LiNda'S LiFe

Put away your hazmat shoes!

2011-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Caramie and Matt may just be the biggest bomb.com of the year!

You see, we just moved into a new abode. The main bathroom in that otherwise lovely abode, happened to have c.a.r.p.e.t on the floor. In the bathroom? Really? Don’t think too hard about it, it may make you hurl a lil upchuck.

Now, I can't say much about the gold loveliness, seeing how I had it in my bathroom in the old house too. And get this, we paid extra for that loveliness back in the 90's. It's funny how styles change. How long til we're covering up our new look?
Look closely at the loveliness of the carpet. I know you wish it was in your bathroom too.
And here it is now. You just go right ahead and put those hazmat shoes back in the closet cus we've got ourselves some lovely tile. Matt did a fantastic job. I knew he would because he is such a perfectionist. Well, credit where credit is due needs to add Caramie's name to the project. She is the chief manager of every step.
Painted cabinets. And how much do you love the new oil rubbed bronze trim.
I must get a better picture of the light fixture in the day so you can see how dang cute it is. It's amazing what a can of spray paint can do. They framed the mirror too. Yummers!

Welcome to this century, my lovely room. Many happy poops ahead!

Come Sit With Me...

2011-07-19T21:09:00.001-07:00

I'm so, so, so in ♥ with my patio furniture re-do.
It turned out so happy. It makes me smile every time I look at it and I can't wait for all the great memories ahead in it's beautiness!

Sure wish I had a pic of the shiz it was before, with its shredded cushions, rusty spots and painted glass. Here it is without the aforementioned loverly cushions, so use your uglymagination to picture what they were like. Too many days out in the weather caused it some wrinkles and age spots. Wait - that sounds like it's about me. This story is about the furniture...

I purchased myself some new cushions on clearance to recover. I thought it was a dang smart idea, cheaper than I could have bought the supplies to make my own. Sometimes the old gal is smarter than she looks!

So after about 4 cans of primer and a bazillion and a half cans of my favorite catalina mist, yards of absolutely to die for chevron print, and a few {hundred} hours of sewing, here she is.

What a b.e.a.u.t.y!! I love her!
Uh huh! Uh huh! Uh huh!

Can you stand it?

add some evening ambiance...

So won't ya come sit with me? If you come over I'll have all my favorites: you, me, some diet d.p., maybe some cookie dough, some good stories, or just a lovely Perry sunset.

Hope you love them as much as I do!

May Showers...

2011-05-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a post I drafted last fall, but never posted. Maybe it will help you hold on through the rain. You know the adage: May showers bring Fall flowers (just go with the adaptation).

This little vase of sunshine is from the 'seeds' Hadlee and I planted this spring. They actually were bulbs (very big seeds) and turned into some beauties!
Matt says this picture looks like a funeral remembrance for Riley. Sorry girl! Haha!

Easter 'Hopp'enings...

2011-04-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

My blog is retarded and won't ever let me write above the first pic (insert growl)
The Easter Bunny hopped right into our house
and left lots of treasures.
Ayzlie likes the easter grass the best...
Hadlee and Rapunzel are a pair
Riley got some rings
He left 'Woo-ey' for Cora, so now Hadlee can have Jessie back

All the girls got the cutest owl purses ever!

Is it not the truth that our eggs win the most personality award!!

Our funny chickie brownie pops

The best Easter egg hunt EVER
...everybody WaItiNg...

On your marks, get set, GO!
Is this the perfect yard for a hunt?
It went on and on and on!

These are the Easter Egg Hunt Makers
As if the coolest e.e.hunt wasn't enough,
Uncle Wayne hands out even more goodies
Brittney, Hannah and Jarom - the worker bunnies

You wouldn't believe the haul in these baskets!
Besides the mounds of candy, there are
bubbles, hatching animals, jump ropes, frogs, more, more and more!

Amazing Grandma and Grandpa
The real Easter miracle
Don't they look amazing!

The reason we were in Driggs
This is NATHAN, fresh home from his mission in San Diego

Party Planning

2011-04-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

Caramie was asked to decorate for our RS Birthday shin-dig. She 'let' me help (haha). We still haven't conquered the art of keeping it simple. It takes so much planning for things like this, mostly because you try to do it for the least amount of $$ possible, but still have it cute. Between the two of us, we may have logged a few online shopping hours. Or days. Or weeks...

Above is the serving table. It looks a little bare without all the food. Below is a place setting. Can you see the cute damask print we painted on the corners of the burlap. Love it! The napkins are extremely darling - a perfect find!

This is the whole table view...
You'll have to imagine the cutest orange/pinkish drink in the jars.
It was so cute with the striped straws.

Here's a close-up of a centerpiece. We took various vases we had at home and the DI and mod-podged wrapping paper on them. The flowers are made from napkins thanks to the creativeness of our helper friends
(I hope they are still friends after this!)

Here's a closeup of the cute little favor. Barb had made those awesome bookmarks with the Savior on one side and the theme of the night, 'His Hands' on the other side, which we alternated at the place settings. We wanted a cute way to display them for the gals to take home.
We made some super yummy brownie pops with toffee crunch on the top with those cute striped straws as the stick. Then we made paper flowers to adorn the straw, and hung the bookmark from the flower.
Yummy treat, amazing thought, and cuteness all rolled into one.

The program for the night was more incredible than anything I've seen.
Our Enrichment Leader (I know that isn't the real name), Barb is unbelievable.
The program went from one amazing thing to another.
My life is changed from the happenings of the night.
Thanks to everyone who made it so amazing!

Tegunn's Baptism

2011-04-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

You'll have to excuse my tardiness. If you know me you know I work too many hours for the first four months of the year. It would be an understatement to say I get behind.

I can't let the opportunity to brag about this little guy slip by.
Gunner is the first of the grandkids to get baptized.
He's such a great kid and look at the fantastic example he is setting.
A very very good looking young man!

Here's his family who helped get him to this day.
Families are Forever!

Great Grandpa Hartshorn had a big accident last fall, and it's a miracle he was able to share this day with Tegunn. Tee asked him to talk at his baptism shortly after the accident. At points, it didn't look like Grandpa would make it, but through the same faith and prayers that Tegunn exhibited by being baptized, Grandpa was healed. This will be a special memory forever.

Tegunn's cousins and brother and sister who love him and look to his example.

Jada Ryann

2011-04-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful baby Jada and her beautiful Momma. They are two of a kind!

I'd Snap at the chance...

2011-02-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

I'd snap at the chance to be YOUR Valentine! These are what I made for my little kiddos and filled them with prizes and candy. Somebody remind me next time not to make enough for the whole world. I do that with every project I get myself into. But aren't they CUTE!

C

The Curse of the Black Pearl

2011-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I have a thing with my car. I don't know what it is or why. I've never been like that before and chances are pretty great that it won't happen again. But it is what it is. The Black Pearl.

"Wherever we want to go, we'll go. That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails; that's what a ship needs…but what a ship is…what the Black Pearl really is…is freedom." - Jack Sparrow to Elizabeth Swann

The Pearl with its chrome package is as striking as the black masts of the real Black Pearl. Well, at least it was when it was new. I can't say if there is a relationship with the speed of the two, as we know the original is known to be 'nigh uncatchable', its speed derived from the large amount of sails she carries. There may be some relationship there, I shouldn't say.

But one thing if for sure: The curse of the Black Pearl lives. My Pearl has been redeemed time and time again from it's various curses:

The first happened when it was still new and I got backed into leaving church one Sunday.

Next it got the back end wiped out when it was parked at a high school game and a kid turned his trailer too sharp.

Another time I left work to grab a sandwich and heard crackling as I drove. Come to find out someone was doing yard maintenance and flipped a rock and shattered the sunroof. Are you kidding me? How does that happen.

And now the latest damage from a girl thinking she could beat the Pearl through the intersection. Evidently she was unaware of the Pearl's great speed. She knows now.

So the Pearl is again sunk at the bottom of the ocean. Hopefully not for long. Soon it will be raised better than ever and will once again be known as the fastest, most dangerous pirate ship sailing the seven seas.

Until then- this cursed crew will survive. Until then we will settle for real life.
Haha - ok I'm a dork. But I really do miss the Pearl.

"but what a car is…what the Black Pearl really is…is freedom."

Who has a bright red cherry nose...

2010-12-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

These pictures have got to crack you up, and can I remind you that these are the GOOD ones. Like the ones that were chosen above the rest.

There is not one without a crying child in it. The poor photographer was snapping as fast as she could hoping to catch something she could use.

Maybe instead of telling our kids they better be nice or Santa won't bring them anything, we should tell then they better be nice

or they are gonna have to sit on his lap.

