Utah And Idaho Trip

Better really late than really, really, really, really late, right?

In February made our annual trip to Utah for the Life The Universe And Everything Symposium, affectionately called LTUE.  This is were we get to meet author, illustrators, comic book writers, movie makers, screenplay writers, costume makers, photographers, etc.  We get to sit and learn from these people who have made in their field, or at least starting to make it.  Erik is in heaven when we go. 

Every year there are a bunch of different classes going on and a lot that happen at the same time, so Erik has a hard time choosing what ones to go to.  In the past the girls and I have gone to a few to take notes for him, this year the girls and I decided that we would sit in on more for him, okay I decided and the girls went a long with it.  They are great sports!  We also got a digital recorder so I didn't have to worry about taking notes and worry if they were the right ones that Erik would like.

But before we went to LTUE we spent the night at Grandmother Peterson's.  We had dinner with her and just talked and visited.  The girls played in the snow and got to see the animals and pet the cows.

 

We then continued on up to Rexburg, Idaho to visit with my brothers Isaac and Vaughn who are attending BYU Idaho.  Isaac was staying with Vaughn, his wife Tasha and their four kids.  We had not met their two youngest before so this was a fun time to see family.  The girls got to see and play in a lot more snow and Mia has decided that, "She knows why we live in California, no snow."  After a while we all pretty sick of the snow.  We stayed with them for  a couple days, and were there on Valentine's Day so the kids gave everyone valentine's and decorated heart cookies.

After that we headed back down to Utah, but before we left Idaho we had to make a stop in Napoleon Dynamite's hometown of Preston.  This was an unscheduled stop we didn't realize that our directions would take us through Preston on our way to visit friends in Logan Utah.  Erik would have plotted out many things for us to stop and see had he known. 

We then stopped and saw the Schofields.  They use to be in our ward before we moved to Rialto.  They moved around the same time as us, though they went further.  I use to visit teach her and the girls loved to come with me so they could play with their dogs.  The dogs and girls were reunited and got to have a chance to play.  They also have had a beautiful baby girl since they have moved and I am afraid that I monopolized the baby during our stay.  And dork that I am forgot to take pictures, they all look great.

We also stopped in Bountiful to visit an old friend of Erik's, Robby Hall.  (I can't say his name without wanting to say the whole thing, Robby Hall.  Whenever they talk about him they use his full name, so he will forever in my mind be Robby Hall.  Even when we were there I had to stop myself, in my head I would complete the whole name though.)  I finally got to meet Robby, his wife, and three boys.  (They might have been at our reception but lets face it, everyone there were new names and faces so please forgive me for not remembering.)  I have heard many storied about Erik and Robby!  So it was great to put a face with the name.  Again I forgot to take pictures, if the camera is not in my hand I will forget to use it!

We then continued on to Highland, our last stop.  We stayed with friends, Lori and Derek White and 5 of their 6 kids, that use to live in Pennsylvania.  Lori was in the Young Womens Presidency with my mom when I was in Young Womens and I use to babysit for them.  And now I am going to date myself, their oldest son Jason who I babysat just left for his mission!  They graciously allowed us to use their beautiful home as a base of operations!  They didn't get to see us much, which can be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.  You can decide that one.  We did have an excellent dinner with them and the girls spent some time playing with their youngest two kids.  I didn't get any pictures with them either.

We also got to visit with our friend Frank Livingston, from when we attended BYU.  Frank was one of the coolest guys we knew!  He and Erik both love movies and would have movie nights.  It was at Frank's house that I watched all three original Indiana Jones movies!  And the food Frank would make.  Mmmm, I get hungry just thinking about it.  I did get a picture of Erik and Frank together at Frank's house. 

The girls and I went to a playground in Provo while we were there.  Don't ask me the name of it we just passed it in the car and decided to get out and play. 

We also visited the Museum of Art on BYU campus and got to see the huge exhibit of Christ paintings done by Carl Bloch. This was a awesome exhibit and if you are in the area and get the chance I highly recommend checking it out.

Then there were three days of the symposium.  Three days of classes.  Some interesting and some not so much, especially for the girls.  Did I mention that they are troopers? 
 
