recital or dance review that she ever missed! She was probably our #1 Fan (besides our parents, of course). All of her friends knew everything we were involved in because she bragged about us so much! I always knew that Grandma loved me and that she was proud of me. Thanks Grandma!I feel extremely grateful for all the memories I have of my Grandma Lue. I will miss her so much. We love you Grandma!