Love it!!

Life is Precious!

2010-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

It is very humbly this morning that I welcome a beautiful new granddaughter into this world. She is perfect and gorgeous and most important, PRECIOUS!! (pictures on Cara's blog)

PRECIOUS is a life rescued by a team of medical professionals who know first hand how quickly one can be lost.

PRECIOUS is a husband, though completely drained emotionally and physically, won't leave his wife's side after nearly losing her from this world.

PRECIOUS is a darling baby who lies so content and sweet until circumstances allow her to rest in the arms of her sweet little momma and know that those arms will never leave her.

PRECIOUS is a doctor who himself knows that its a miracle we're all happy and celebrating the birth of this angel.

PRECIOUS is a daughter who rocks my world!

As I held that little baby for hours while her mom was unable to be with her, I stared at the identification bracelet that allowed me that privilege in the NICU:
1.'TOYN, CARAMIE' it says in bold capital lettering representing the union between my baby daughter and her eternal companion who saved her life with a priesthood blessing, running down the hall to the operating room. How grateful I am for THEM. For their struggle every day to be righteous, loving, productive people, companions and parents. PRECIOUS
2. The next line has the date of admittance and the name of her heroic doctor. Those professionals present thru that trauma remind us of our need for a great surgeon that night and tell us that Dr. Housel IS their best. PRECIOUS
3. The next line says '09/01/83', the day this beautiful Caramie came into this world, was put in MY arms, where I promised her all of my heart. I had no idea that she would become the reason I breathe, the joy of my life, and the reason I thank my Dear Lord for her life in this world this very day! LIFE IS PRECIOUS!

In your dreams...

2010-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, honestly! I need to fire myself from this blogging world. I really do suck at it, but what can I say, my life is so ho-hum ordinary. I really do log on and check it about a thousand times a day to see if my friends have lost their seats in the movie theatre, or other such obscundancies. But as for me and my house, just living the dream - right through snooze-ville. With all that said, here's a chuckle for ya...

Yesterday Bridge, Cara and I had a little girls time. We tried to get Alyssa to share in the festivities with us, but she would rather hang with her little ones. Can you imagine that? So here we are, celebrating the pre-birth pedicure ritual, which in all actuality is a story in itself, but not the one I have chosen to blog about today. This story happens at our favorite hang-out, which we probably share with the rest of the world, the nearest Target store. Caramie had a purchase she needed to return, which led us to our positions of waiting in line at the front of the store. We were standing in a circle having quite the conversation about some earth-shattering happenings for sure, when Caramie's eyes got big and she said so very slowly as if she was in shock: I... can't... believe... I... am... seeing... what... I... am... seeing....!!!!

Bridge and I were in shock that she was so in shock and finally figured to turn around and see what might be so shocking. It was just your average american couple, walking hand in hand up the aisle and out the door. Ok, maybe not so average, maybe a little large. Like... I am large and do some shocking things, but even larger and more shocking than me... Like Biggest Loser large and NO PANTS shocking. That's right, you've got it. This gal has on a sweatshirt, but no pants. At first you think, she must be wearing shorts and they've wedged up. But upon windshield wiping your eyes you adjust and recognize that really there is nothing there but some blue undies with red trim. I'm not sure you have this picture in your mind. I'm not talking about skinny-minny with no pants. This lady has legs the size of tree trunks. The kind that is not normal legs. Certainly not the kind you want to wear no pants and show off legs.

Have you ever had one of those dreams that you went to school and about half way thru the day you figure out you forgot to put your pants on? Is that what happened? What could be happening in your life to predispose you to go to the store without your pants? How could you be smart enough to wear a sweatshirt to protect against the cold Utah June weather (another story) but not smart enough to put on pants? How is it that everyone else in the store went on with their normal happenings and acted as if nothing seemed out of place? How is it that the only one of us brave enough to pull out a camera for the priceless picture had a full memory card? How is it that you can't remember what you did 10 minutes ago, but you can't forget the picture in your head that you'd rather not see again?

Well, that's probably enough said about a not so pleasant story. But from one pants-less gal to another, I have one thing to say: Oh... my... hell!!!

Chicken Green Chile Salad

2010-04-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't Bajio's Chicken Green Chile Salad just one of your favorites? We finally dared attempt it and think this recipe is a keeper. It makes a bunch, so if you're just serving your family for dinner, you might want to half it. On second thought, I wouldn't, you will want the leftovers. It's sooooooooooooo good!!!

CHICKEN GREEN CHILE SALAD

4-6 Grilled Chicken Breasts
1 large white onion
Green Chile Chutney (see recipe below)
Fresh Lettuce mix (we use a combination of romaine and green leaf)
Shredded Cheese (cheddar and jack)
Fresh Pico De Gallo (from Bajio - haven't figured this one out yet)
Mango Salsa (also from Bajio - if you have a recipe like theirs, let us know)
Cilantro Lime Dressing (our favorite recipe is below)
Tortilla Strips

Marinate chicken breasts in 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1 cup oil. Let stand for at least two hours in the refrigerator. On a hot grill, grill the chicken until done and set aside to rest. Once the chicken has had time to rest and cool shred into small pieces.

Slice onion and cut into smaller pieces. In a medium saute pan, add 2 TBL oil and saute the onions until they are translucent. Once the onions are done, add the shredded chicken and green chile Chutney and saute all together until well heated.

On individual plates, pile with mixed greens, add cheese, and the warm chicken mixture. Top with Pico De Gallo, Mango Dressing, Dressing, and tortilla chips. Can add Sour cream and guacamole if desired.

ANAHEIM CHILE CHUTNEY (make ahead)

6-7 Anaheim Chiles, diced
2 C Sugar
1 Tbl Oregano, chopped
1/2 C Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Salt

Roast, peel and chop chiles. (See tips on roasting chiles, below) Mix the ingredients together and cook for 10-15 minutes, over medium heat. Cool.

How to Roast Green Chilis (its not as bad as it sounds. Try it!)

1. Wash the Anaheim peppers and pat dry. Leave peppers whole and place on a baking sheet leaving at least 1/2 inch of space between peppers.
2. Turn your oven to broil and move the oven rack to the highest setting (closest to the broiler).
3. Place peppers in the oven and broil until the pepper skins have blistered and turned black in places (about 3 minutes)
4. Turn peppers over and broil until the skin is spotted with black (about 2 minutes).
5. Remove baking sheet from oven and immediately place peppers in a paper bag. Fold top of bag over to seal. Let sit for 10 minutes.
6. Remove peppers from bag. The skin will be easy to remove from the peppers. Skin and seed peppers.
7. Coarsely chop green chiles. Use right away, or store in small plastic bags and freeze.

CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

2 pkgs dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 lime juiced (about 3 Tbl)
3 Tbl green salsa verde
1/2 bunch cilantro
2 cloves garlic
3/4 C Mayo
3/4 C Sour Cream
3 Tomatillos, peeled and cut into quarters
1 Jalapeno, slice thin (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in blender. If thick, add milk.

Dear Blog,

2010-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,
I miss you so. I hope to find time to take care of you soon.
Love,
Linda

This could be a full time job...

2010-02-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

I got to tend the girlies for a couple of days this weekend. Wow!, ya forget how consuming little ones are. I can't believe I used to do it everyday with 3 little ones by the time my oldest was Hadlee's age. I musta been supermom then, but I can tell you I aint no more!! :) We've made Valentines (with Tee and Trey) for the parents, got to 9:00 church fully dressed and hair done and lunch in the oven only 5 minutes late, watched a few movies, played horsie, and endless other things. And nothing beats those loves you get when the mom isn't around.

Here are the girls showing their pink heart-shaped blueberry pancakes. Ok, so Cora is eating hers instead of showing it. The wet hair is from the swim marathon in the tub. Pretty much had to drain the whole bathroom by the time they were done. :)
It's coming on bed time again and I've promised them that when they wake up Mom and Dad will be home. It's good to know I can fill in for supermom, even tho I'm out of practice. Not only that but I did it well enough to impress Hadlee. When I was cutting her pickie (pancake) she exclaimed, "Grandma! You're just like a mom!" Imagine that!!

D'ya know what I mean?

2010-02-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Why do people use that phrase about a hundred times in a conversation. D'ya know what I mean? Well, ya! I'm not stupid. I can follow along with your simple conversation. D'ya know what I mean? Does that make sense? Bugs me. Obviously.

i ♥ you

2010-01-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Odd, I know but my nails are so flippin cute I just had to share. (not a lot of excitement in my life this week - tooooooo much work!) Can you see the cute valentines hearts and i ♥ you. Dang! Sometimes that Caramie amazes me - you just have to wonder where she came from. Haha!!