We were also able to get a bunch of books signed, Erik if you don't already now is a collector of books and loves to get them signed if possible. The girls even got a comic book signed by Jake Black, I think it was a Batman comic, but it was a month and a half ago.


Mia and Emma both caught a tiny cold, each of them had a day that was the worst but they kept plugging on.  We have great girls!  They did have books, and paper to draw on, and some toys and such as well as schoolwork in their bags.

One of the days we were in a class that had tables set up so the girls were excited because they could lay their heads down and rest.  So they had laid their heads down and the speaker, screenplay writer, MichaelBrent Collins, started his lecture.  And looks over and sees the girls with their heads down and makes a comment on how cute they were.  And then he looks at Emma and asks her, "Am I boring you?"  To which Emma nods her head yes.  Everyone laughs and he tells them, "Go ahead and go to sleep.  But if anybody else in the class goes to sleep I'm going to throw something at you."  Everyone laughs again.  Leave it to Emma to tell the truth when someone else would have told a white lie.

Mia, Emma, and I skipped out on some of the classes and went to Carl's Jr to meet up with a Sister Missionary that served in our branch when I was baptized.  Sister Montgomery, the boys and I called her Sister Montgomery Moose after some cartoon character.  She brought her mission album and we looked at old pictures, reminisced, and I got her caught up on everyone's lives in Slippery Rock Branch.  Thanks mom for keeping me updated!  Again no pictures!

Mia, Emma, and I were also able to attend an event at the Smith Fieldhouse.  They had all the womens sports teams there to meet everyone.  And they had little stations set up where the kids could try out different sports.  Cosmo, BYU's mascot was there.  Mia even caught one of the t-shirts they were flinging into the crowd.

On Sunday we went up to Salt Lake and watched Music and The Spoken Word.  Took a tour of the conference Center and visited the two visitor centers on Temple Square.  There was a lot of snow and we were even driving and walking in a snowstorm.  The girls certainly got to see their fill of snow this trip.

We then stopped at Erik's friend Andy Meisenbacher's, I probably butchered the name I'm a phonetic speller sorry about that!  We had a wonderful dinner at Andy's beautiful house with his wife and kids and another old friend of Erik's, Larry I forget his last name and his wife and kids. 

We then headed back to Grandmother Peterson's for another visit.  Where we again talked and hung out.  It was great to see her. We try to split our visits up so we don't wear her out or overwhelm her.  We spent the night again and then headed back towards California.

We did pull off in Vegas to drive through the strip and see the casinos but we didn't get out this trip.  Then homeward bound.

We made it home safe and sound, just worn out! 

A big thank you to the Frosts who took care of the animals and house while we were gone!  They even hung up a welcome home banner.  Thanks you guys, we love you!

I think I covered everyone and I apologize if I forgot anyone, it was not intentional.  There were a ton of people we didn't get to see this trip, we hope we can catch you next year!

Birthday Bash With The Family!

The girls' birthdays are only 3 weeks apart and I am right smack dab in the middle.  So, to make it easier on everyone, okay so I don't know exactly how easy it is on everyone else but it sure is easier on me, we have the family birthday bash on the same day.  And then they get to have their party with their friends.

This year, my mom, my dad, Wesley, Jordan, and Austin were able to be here for the party again.  Others who came were, Erik's parents, Michelle and Dustin and their kiddos, Ryan (Lizeth and Leilani had something else at her parents), and Nikki (Andy had class that night).  Also our dear friends, who might as well be family, Shonna and her kids made it over as well (Andy had a bunch of work to do). 

All in all it was a fun evening, I think.  Okay, so the girls and I had fun.  I hope everyone else did as well!

I made this really cool sunflower cake with Hershey Kisses, yummy!  Chocolate!

Thanks everyone who was able to make it and spend some special time with us.  And those of you who couldn't, wish you were here!  Love ya!

The sunflower cake. Can you say awesome?  and easy?  The petals are twinkies!

And of course you have to have a cake that says their names!  This was thrown together last minute, not my finest.

Family and friends!

Blowing out the candles!  They should get their wishes!

Love having everyone over!

Opening of presents, the girls' favorite part.  Thanks everyone!