Ain't it CUTE!!!

2010-01-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

Of all the projects I've done, this skirt has to be one of my favorites. And of course, the pictures just don't do it justice. Here's the story: I came home from work last week and the girls had a big old mess of fabric sprawled all over. Grandma B had sent her collection home for them to go through and pick out what they want. Riley said "Look Mom, at this cute fabric I chose!" I told her it was way cute but asked her what it looked like on the right side. She opened it up and to her surprise, this was it. It's a way cute tweed, flocked with this amazing damask! What a treasure - thanks Gma B!! Riley picked out a way cute pattern and this is what we made together. Ain't it cute!

Melting Pot...

2010-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed how snow melts? When it first comes down from the sky its all fluffy and white and almost magical. But before you know it, it becomes piles of hard, crusty and DIRTY snow that you wish would hurry up and melt away. And here in Utah it usually does. But not from the top, like we wish it would melt and get rid of that ugly old brown stuff. It melts instead from underneath, getting smaller each day, but leaving the ugly crusty stuff still visible on top, until finally one day, it too disappears.
I've decided that's how FAT melts too. You have this obnoxious bad spot on your body that you think if you could just lose a few pounds, away it would go. But no! It's just like that melting of the snow in that it disappears from the inside out. As you lose the weight, it truly comes off, but not in the places you want. Instead it melts from underneath, getting smaller each day, but leaving those ugly thunder thighs, saddle bags, swelly belly, bongo boobs or disasterous front butt just as odd-sized as it was before. You seem to have the same shape, just a different size.
What the giraffe?

A Day Off...

2010-01-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

Usually my days off get eaten up by errands and cleaning and stuff. This time, however, we stayed in our jammies so none of the above could happen, because we were in the mood to CREATE! Aren't these the cutest girls ever! I made them all by myself. Oh, wait...

It's the cute HeAdbaNds we concocted on this day that are the subject of this post! I think they are pretty amazing. Especially when you consider the idea of Cara and Riley behind a sewing machine!! They just kept right on making one after the other, I just had to wait for my chance to give it a try. I must proclaim my title as the master sewer is still in tact, but I have to pass the title of designer on to the girls.

Here's a little notion of the bIb nEcKlacE I crafted. I think we need to work on our picture taking capabilities. But then again, look what we had to work with. And imagine that - I actually posted a picture of myself. Wrinkles and all. After hearing the ridiculous comments from Cara and Riley about looking fat and ugly in their picture, I decided to brave the event.

To most of you, reading a book would not be an accomplishment. But to the few of us who only do it on a rare, but traditional basis, it falls into that category. Just a fun little read for the holidays. And I finally stayed awake long enough to make it to the end.

And now just over 9 hours to the 5:00 am start of a new day. A new year. A new tax season. A new (or re-newed) diet. Looking forward just 117 days to the option of another day off. Oh, the possibilities!

Fruity Pebbles

2010-01-01T21:54:00.001-08:00

Remember a few years ago when Fruity Pebbles were the best cereal ever? Why do you think they changed them? They changed the flavor. They changed the texture. They even changed the colors. Now they're like eating paper. One of life's greatest disappointments. Haha! What the GIRAFFE??

It's obvious...

2010-01-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

I suck at this blogging thing. Honestly - 5 months since the last post? But hear me out... I hate pictures. I couldn't even find one of myself to include in my header. Nope, not one. Not on my camera and not on my computer. That's how it is when you're like me. That is what keeps me from blogging. You all have cute little families to blog about and such cute cute pictures I love to see. But I just have me. Me, who hates pictures. Well, not really. I have a cute family too, but they are all big enough to blog about themselves. I don't have pictures. Therefore I don't have new posts.

I have an idea to help me meet my new years' goal of journaling this life. Surprising as it may seem, I do have a few things that run through this head of mine. Most of you have a significant other to share those thoughts with. I just find that mine bounce around and around in there, with no hope of escape. So I'm just planning on sharing some of those ramblings with you. Not that I have anything mind boggling to say, but the way I look at it if I write them down, they are finished and I can move on to the next random thought. I don't expect any of you to care a bit about what I might say. But it's easy enough for you to push the big red X in the upper corner if you don't want to read. So that is it. Here's to a new year of blogging!!!

Braylie Maye

2009-07-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

July 11 * 6'12" * 19.5

Brandon*Bridget*Braylie

Welcome Braylie to the GIRLS' CLUB

These pics don't really don't show how pretty she is.
She really is gorgeous!!!

I think she is smilin at Grandma. :)
Even at just minutes old, she knows where the good stuff will come from. Haha!!

We LOVE you Braylie! You have brought so much joy to us already!
WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY

GO*LF (really???)

2009-06-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

So this is the new passion. Well, maybe that is a little overboard saying that it is a passion, but it definitely is new. The 'gals' at work were forced, screaming and kicking, into taking GOLF LESSONS. Haha! But we have THE BEST TEACHER EVER, so we are surviving. I know that those of you who know me are wondering what I might do to embarrass myself at this venture. Well, so far the only mishap is when the sprinkler came on, pointing right at me. Ya, I was pretty much drenched but we all got a kick out of it. Cheers to golf! These next pictures are an evening we went to the driving range. The kids loved it. I mostly cussed myself. :)

Cara - I know you'll love this picture. But that's what you get for not practicing with us. Haha!

Happy Graduation RILEY JAN

2009-06-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the girl who continues to amaze me every breath of every day!

What an honor it is to be her Mom.
I truly look up to her example in every aspect of her life.
SHE makes me who I am.

I had to include this next picture of all my girls.
They are my life!

Riley came to our family after a seven year space. We were all soooo EXCITED for her to come. Well, at least I have always thought that, until just recently I learned that Caramie was not happy. She had enjoyed being the youngest and was not ready to give up that title.

Sorry for two things. One, the quality of the pictures and two, the order of them. But I think you can see from them what a happy little girl our Riley was (and still is!)

Riley never lacked for attention. Here she is blowing bubbles with her sis, Bridget. Check out Bridget's hair! Those were the days!

Christmas morning, complete with Christmas hair. Haha!

Obviously, Riley loved Barney. Before you give her too hard of a time, remember those were the days where there weren't alot of options on TV like there is now.
I love you.. you love me...

That is a little teeny girl way up high on a great big barn.
What were we thinking?

She loved to play in the dirt. Loved it! After we moved into our new house, she asked for years when we got to move back into our old house. She was an adventurer and there was a lot of exploring there.

Riley and Kevin at Disneyland. Nanette tended Riley, so her and Kevin grew up together. They were hilarious. One of there sayings, when they could barely talk, was this:
VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!

I know you can't see this very well, but it is Riley and Alex painting there fingernails. These two were inseperable. They grew up pretty much as sisters. One time they rigged a 'phone line', consisting of a string with cups on the end from Alex's bedroom window, across the street to Riley's bedroom window. That was so cute! It was even hard to get mad about the tear they created in the screen so their set-up would work.

This would be at the District Pentathalon. Riley is a natural athlete. She won many of her events and we thought she had won her division over-all. They ended up moving another girl into that division because she had whooped everyone in her division, which left Ri in second. Pretty amazing, huh!

HOPE OF AMERICA - Perry Elementary 6th Grade
Riley is a good gal through and through. This was a great honor for her to receive. We were all very proud of her once again. This pic is with her sis Bridget, cus several years earlier, she too received the same honor!

This picture is very special to me. One year, all on her own, Riley had her sister's do a photo shoot of her. Then she took the pictures and created a collage for me for Mother's Day. She wrote the most tender notes to her mom. I sure love her for her tenderness!

This is the high jump at Perry Elementary, to qualify for the District Pentathalon. First of all, you've gotta love that athletic outfit she is wearing. Haha! I think she even borrowed a pair of her sister's tennis shoes for the event. What? Anyway she was the OVER-ALL WINNER, even beating out the boys. That's the way to go GIRL!

This was the best soccer team EVER! They had so much fun. Jenny was an amazing coach and taught these girls so much about being good people.
These were great friends and were ALWAYS together!Oh dear! Whatever!

At the beach in Florida

So Riley!

Riley ran track as a Freshman. She ran the 100, 200 and relays. It's all in the thighs (private joke) Haha!

I guess I better say something about soccer, because that is who she was for so many years. Riley was an awesome player and so much fun to watch. When she first started playing, as a little tiny girl in AYSO, she exclaimed her love of the game with a little teeny voice "Mom, soccer is my life!" It was so funny, but oh, so true. She entertained us for the next 15 years with her awesome moves and powerful play. Its hard to imagine that those years are over because they were so much of who she is. If you know Riley, you know her first true love is soccer!