Emma's Birthday and Baptism

Once again I am playing catch up.  Emma had her 8th birthday on August 26 and we had her baptism on her birthday! 

When she woke up she got to open her presents, she got a lot of Littlest Pet Shop stuff, her book was even a Littlest Pet Shop book. 

My parents and two youngest brothers, Wesley and Jordan, were in town visiting from PA for her baptism.  Ian, Angela, Adelia and baby Joseph were also able to make it up from San Diego where Ian is doing his internship at the Naval Medical Hospital in Balboa Park.

For their birthdays they get to pick what their "special" birthday dinner would be.  Emma chose homemade pizzas! 

Things were crazy that day running from one thing to another trying to get everything done.  We were not able to have her birthday cake before we had to leave for her baptism so we had it when we got home.

There were about 71 people there at her baptism!  Wow!  Thank you everyone who was able to make it.  You helped make Emma's special day even more special.

After the baptism we all traipsed back home for cake and ice cream.  Emma chose those Cheesecakes from a box, the Jello brand.  We love those things at our house! 

We also brought home with us friends Rachel, Crystal and Winter as their mom had to leave the baptism early.  Mom, Wendy and brother Darian got there shortly after we did so they all joined us for cake and ice cream.

It was a late night getting to bed.

Emma and Erik in their white jumpsuits ready for the baptism.

Emma and Mia making memories.

We are so proud of our accountable girls! ;)

Time for cake!  Happy Birthday Emma!

Vacation--Part 3 Rubbing Elbows With Great People!

We saw a lot of great people on our trip and except for Grandmother I did not remember to take any pictures! I am so mad at myself, okay I was mad at myself but now I am just laughing at me because that is so like me!

But I wanted to make a quick mention of them and the fun times we had together. It was a super fast trip and we did not have time to see everyone we wanted to. We are sorry if we missed you this time, hopefully we will catch you next time!

The girls and I went and visited with Jennifer Lomenick and her kids, Mark did make a quick appearance at the end of our visit! It was great to see them again and I realized just how long it has been since they moved. The kids have gotten so big and they all had a great time playing together. Of course Jeremy wasn't thrilled when the girls where playing dress up and singing and dancing but he did get them to put away the froofroo stuff and play baseball. We had a great dinner with them, and Jennifer I need to get that recipe from you. Thanks for a fun afternoon and evening!

We also got to visit with one of Erik's old missionary companions and old roommates at BYU, Will and his wife, Are. He's one of Erik's closest friends from that time, and we try to visit them whenever we make it to Utah, which has not been very often. Erik likes to credit Will for getting us together. I went and proposed to Will on a dare while playing truth and dare. He turned me down, and Erik stepped in! The girls love to hear that story and on the way to Will and Are's Emma told Erik "Daddy make sure you make a joke about mommy proposing to Will." Which of course he did! We didn't get to see their sweet adopted baby girl, as it was late and she was already in bed, but we did to see pictures. Next visit we'll have to go earlier.

The girls and I also met up with some friends of mine that I knew way back when my family and I lived in West Jordan while my dad was going to BYU. Way back in Middle School. Marnee brought her two girls and Elan brought her two boys and we all met at a McDonalds so the kids could play at the play place while us adults caught up on each other lives. It was a really cool play place and I had to try it out as well! I was the only adult, not sure why, but all the kids thought it was a great and I had to go down the slide a zillion times with all the different kids.

We also met up with Erik's cousin, Jared and his wife, Caitlin. I had never met either one. I know, 10 years in the family and I finally meet the last cousin! We took them out to a BBQ place, if anyone knows us we love a great BBQ. And me wanting to make a great impression ordered ribs, yeah not the smartest move I ever made. But I guess they might as well get to know the real me! We had a great evening with them! Thanks for a fun evening!

The last people we visited was a family that I use to babysit for way back in the day when they were living in Grove City, the Whites. They are a great fun loving family and the little guys I use to babysit are now grown up! Boy do I feel old. But not to let my age drag me down, I had a good game of ball/tag with the two youngest boys and my girls! We had a great dinner with them and spent a lovely time catching up with everyone.

Thanks everyone for giving us a lot of great memories of friends and family, even if we have no pictures!!!

Circus!