This girl is always so much fun to hang out with because she has the ability to make the simplest things hilarious. Even when she was little, her laugh was absolutely contagious, and it has never been any different. Along with it is that great big smile she has, that can't help but bring brightness to any occasion.

I love you Riley. More than words can say. You possess all that is good, and indeed are an inspiration. These next few years will be fun and hard, and you will probably love every minute of it. I am going to miss coming home to your stories and will miss how you turn my life around. You are amazing and I wish for you all that is good in this world! With all my love and heart, Mom

Baby projects

2009-05-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

These are the CUTEST baby blankets we made this weekend for the BeeGee's baby. The pictures certainly don't show how soft and cuddly they are. Brandon is worried that they won't make it to the baby because Bridget will steal them for herself.

Now all we need is that cute little girl to wrap in them!

2009-05-16T19:58:00.001-07:00

D&B After Tax Season Party 2009

2009-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Every year the fine folks at Davis & Bott CPA's, where I work, take us on a party! It's something to look forward to and helps us get thru the long tax season. Last year - Cancun! This year.... Salt Lake City!! Haha - it may sound like a let down to you, but nope! we (all 32 of us) had lots of fun.

The party started in Bountiful at Paradise bakery for breakfast.
From there we traveled out to Tooele to the Miller Motorsports Park. Oh my! If you haven't been there, you should put it on your list of things to do. We raced the Karts and had a tour. Lots-o-fun!

This was part of the crash of the day. Roger, causing trouble as usual, spun out. Kevin managed to dodge Roger, but Tori t-boned Kevin at full speed. After replacing Tori's shattered car, they finished the race before the pain took over.
They are still feeling the after-effects of that!

Here is race-driver Brandon.
This ended up being the pre-activity to his graduation!

The winning team - and their trophy.
Brian, Gaeleen, Paula, and Ted

The winner of the 'I broke the car' trophy

If you're about cars, this is the place to be. Ahhh!!

Awesome museum!

We spent the night at GRAND AMERICA!!
Oh sweet mama was that fun!
Bridget, Cara and Cora, and Riley stayed over. We giggled and laughed til I thought I would be hoarse.
I love spending time with my girls!

The next day we got to spend the afternoon at LaCaille!!

Entertainment:
Davis and Bott IDOL!!!
Who said CPA's are boring?
Oh gosh - you shoulda been there!

You can't have IDOL without the JUDGES
Please welcome Randy, Paula and Simon
(I know - you wish you had my hair -heehee)

And the winner is...
Dave the great!!! a.k.a. Desperado!

And Tori as runner up!

The grand finale was the Eagles Concert. Those old guys can rock!
It was fantastic and LOUD!! It took me back to the days of the Dodge Dart listening to 8-tracks! Or dancing the night away to those good tunes!

Big thanks to Clark, Rennie, Roger and Bruce!!!

I'm back...

2009-04-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wow - I haven't blogged forever!
Now that tax season is over, I'll try and get back into real life. It's weird how when you're on the computer 10-12 hours a day at work, the last thing you want to do with the hour or two left of the day is get on the computer.
Ok - I guess I must admit that I do some facebooking. But that is chatting with friends and who can get enough of that!

First off - here's a picture of our new Tayah bug. She's the second granddaughter born this year. She is the joy of her mom and dad and brothers. And the rest of us too!

Here's a picture of a stupid table I was so lucky (pfft) to be able to decorate for the
RS dinner. I had to decorate it for the month of May, so I did some stupid pinwheels and got cute mismatched plates at the DI. It was pretty cute - the pics aren't.

And here's a picture of today's Sunday nap. Who do you think is controlling this hammock? Hadlee went from laying with Grandma to laying with with Riley to laying with Grandma to laying with Riley - you get the picture.
Trying to get a 3 year old to sleep with the outdoor sounds is crazy. She thought the motorcycle driving by was a tiger. Haha! That girl is always FUN!

Do things like this ever happen to you?

2009-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

So last night on my way home from work I ran a few errands. I stopped by Shopko to grab some nylons and headed to the counter, feeling quite on top of my game, I might add. As I get to the counter, the clerk, in her 'poor puppy dog voice', says: 'Aaaahhhhhhh! You look like you've had a long hard day.' Oh man, I couldn't quit chuckling. Did I really look that bad? I really was feeling quite fine and quite happy. ~Snicker snicker!~

This is my other story...

2009-01-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those times in your life that things just don't seem to go your way? In fact, it just seems like Murhpy has taken hold in your life and whatever can go wrong will. You know what I'm talking about. Everything you touch goes bad, you break things, you loose your pants in the treadmill... That kind of stuff...

So that seems to be the theme at Our House, lately. One day a kid visiting our house went out to get into his car and found that it had been backed into. What the..? Who does that and just leaves? Well the mystery was soon figured out and amends made and all that. So as he leaves and the door closes; crash, bang, shattering of glass. The newly framed soccer collage I had just placed on Riley's corner shelf evidently wasn't so steady and it tumbled the 6 feet to the floor, taking with it anything in its way. Just as I got the glass chips picked out of the million dollar photo and the shattered glass cleaned up, the kids come up from downstairs with the news of the great '46" LCD TV/Wii Remote incident'. That one will have to be left for your imagination because none of us have quite come to terms with it yet. We can hardly even talk about it still. Who invited this Murphy guy to our world anyway?

So, tell me this. How does your garage door open almost all the way? Like... far enough that looking in all three mirrors doesn't clue you in that there's a problem. But the bang is a pretty good clue. Shiz Louise! What the?

Thanks to a VERY nice ex-husband and Matt and Nate, the garage door has made a pretty good recovery. The Pearl, however is going to need a little extra TLC.

This is the type of things I'm talking about. I was beginning to wonder if I was stuck in this mode for the whole new year. But I resolved not to let it happen. I decided to welcome the feng shui, live positive, bring the vives, invite the good. You know, positive thinking brings positive things.

Saturday I choose to clean my oven. As I pick up the heating element to wipe underneath, the stupid element disinigrates right in two. Are you kidding me? Saturday night. The day before Sunday dinner. Sunday dinner after Fast Sunday. Just so you ever need to know, you can bake a ham in a roaster and cheesy potatoes in the crockpot. You can even bake cookies for pizzookies with the broil feature on your oven. Positive thinking... Positive thinking... Positive thinking...

Yeah right!

You know, Riley once in a while gets brave and asks if she can take my car, affectionately know to all as the Black Pearl. Very seldom do I tell her yes, but not usually if she is going to the school. But tonight her car was in the garage with another car parked behind her. So being the nice mom that I am, I offer, 'Oh, just take my car.'

Now why would anyone in their right mind say such a thing? I knew very well that she was going to the high school. I knew of the 'luck of the irish' going on at our house. I knew better.

The story goes that as soon as the game was over the announcer comes on the loudspeaker and asks the driver of the 'Black Pearl' to go to their car. ShiX! DaXn! HeXl! A kid with his learners permit made the corner a little sharp and took out the end of my car. Oh my hell!

I'm seriously considering living the rest of my life in bed. I can't afford to get out. If you care about me, just drop off some chocolate and diet DP. And I'll just lie here and THINK POSITIVE!

Riley Boarding

2009-01-01T21:18:00.001-08:00

Look at this cute snowboarder... Riley and her dad at Snowbasin

Christmas at our house...

2009-01-01T21:07:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve

2009-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

We didn't get any pictures of the second annual Christmas Eve FONDUE PARTY. But that is how we started out the evening. It gets a little wild trying to get everyone fed, one morsel at a time. We might have to re-think this tradition. But its... oh so fun!

*****

THEN...

*****

The BIG anNoUncEmeNt

JuLy 14, 2009

...and

Christmas Jammies...

Christmas Eve Morning

2009-01-01T15:57:00.001-08:00

My sister, Chris arranged for us to go to Good Things Utah since Mom and Dad were in town and hadn't been yet. It was fun to all go together. Grandma, Grandpa, Chris, Greg, Bridget, Brandon, Caramie, Matt, Riles and myself.

It was the 3rd time for some of us. It really is fun - if you haven't gone yet, you should.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

I (no 'we' about it - just plain boring 'me') went to Overton for Thanksgiving to be with my Mom and Dad. Luckily I didn't have to drive by myself all the way down and all the way back. My sis-in-law Karen and kids Josh and Marissa rode with me. The brother Jim and son Brandon were in their pickup with their dirt bikes. Sorry for the poor pictures, just my phone...

TURKEYS for Thanksgiving. Haha - these turkeys - like more than 35 of them - showed up for Thanksgiving morning in Mom and Dad's yard. Bet you've never seen that.
This is my brother, Jim's family. Andrew lives in Vegas and has a brand new baby boy. Aubrey lives in Vegas too. It is always fun to see them and even better to see Andrew with this cute little guy!