We had promised the girls for Christmas two years ago that we would take them to the circus. Well, that first year we couldn't find a circus near us. So when in the second year I found cheap circus tickets for a circus 15-20 minutes from us I jumped on them and bought four tickets six months early!

Then Erik's grandfather passed away and the funeral was being held that same weekend. And the girls and I had been sick and didn't want to get anyone else sick. So, Erik went to the funeral and the girls and I took Mia's best friend Charlotte to the circus.

We attended the Barnum and Bailey Ringling Brothers Circus Musical Spectacular Zing Zang Zoom! There was elephants, zebras, tigers, acrobats, trapeze, dancers, singing, magic, and so much more. We had a great time!

They opened up the floor of the circus an hour early so you could meet some of the people in the circus and see some of the acts pretty close. With so many people crowding a round some of the things we were able to see better from our seats, we were in the 6th row! Good cheap seats, that's a great deal!

The girls decided that they want to run away to the circus. Charlotte wants to be one of the dancers because "they are in the show alot but the don't have to do any dangerous stunts." Emma wants to work with the animals, especially the elephants, because she loves animals. And Mia is having a tough time deciding, she likes all the acrobatic stuff, like the cirque de soleil inspired stunts, but she also likes the dancing, and the ringmaster!

Here are a few pictures that turned out okay. I will be having Erik show me how to put together a video, because we shot a ton of video!

Waiting somewhat patiently in line in the blistering heat!

Sitting in their seats waiting for the show to start

Smiling pretty with the clown

Part of the opening act.

Bake Sale!!!

The girls decided that they needed to earn some money. I guess the $1 they get for the allowance just wasn't enough! Anyway, so I asked them what they suggested. Their first option was that we raise their allowance. Not going to happen anytime soon, sweeties so back to the drawing board.

After much thinking they come with the idea to sell something. Great idea but what? They thought about going through their toys and clothes and sell what they have outgrown or don't play with anymore. They decided that they probably couldn't get much for their old toys and clothes and besides they love giving their old stuff to their cousins and to charity.


More thinking! Then they came up with a great idea. You see once a month at the homeschool park day they have what they call "market day" where you can sell old things, or new things. Things you've made, anything you can come with as long as it's legal. So they came to me and said in their sweetest voices and batting their eyelashes ever so cutely. "Mommy, can we make cookies and brownies to sell at the park? Because you make the best cookies ever!" They really are smart little cookies.

So, we made cookies and brownies. They did help but you know how that goes! We got to the park laden with containers full of Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts, Snickerdoodles, and Double Chocolate Brownies (brownies with chocolate chips). They were sold 1 for $.25 or 6 for $1. Well, we sold every single one, each girl made out with about $12 and mommy got hugs!

Making their sign for the bake sale!

Mia putting the butter in

Mia adding the sugar

Emma adding an egg


Emma mixing it all together!

And if I would have remembered to take my camera to the park I would have gotten pictures of them selling the cookies. I think I did good getting us all there as well as all the baked goods and a table and a couple chairs and. . . you get the picture!

I got tagged!

Okay, so I know that Veronica tagged me like, oh ages ago. Being the slacker procrastinator that I am, I am finally doing it today! (You know it's been a long time when you have to go searching through a few pages of old posts on some one's blog to find the questions that you're suppose to answer!) Better late than never, right? Can I alteast get an A for effort?

Anyway, enough of my crazy rambling! Here it is the answers you have all been waiting to see. Hopefully, you weren't holding your breath! Because I'm afraid that we have probably killed brain cells waiting. And some of us don't have many to lose!

8 Things I Like A Whole Lot
1. My family--they have to love me! Thanks everyone! (especially Erik and the girly-girls)
2. Friends--sometimes I wonder why they love me!
3. The Gospel--can you imagine how much more screwed up I'd be? I shudder at the thought!
4. Chocolate covered pretzels--my absolute favorite though I will eat anything chocolate!
5. Cooler weather--I can finally go outside without melting into a puddle!
6. Exercising--some days more than others!
7. My creative spirit--someday I will finish all those projects I've started! ;)
8. Laughter--it's the best medicine! I'd rather laugh than cry!