Yikes - did that one scare ya?

Climbing the mountain - it really was bigger than it looks :)

Cute Cora

2008-11-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

This little girl is so full of personality. She pretty much hates a binky, but she sure likes her fingers in her mouth. She doesn't really suck on them, just plays with them. This picture is what I found when I uncovered her in her carseat. She had finagled her jacket so she could get that little tab in her mouth. She was having a great time playing with it with her tongue.
She makes her grandma happy :)

Bridge - this one's for you...

2008-11-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

From Bridget: Please tell me that you have not gone crazy and tattooed all of our names on your back and left me and Brandon off! :) :) That last dosage of clomid has done odd things to my hormones! I am having the weirdest dreams ever! :)

My crazy daughter! This is the email I got from her yesterday. I guess I should be used to all these hormonal things with 4 daughters, but this made me laugh my guts off.

Because I'm so prone to getting tattoos.

And because I would want to ever leave Bridget and Brandon out.

Oh my!

2008-11-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

There's a big fat turkey

on grandma's farm...

(not to be confused with

big fat grandma on the turkey farm)

We made cute little turkeys with oreos, whoppers and candy corn.

Hadlee made a duck - can you find him?

2008 Soccer Banquet

2008-11-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

2008 Defensive MVP

Riley Bergeson

2008 Team Award Winners

Kelli Farr

Allie Aldrige

Coach - Lindsey Karren

Coach - Delos Wiberg

McKenzie Johnson

Coach - Pedro Legua

Michelle Bennett

Hannah Bennett

Riley Bergeson

Seniors and Juniors

The Junior players presented the Senior players

with a most awesome picture book

from this season of soccer.

An awesome mom (also known as Heidi Yates)

put these books together plus decorated

each one individually.

They will be a treasure forever.

Thank you Juniors!

Halloween

2008-11-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

Larsen Family Fundraiser

2008-10-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Some of you know Daryl and Ashley Larsen.

For those of you who don't, they are a young couple here in Perry,

who just lost their baby to a rare lung disorder.

Their loss is truly a tragedy.

They are now experiencing the beginnings

of what will be a land slide of medical bills.

In an effort to aide them, there will be a

one day fundraiser at the Maddox Steak House.

On November 5, you can call Maddox at 435.723.2916

and order the Turkey Steak dinner.

You can choose the 2 or 4 family meal at the regular price.

All proceeds will then be donated to the Larsen family.

You do need to remember to mention the Larsen family name when ordering.

You can then pick up your meal at the take out window in the back of Maddox.

It will be for lunch and dinner.

Please spread the word.

I want you all to know...

2008-10-22T22:51:00.001-07:00

You should all be aware that tonight, for the first time in 6 months, 9 days and 3 hours, I wore long pants to the gym. Enough said. Hardee har har!!

My favorite vase...

2008-10-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

I only lost one vase at the all-night party. Wait... All night party?

I... know... nothing....

Sadie Hawkins 2008

2008-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

These two are dorks. Haha!

2008-09-25T11:57:00.001-07:00

You Belong in 1994

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Homecoming Dance

2008-09-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Riley and Steven Ball at Homecoming. She had sooo much fun! Thanks Steve!

2008-09-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Cora's Blessing

2008-09-11T08:25:00.001-07:00

For more pics, check out Cara's blog! I lub that baby!

I never thought it would happen to me...

2008-09-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I have never been a reader. If I had spare time, I had a ton of other projects that I loved doing, so I just never read. Ok - I read my scriptures every day and went through times I read the whole ensign every month, but other than that, leisure reading was not for me. Along with everything else in my life, this too has changed. I can't stand being without a book. I read when I go to bed, if I can't sleep, when I get up for a minute, while I do my hair (maybe I should pay more attention to the hair - it might help), at the stop light. Wow!

The latest is this book - A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. I bought it for Riley's English class, but she didn't need it yet. When I first started I was appalled that her teacher would pick something so graphic. But oh man, its really good. Not fiction, vampire stuff, but true incredible experiences of a kid my girls' age and what he went through with the wars in West Africa. Something we should all be aware of as Americans. Pretty good reading. Well, if you're into that 'reading' stuff. :)

Soccer

2008-08-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out our soccer blog. Perhaps the reason I haven't posted anything here lately. Its pretty cute if ya wanna check it out. Thanks to Cara and Matt for doing the background.

http://behssoccer.blogspot.com/

What have I become?

2008-08-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Oh my - I'm worried about myself. I found myself:
1. At the laundromat (see ** story below)
2. Eating a peanut butter sandwich (that I had wrapped in tin foil)
3. Reading that dang Breaking Dawn book again.

Can you say white trash? Yikes!

**So I put a small load of laundry in the other night. Just happened to be passing thru the laundry room about 20 minutes later and heard the water still filling the washing machine. I flicked on the light and sure enough, it was full. And running over. And still going. Oh gads! What if I had just gone to bed like usual. Needless to say, the bugger is probably too old to be worth fixing. Oh well, sounds like we'll just have to buy new clothes since we can't wash. Haha!

PS - Life is grand!

GIRLS ROAD TRIP!!

2008-08-18T23:51:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! 7 of us to be exact. 7 girls. In the same car. You got it! You see myself, Riley (this pic is actually on the way home, thus the sleeping girl), Bridget, Caramie, and Britney is next to them but I didn't get her in the pic cus I took it traveling 80 somethingish down the freeway, and then see the two car seats in the back. Hadders swinging at the reunion. She wants to 'fly'!

Some of the cousins (yikes - we're ancient!)

Okay - now for a story. There always is one if you hang out with us. So of course the girls had to hit the mall. Grandma got to sit in the car in the shade with the girls, Hads asleep and Cora asleep too, laying on Grandma's chest while I read that dang Breaking Dawn book. Now that's a good day shopping right there! So anyway, of course we were pushing our time limit, but were gonna be ok. Then Hadlee decides she needs a 'BIG snack', which soon turned into 'I need a HUGE snack'. Heehee - it was funny. At first. Her mom said it wasn't funny after the 5 jillionth time. So anyway, we stop to get her some food and head on out, knowing we were gonna be late, but still probably ok. Then about 1/2 hour from Driggs, Cora decides she's hungry too. There's no way we can let her cry that long so we decide we can pull over and feed her, and the rest of us can freshen up. So, yup, that's us-along side the road, changing our clothes, doing our hair.... My! Then little girl decides she needs to 'poop'. Well when a potty training gal has to poop then thats just the way it is. So Bridget grabs her and hauls off to find a pooping palace. Not sure all what went on there, but no poop. Haha! But meanwhile back at the ranch, Cora takes care of that and blows clear up her back. By the time we get her cleaned up, Cara and I are both pooped upon and Cora isn't sure what has happened. Well, needless to say, we pull ourselves together and dash up the road. We got to the races like 45 minutes late. Cara stayed in the car to finish the feeding. We find the family, try our hand at pooping in the portapotty (of course no luck there either) and with a few more issues, settle in for the greatest show on earth...

The figure 8 races - the reason we went on up to Driggs. It is a demolition derby type of race, but they complete laps in a figure 8. Well, that is if they can stay inside the track. It was so much fun to watch. Number 66 (of course - Phillips 66 - get it?) is my brother Jim. I didn't get a good picture of Brandon's race, but he WON his heat by purely outsmarting everyone else. Jim ended up taking 2nd place overall. It was so much fun to watch. Next year you'll have to come with us!

Hadlee found a friend, Champ. She said, "HE IS BIGGG!!!"

Ah, this pic is so cute of Grandpa playing with Hads. I'm not smart enough to rotate it - I'll fix it when I get home. Aint it sweet!

We left early Sunday morning so I could get back to church to teach primary. Our Primary evidently 'doesn't have a need' for team teachers or called substitutes. I could probably give them a need or two or ten! Anyway, we arrived home at 12:10ish. I showered, prepared a lesson, finished a treasure hunt and made it to primary, calm and cool. Phew! Glad we made it home - it was a great sacrament meeting - thanks to Elder Pyle. We scavenged up a dinner after church, made some treats cus everyone was still hungry, then finished off the Sabbath doing our (Ri and I's) second job. Got done just in time for midnight to ring and finish up a great weekend .

Soccer time...

2008-08-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

OK. If you know me you know my two favorite things to do are:

1. Grandkids (and I guess that includes my kids too)
2. Watching Soccer (which I guess includes my kids too).

So its finally soccer season. Just thought you might like to check out the blog I'm doing for the team.

http://behssoccer.blogspot.com/

What do you think?

2008-08-11T11:40:00.001-07:00

So do you think these two lil guys look alike? I don't know if you can tell from here without seeing them 'in action', but I think they look so much alike. It is Trey (Alyssa's) and Mikey (my cousin Blaine's). I keep telling Lyss that Trey has a ton of Ball in him, but she doesn't believe me. Do you think so?
(Sorry bad pic - I couldn't get him to hold still for a second. Haha!)

Summer!

2008-08-10T20:34:00.001-07:00

I love summer, and this has been a good one. I love the 90 degree days. All of them, day after day after day! I love getting in the car when its so hot you can hardly breathe and the leather burns your legs. I love when my sunglasses are so hot I can hardly put them on. I love sitting out in the dead heat of the afternoon, reading or watering or just watching the bugs. I love feeling the sweat drip down my back cus its so blasted hot. I love watching soccer games facing right into the sun. I love laying at the side of the pool baking in the heat. I love sleeping with just the sheets on for cover. I love the long days of sunlight and the warm nights. I love wearing flip flops instead of shoes. For all of you who love Fall, I just had to get in a word or two. I LOVE SUMMER!!

Cora Jane Toyn

2008-07-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

Our baby Cora is finally here and she couldn't be more perfect. The pictures don't do her justice. She is such a doll. So very very tiny and petite at 5'12" and 18".
Hadlee is so sweet with her. She very gently holds her and pats her for long periods of time. It is very special. If you're lucky, she'll ask you "You wanna ho-o-o-o-ld her?"
Gamma couldn't be happier! It's hard to imagine life without her now. She doesn't cry - just a squeel that is soft or loud, depending on what she wants. She's worth staying up for a couple days straight with very little sleep. Could you sleep if you had that girl to hold?

Beautiful Cora and her Beautiful Mommie. Caramie did so fantastic. I think her and Matt were in shock that it was over so easily. So far this little girl seems to have more of her mom's features. Those eyes are killer, eh? They're pretty dark - maybe Toyn brown.

Here's a friendship that will never end!

Two wonderful babies plus a fantastic Mom and Dad. Sure do love them more than anything! I love all my girls, their hubbies and their wonderful children. I am the luckiest person on this earth!

Now THAT's a goose egg!

2008-06-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Trey lost this fight with the tramp. Can you believe that goose-egg? It looks like he must have hit the bar from a flying leap, but I think he was just getting ready to get off and slipped and hit the ladder as it bends to hook onto the tramp. OUCH!! This picture is after they iced it for a couple of hours. He was pretty tough about it all, at least at my house for the evening. He doesn't ever have much to say, but he just played and acted like it was no big deal. He's a tough lil rascal!

Sleepover!

2008-06-14T22:38:00.001-07:00

Teegun and Trey stayed overnight at Grandma's so their mom could go on a girl's outing to Park City. Boy did we have fun! Thanks to Riley for all her help!

I was trying to show them how have a dinosaur nose, but wait! Riley made me a rhinocerus. The boys wouldn't even consider it. They think Grandma is silly.

After we went to Kung Fu Panda, Grandma made rainbow sherbet frappe's for treats. We each picked ours up and marched to the front door to sit outside and eat them. As soon as we stepped outside, Teeg lost hold of his and it spilled, SPLASH!, right on the front step. So Grandma gave him hers and went and fixed her a new one. She came back out and sat down by them on the step and BAM! Trey's drink fell right to the ground. So Grandma gave him hers and went and made her a new one (again). Finally we all sat down on the steps to eat our frappe'. Just before Grandma finished hers, what do you think happened? SWOOSH! Grandma drops her frappe' and it spills all over her and the ground. Hahaha!

Breakfast on the deck. Teegun DOES like pancakes. Trey only likes sausage. Even Riley got up early to join in on the fun!~ These boys love her!

We spent most of the day at the pool in Brigham. Of course we would have no pictures of that :) They didn't want to leave, even after 4 hours. We did pretty good keeping them sunscreened except guess what - the top of Gunner's feet. Oh ouch! Sorry buddy! Trey, the funny kid - I put his muscle floaties on and turned around to get ready to take him in. But too late! He just went and jumped in. Problem being that we were down by the basketball hoops, way over his head. I don't know what he was thinking, but luckily Riley was right there. It took him about an hour to recover and quit shivering, but after that they just couldn't get enough. Tegunn is a wild man and Trey loves running and jumping. We all had tons-o-fun in the sun!

FUNNY THINGS THEY SAID:

Gunner: Gramma, leave it whole. I am almost six years old and I am big enough to use a knife!

Trey: I played that at my house.

Trey (later): I ate that at my house.

Trey (next day): I watched that show at my house. (evidently, he does EVERYTHING at his house)

The boys were so good. Tegunn was a good big brother and made some 'good choices' to make his brother happy. We all survived and are looking forward to the next time we get to spend the night together!

Riley's new nickname...

2008-06-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Riley's friends have given her a new nickname. Its 'the nutcracker'. Riley plays sweeper in soccer, so often makes powerful kicks to get the ball to the other end of the field. At her co-ed game last week she kicked one of her famous kicks and too bad, the boy she had stole it from was about 3 feet from her and took the force of it - you guessed it - right in his 'manhood'. It was the worst I've ever seen, the poor kid. When he finally tried to get up to walk to the side, he was puking. He made it to the couch (don't ask why there was a couch at a soccer game) but did not look good one bit. He finally got up and played towards the end of the game, but he was not standing normal. He was really suffering. I shouldn't laugh at his pain, but it was dang funny. The rest of the game, the boys pretty much steered clear of her. Just before the whistle blew she stole the ball from a kid and as she went to kick it, he covered himself, turned around, and yelled 'not my nuts'! HeeHeeHee! I don't think she'll live that down for a long time.

$5 footlong...

2008-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so most of you know the issues little Hadlee has with her CSID. Finally they have figured out the problem and are getting things working, but its harder than it sounds. Cara and Matt are so good to keep her sugar and starch free, but in so doing, she sometimes ends up constipated and those little muscles haven't had much of a workout in her lifetime, so its been a challenge. They will get it figured out, but here's a funny story because of it.

This weekend they all went to St. Geo. Hadlee f-i-n-a-l-l-y got a poop out. I guess it was a big old bugger. Cara laughed about it being a footlong, so Riley started singing the latest Subway jingle, 'five dollar, five dollar footlong'. Well sure enough, Hadlee laying in the tub, with her head in the water and only her face sticking out, starts singing, 'five dolla.. five dolla footlong...' Haha!, she is so funny!

Trip to Driggs!!

2008-05-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I spent the weekend in Driggs (land of my birth - haha). Didn't do much (I'm kinda in that mode lately). We went up to watch Marissa (Jim's daughter) and Hannah's (Wayne's daughter) dance recital. They were so cute, it was worth the trip to see those two talented little gals. Then on Sunday was Nathan's (Wayne's son) seminary graduation. He seems to be pretty happy to be a graduate - imagine that!

I saw a few 'old' friends. Old meaning friends from along time ago, not old as in age - haha! Cari Egbert (yikes - I don't know her married name), Terri and Brad Nelson, Bruce Bagley, Cub and Kristen Coburn, Kerry Buxton, David Breckenridge. I saw a few others that I didn't get to talk to, such as Rex Jardine (I run into him now and them at football games), Leland and Anita Christensen, his sister Janelle, Ronnie and Michelle Berry (bishop :), and of course Zane Calderwood was conducting the graduation. Plus lots of parents of friends, etc. That is always the fun thing about going 'home' is seeing people who influenced who you became.

The weather was gorgeous. I actually almost sunburned myself sitting outside finishing my book. Don't anyone fall off their chairs, but I've actually read two books of late. Yikes! - that's quite a change for me. Of course Mom and Dad cooked us a fantastic dutch oven chicken meal. Next trip to Driggs will be for my high school reunion. I would tell you what year, but I'm having a hard time dealing with it myself. Lol!

Purple and White Dance

2008-05-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Riley went to the Purple and White dance with Josh Cunningham

CANCUN rocks!!!

2008-05-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

Wow! Were Riley and I ever ready for this vacation. It's been a tuff couple of months with tax season, school, the big D, losing clothing in treadmills... The anticipation had been great, and finally this ATSP (after tax season party - thanks to my fantastic bosses at Davis and Bott) came to fruition. We started the day very early (left our house at 4:00 a.m.) and away we went on our adventure May 2008...

Hotel Catalonia Riviera Maya

When they talk about the white sandy beaches and beautiful aqua waters of Cancun, they aren't kidding. This is where we spent the next five days. I know it looks tuff, but sometimes you just have to dig in and do what's set before you. Put your imagination in gear and see if you can't feel the breeze softly swaying the grass roofs of the huts as you look at this beautiful sight.