8 Phrases I say Often
1. "Come on Girly-girls!"
2. "If there's no blood you aren't hurt that bad!"
3. "There is no whining in . . ." (go ahead fill in the blank)
4. " Do you understand what I'm saying?" (or some variation--a lot of time the answer is no)
5. "I love you!"
6. "No, you're crazy!"
7. "I have to learn how to say no!" (usually spoken to myself)
8. "Everything will be fine" (even if I'm only repeating it over and over to myself! Did you notice I talk to myself alot? do I talk to myself because no one listens or because I answer myself faster than anyone else!)

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die
1. Go skydiving/hand gliding--imagine me flying! WWWEEEEEE!!!
2. Travel--I know that's a pretty generic answer!
3. Adopt--since I can't have anymore of my own this is the only way I will have a big family.
Well, the only legal way at least!
4. Get a house--yes, we are still renting but one day I will have my own house!
5. Live--I don't want to get old nor do I want to grow up! I do want to live a full life through!
6. Watch my girls grow up into strong, beautiful , and smart women
7. Lose weight--I want to get down to 150 and stay there!!!!
8. Live debt free--debt sucks!

8 Things I've Learned From My Past
1. There are times when you need to speak up
2. There are times when you need to shut up (I'm confused too! I usually end up mixing up
when to do what!)
3. Forgive others
4. Stressing doesn't get anything done--so stop stressing! Easier said than done!
5. Kids will always do what they see not what they hear!
6. My parents deserve a medal--I put them through a lot!
7. Have a plan but always be ready to make a detour!
8. Live life to the fullest!!!

8 Places I'd Love To Visit
1. Pennsylvania--always #1 stop! My family is still there!
2. Anywhere where there is someone to visit--I'm more about the people than the place!
3. China--Erik really wants to go and Mia's got an obsession with anything China
4. Hawaii--doesn't everyone?
5. Europe--wouldn't it be fun to say you've been there?
6. A US History trip--I would love to take the time and visit all the highlights
7. A LDS History Trip--I would love to visit all the LDS points of interest
8. Australia--what can I say I love the accent and I always had a huge crush on The Man From
Snowy River

8 Things I currently Need Or Want
1. A massage daily--you didn't say it had to be realistic!
2. A house--hopefully we will get one in the next couple years
3. A haircut--I really really need one, this isn't a want but a need!
4. Get out of debt and live debt free--almost there!
5. Reach my goal weight--150, oh I would love to be a size 8! I don't think that I have ever been
a size 8 except for when I was so sick. So, I guess I want to be a healthy size 8
6. Be able to visit my family more often--I miss you guys!!!
7. I want to know that I'm a good mom and doing what's best for my kids!
8. I want everyone to know that I appreciate you all so much!!!

I tag--Rachel, Charlyn, Melissa, and Lori!!! I bet the family is really glad that I now have some blogging friends! Now they don't get picked on all the time!

Carving Pumpkins!

We carved pumpkins for Family Home Evening last night. Mia loved it, so did Emma! Each of the girls had their own pumpkin, so did Erik and I.

We also invited our friend Melody to join us. She loved hearing the girls squealing because it was so squishy. We've "adopted" Melody into our family! Love ya, Melody!

We also toasted the pumpkin seeds. The girls loved the pumpkin seeds, too! I was kinda surprised by how much they liked the seeds.

Mia cleaning out her pumpkin, she cleaned the whole thing with her hands!

Emma cleaning out her pumpkin, I made her use her hands for the picture, the rest of the time she used a spoon!

Erik cleaning out his pumpkin, he used his hands!

Mia carving her pumpkin. I know I bought a pumpkin carving set and I put it in a safe place, it's so safe I still can't find it!

Emma carving her pumpkin. Since I couldn't find the pumpkin carving set we had to make do with regular knifes, which are not as good!

Melody sorting through the pumpkin guts for the seeds!

Erik with his pumpkin, he did a stencil of the Marshmallowy guy from HomeStarRunner.com. Look at his arms they're orange from cleaning out the pumpkin! I thought that there was something wrong with my camera or the Kodak program at first!

Mia and Emma with their pumpkins! Didn't they turn out cute? The girls did it all by themselves, well mostly all by themselves!