By the time we got to our resort and checked in, it was pretty much time for dinner with the whole group. There were 28 of us. 14 bosses and employees of Davis and Bott, their spouses and my Riley. We could hardly get over the beauty of it all.

Riley had to take a picture of her dessert. That ain't no frosty from Wendy's. Haha! Actually it didn't taste oh so well, but it none-the-less is worth a picture.

It was dark by the time dinner was over. But that didn't stop us from checking out the water. Making sure its for real. Uhhh... huhhhh!!!

Then we found the beach party!! Lots of good entertainment there. Soon Dave and Annette heard the music and stopped by too. You should all get to see Dave in action. You think of him as the reserved, all-knowledgeable CPA. Now you can see... THE DISCO DAVE!!!

THE BEACH!!!

This is what we came for, and where we spent most of our time. It was so nice finding a spot and just chillin! You could lay in the sun or in the shade under a hut. You could read a book or take a nap, all while enjoying the cool breeze from the ocean against the baking hot sun. Any kind of drink you could conjure was available within a few steps. If you got too warm, you could go walk along the beach enjoying the waves, jump right in and float around for awhile, or try out one of the many pools . Paradise!

CENOTE'

The cenote' was my favorite thing we did. It’s like if you laid out the land, and took a cookie cutter and cut a deep hole. Then it fills with fresh water. I don’t know if you can get a feel for how deep down it is. Notice how clear the water is, you can actually see the people’s legs thru the water. The second picture is me – yes, I said me – going down the ladder and getting in. Can you believe it? Riley is standing at the top of the ladder next to Natalie. Fun huh!

Mexican Dinner

Check out Antonio's grille! Heehee!

ACTIVITIES

There's plenty to do just around the resort. Snorkeling, kayaking, riding the catamaran, bicycle riding, volleyball, water volleyball, on and on and on.

Lots of good drinks whenever you want. Most of the time they even come non-alcholic. (Yep - there's a story behind that one)
This is a picture looking into the water. We were trying to show the little yellow and black striped fish. They looked like bumble bees. But if you look real hard you can see the clear/silver ones. Just kidding - you can't see them cus they're clear.

This is a fun game. Scoot-ing in the sand. Ouch!

Flint & Katherine playing balloon volleyball. Sorry about speedo-man. :)

Even though we had already eaten tons, we usually seemed to converge at the Creperie. Banana splits, choc shakes, apple carmel crepes....

JAPENESE DINNER

Chopsticks!My heart beats for you!

CHICHEN ITZA

Ancient temple - most likely Book of Mormon times. There are a bunch of ruins around this area. Our guide, Helaman told us all kinds of things pertaining to their beliefs. Maybe some day we will understand more about what happened then. Helaman kept reminding us that we need to live good lives. I think because of the stuff that happened here because the people became wicked. Don't laugh your head off at those dang sexy shoes! (yikes)

First off, the guy on the right is Helaman our guide. He is of Mayan descent. He has been a tour guide since he was young, but not until he started teaching early morning seminary did he realize the similarities in the B.O.M and this area. He seems very humble as he tells what he knows about these ruins.

Secondly, this is a courtyard, a rather large one. The game they played was to put a 4 lb. ball through that little hoop you see at the top of the wall. I can hardly imagine that. Then if you won, guess what, they whacked off the head of one of your teammates for a sacrifice. It was a great honor. Your image was then etched into a wall as a remembrance. Now, that's motivation to play hard!

An observatory

Archeologists are restoring the 'inner wall of the temple'

THE END
Our friend the crab...
...riding off into the sunset

(the ending of all really great stories)

OH... MY... HELL!!!

2008-04-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the explanative, but this story deserves it. This has to qualify as the most EMBARRASSING moment of all times. Oh my! My face is still red. You're gonna die...

So I'm at the gym. I'm there by myself, which doesn't happen very often, but it was Sunday evening and everyone else was evidently keeping the sabbath day holy. I'm just a going on the TREADCLIMBER. Having a great time. The fan is blowing on me, I'm watching this way good movie. I turn the speed up and am about 2/3 done with my workout.

These two GUYS come - oh I don't know how old - I'd say late twentys maybe. I don't know, I'm really trying to forget what they looked like. Haha! So they walk in and are FLEXING their muscles in the mirror. I kinda giggle at them, cus I can see them because there are mirrors every where. They go over to the weights and start working out. Well as for me, I decide I need to run blow my nose cus its running and that's frustrating cus ya can't breathe and stuff with dripping going on.

So... I go to step off the treadclimber and guess what happens. The tread literally grabs my pants and SUCKS THEM IN. You are right. PULLS THEM RIGHT OFF and around my ankles. I am not kidding you. By the time the automatic shutoff turns off, my pants are inside the treadmill, except for the part that has my feet STRANGLED and tied to to the treadmill. My exact words were... you guessed it... 'Oh my hell'.

So the guys look up and there I am STRIPPED of my pants and stuck to the treadmill. You can see the look of 'Oh my hell' in this guys eyes. I'm sure he was trying to decide if he should come help me, or turn around cus there I am flippin without my pants. Well of course I have sat down, trying to get a little bit of privacy in the moment, but I can't move. Both of my legs are LASSOED together at the base of the treadmill. This poor poor guy comes over and tries to pull my pants out, but there really isn't much of them there to work with. He asks me if I can get my foot out of the leg of my pants (I don't usually have guys asking me to take my pants off :) ). Honestly, they are so tight I CAN'T MOVE. So I say maybe if we take my shoe off. So yes, that's what I do. Take my shoes off, get my feet out of my pants. Then he is able to grab the tread and pull it backwards and twala! there's my pants.

The POOR DUDE just stands up and walks back to work out. Now, what do you say in that situation? Hey - thanks alot dude! Oh my oh my oh my! So I pretty much get my pants right side out, stand up and put them on, put on my shoes and GET THE HECK OUTTA THERE. I was just giggling as I died of embarrassment. Those two guys just kept right on lifting those weights, like nothing happened. At least until I walked out the door. Then I bet they absolutely ROLLED ON THE FLOOR. Can you imagine anything like that every happening? Oh my heck!

If you don't believe it was really that bad, I have my pants to prove it. They have holes burnt in them clear up to the hips. Serious!

Well, the gym has 24 hour surveillance. I'm sure you can catch my episode on youtube - it's probably on there already. And you can be proud to say "Hey I know her!"

P.S. So sorry no pictures on this post. HaHaHaHa!!!

Easter Hoppenings...

2008-03-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Bridget's Happy Birthday Gala!

2008-03-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

My sweet Bridget is 26. Wow - that is amazing. She is everything I hoped she would be when I held her in my arms those 26 years ago and admired her little square face, long, long toes and fingers and skinny little wrists. She is a beautiful woman, a wonderful support to her husband, an amazing sister and even more amazing aunt. She is a great worker, a fun and responsible primary teacher, and always so clever at scrapbooking. She has an amazing eye for making her home cute, cute, cute. Happy Birthday Bridget - love you SOOOO much!

Bridget wanted to go to a taping of Goods Thing Utah for her birthday. So we did! Yes, I even took almost a whole day off on the day before corporate tax deadline - that's how much I love being with these four gorgeous daughters of mine. Riley skipped school, Lyss and Cara got sitters and away we went. It was so much fun. We really need to do it more. Thanks Bridge for the memories!

Team Carrie Ann from Dance Wars did a little segment for Good Things Utah so we got to sneak in a picture! Woohoo!

Then we went to Paradise Bakery for lunch. These girls are so much fun to be with. We really should hang out together more because we laugh so much when we do it's good for the soul. I am one lucky mom, that's for sure!

It's hard to believe this goofball is not only a mother and wife, but most the time a mother to her sis's and me. We love for her to go shopping with us cus she gets us good deals. When we're eating she makes sure we all get things just right. But most of all, just like always, she makes us laugh over the silliest things. Heehee!!!

Riley's Prom

2008-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Riley and Thomas - Junior Prom

The Couple

The hair - thanks to Caramie of course!!!

I told the boys Riley had become a princess. I think they took me literally. They were scared of her for a minute. It was pretty funny!

The 'day date' - actually the evening before. The weather was snowy and rainy so they didn't get to do their original activity. But the boys did a great job of improvising.

Riley had so much fun.

And breakfast the next morning - Prom day.

Of course the boys secretly came and got them out of bed!

The girls and the boys. There were 26 of them! That is alot of very fun kids. The boys did such a fantastic job putting everything together. The bill at Rodigio Grill for dinner was $1010! Haha! If everyone had as good a time as Riley it was worth it.

It was all she hoped Prom would be!

Bag Tag!

2008-02-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

1. Take a picture of your bag

2. Show a picture of ALL the contents in your bag NO CLEANING OUT FIRST!!!!

3. "Bag Tag" five people

Here is my bag/purse:

When I ordered this, I didn't realize it was the size of a suitcase. Oh, well... Its amazing what you can carry if you have the room...

Here are the contents:

Wallet (no money)Checkbook (less money)

Planner (full of coupons and discount cards)

Pen and Pencil

Gloves

3 lotions (I hate the one, but it was free with my coupon - anyone want it?)

Bottle of Water

Almonds

Valentines Candy

2 headsets for my phone

1 headset cover for my headset at work

4 lipgloss/chapsticks

1 perfume

WetNaps

Throat lozenges

Fruit Breezers (for the throat)
Nasal Spray (some weird thing going on with the throat)

Decongestant

Ibuprofen

2 sets of keys (one I use - the other for just in casers)

Envelope w/check stub n receipts

Thumb drive

Pill case (for my vitamins)

Cute pill case that is empty

Paper Clip

Elastic Band

A little change that escaped my wallet

Phew!

I am tagging: Alyssa and Natalie!!

Home Sweet Home - SOLD!! --Not

2008-02-16T20:55:00.001-08:00

The sell of our home fell through. So we're still here. Yay!!

Our home is sold! It 's what we've been wanting, but now that it's here it is so sad. We have lots of memories here. We just updated a few things this past summer, and pretty much love it.
Sitting right here on this couch to wind down after a bus day has become a favorite thing to do. Ya just turn on the fireplace and let it blow

that warm air on your tired body. Yep, gonna miss that!

I've been TAGGED!

2008-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: Are you kidding me? I can't remember 10 days ago, let alone 10 years. I was busy as mom, all 4 kids still at home. Lyss (the oldest) would have been a senior and Riley (the youngest) in first grade. Bridget and Cara in between and lots of running around, cooking, cleaning, working, soccer games, and on and on. I often remind my kids that I used to be a good mom (super mom - did it all). That would have been 10 years ago.

5 things on my to-do list:
1. Exercise
2. Finish with the W-2 / quarterly deadline at work
3. Start packing in case my house ever sells
4. Call my kids and remind them how much I love them
5. Remind myself that I hate to-do lists

Thing I Enjoy:
1. I love my sunglasses (goofy, huh?)
2. And my car. It just feels safe and secure and I need that with the way I drive :)
3. I like going to movies - even if its by myself. Not a buff who knows all the quotes and stars and stuff. Just like to chill and watch.
4. I like helping people with questions at work. They think I'm so smart but its really not so complicated. Haha!
5. Oh my new phone is awesome. Its great for walking - I can listen to music but when I get a call or text it flips to that. I can even get better radio reception on it than anywhere else. It's come in handy to keep me entertained during all that shoveling this winter, too. Good times!

What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire: I'm not? Shoot! I would have no problem taking care of that. I would only spend it on fun fun fun. NOTHING rational at all!

3 of my bad habits:
1. Swearing. Those of you who know me know that I NEVER swore for like 99% of my life. I'm regressing as time goes on I guess. I wouldn't say swearing is really a habit for me, but something that slips out now and then. Riley keeps me in check, though.
2. Dr. Pepper. Another bad habit I've developed. I didn't used to be a pop drinker at all, either. But there's nothing better than a nice Dr. Pepper with some good Sonic ice. Okay, maybe a few things are better than that, but...
3. Warm homemade cookies. Or Cinnamon rolls. Dang!

5 places I have lived:
Perry
Logan
Driggs
Rexburg
Grace

5 jobs that I have had:
1. Para at Davis and Bott
2. Office manager at Christensen's (back in the good ole' days)
3. Manager of Hickory Farms at Christmas time for several years
4. Clerk at the grocery store in Driggs.
5. Clerk at the Drugstore in Driggs - Oh, you should have a fresh lime freeze there. Yumm!!!

5 things people don't know about me:
1. I hate socks - they're so confining.
2. I love my music LOUD! I guess you know that if you've been around me.
3. I hate housework. I dread every minute of it. It's not so bad once you get started but I can certainly make excuses to put it off.
4. I love to go FAST!!! I'm so chicken of getting a ticket, I don't do it. But if you do... take me with!! Woohoo!!!
5. If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it?

5 people I am tagging... Well, I don't have alot of options - there's not a ton of blogging old folks. And the rest of you have already been tagged. But here's to all my blogging friends... Alyssa, Bridget, Caramie and Natalie.

Look Bridge and Lyss

2008-01-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd show you my new hair cut and color. I know you can't see it very well, but its a little bit different and fun. Thanks to Cara - she's the best.

Enough Already!!!

2008-01-13T10:11:00.001-08:00

How is it that the great snow gods decided that this, the year I have to shovel my own driveway (also know as the driveway from heckenback!), is the year we should have snow nearly every day. Haha! Oh well, I take such pride in having the cleanest driveway in the neighborhood. Pfft! The truth is that Riley's car has spent the night sideways at the bottom of the driveway once and been rescued from that position another time, so really there is no choice but to keep the driveway cleared.

Oh gads - that picture is ridiculous. I look like a soggy old ornery whatever, but nevertheless it probably shouldn't be displayed in public. But would ya check out all that show! In past years I have appreciated how clear my driveway always was, I hardly ever had to worry about getting up it. But now I've decided that shoveling is a heckuva lot funner than cleaning toilets. I'm gonna think about coming as a man in my next life. Nope, thought about it. I'm happy where I am :)

A note from Riley...

2008-01-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

... the stop sign was in my way! haha just kidding... my friends and i had been making a snow fort (yes we're like little kids) and on the way back to our friends house i turned a corner and my car didn't seem to like the idea and decided to go straight and hit the sign. my bad. :)

HOPE for a GREAT 2008!!

2008-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well, time for one last post before the nightmare we call tax season begins. Yikes! Just thinking it might do me some good to write down some thoughts, and since I'm not much of a journal writer, here goes.
Not only am I hoping for a great 2008, but I'm expecting even better than great. I've had a dark couple of years and honestly am pretty dang sick of it. So here's to a new beginning for me. How bout I post some of my hopes for the year and if nothing else I can review them now and again and see if I'm heading in the right direction. Here goes...

I hope to restore my kids' faith in me. Hopefully I can become the strength I was to them before. I'll need to find it for myself first, and that's my main goal for the new year. I know my faith is where I'll find the peace I need, but honestly for right now it feels good just to slide along and not have to be super woman for once. That's what the new year is for, right? A new start...
I hope to do a respectable job managing my time between work and being a mom. I so desperately need the money right now I am pulled to work every second I can. But I have the most beautiful family, I don't want to miss out on one minute with them. Especially my sweet baby Riley. It breaks my heart to think how short my time is with her before she graduates, and poof, is gone. I want her to be busy with high school and friends, and want to be with her in what time she has left for mom. Priorities, priorities, Linda! Priorities!
I hope for blessings and happiness for my family. I love you all and want this year to be full of greatness. I'm proud of you and your decisions. Every one of you are on good paths. I would hope that you wouldn't have obstacles in your paths, but know better than that. How bout if I hope you run right over the top of any obstacles that might come your way and continue on in goodness. Love you all!
I hope for everything good for this new baby coming to Matt and Caramie. My heart is so full of joy for another grandchild. True joy - that's what I call it. My greatest hope for the new year is for that baby and hopefully one for Brandon and Bridge and Greg and Lyss too. Wow, that alone would make this the best year ever!
I hope to succeed at a faithful exercise routine. Why is that such a hard thing to do - find an hour or two a day to take care of yourself? Hopefully this year I can pull it off and next year at this time I'll be just a shadow of my former self. Haha!
I hope to find a great home for Riley and me. Its really hard to look forward to that, but certainly it's the next step.
I hope to continue to appreciate the good people in my life. I have such great friends and their families. I hope for happiness for you! I hope to meet more great people and to learn from them and to share my heart with them.
I hope I'm done now. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. Will you help me make this the best year ever? Remind me what I should be doing. Pull me along with you. Together it really will be a great 2008!

Christmas Pjs Pjs Pjs

2007-12-30T18:56:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve at the Bergesons

2007-12-30T18:48:00.001-08:00

This is our first annual (I hope) Christmas Eve fondue party. We had tons of food, tons of people, and tons of fun! We cooked steak, chicken, shrimp, vegies, pasta, bread and of course dipped all kinds of yummy stuff in chocolate and carmel. It turned out pretty good for not knowing what we were getting in to. By the time it was over, we all smelled like we were fried ourselves, but it was worth it. Can hardly wait til next year!!