Beep. Bop. Fonnesbeck.

Popsicle day

2011-03-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

The only time the small one isn't coughing his feet out of his mouth is when he's got popsicle in there.

It's been quite a week for the little man, and after four days of fever, I decided it was high time to take him to the doc.

So I ran my finger through the phonebook/google and decided on the closest clinic to my house that had an available appointment today between 10:00 and 10:30. What? That's not how you found your pediatrician?

Hm.

Well anyway I ended up taking him to a nice lady doctor and I was happy and she was happy and Clary-T was... well... sick, and in fact, has an ear infection and RSV. The prescription? Antibiotics and nap, but not before we got an ice cream cone while we waited for the meds.

In other news, I am not planning on updating the blog with the happenings of the last two months. Too lazy.

BUT.

B requested I take a picture of this today:

And why would I not acquiesce to his request? I would.

Enjoy!

Glam Day

2011-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

(The above photo has nothing to do with this post but it's funny)

Today, as hubs left for school, I told him "I'm not going anywhere, I might make cupcakes or cookies, and I'm going to look this glamorous ALLLLLL DAY."

I got up and shoveled snow with the boys. Fun, but you know what a beanie does to my luscious locks, and I don't really see the point in showering. (Plus I showered last night after bootcamp- don't even get me started on what a sweat-fest that is)

So. I'm wearing my pajama bottoms and a workout top, and my hair is a rat's nest on my head.

And today with Kenz, Vannah, B, and Drama, we will play, watch movies, and possibly eat cupcakes.

I'm really putting off doing "2010 year in review" post. Maybe tomorrow.

Have a super great weekend.

December 25, 2010

2011-01-10T19:46:00.001-08:00

A few weeks before Christmas, in lieu of B talking about Santa, I helped him write a letter. I tried to write everything he said verbatim. The letter included lines like "Santa, I love you. Will you please bring me a bow and arrow... I'll share with my brother, I sure will." among other hilarious and tender sentences. He had finally narrowed down what he wanted and it was a bow and arrow. Because Travis and I have been shot in the face with arrows that have suction cups on the end, we decided to scour the valley for a NERF bow and arrow.

You remember how I feel about NERF?

Yeah.

Nonetheless, I knew the boy had his heart set on a bow and arrow and so we obliged. When he opened it up Christmas morning, I had anticipated an epileptic-seizure-type excitement. Not really the case. He was excited, but more interested in the truck that Drama got. (Of course.) When he got around to trying it out, we discovered the bow shoots the arrow quite far and fast, and especially at point blank range to the face.

Once again, NERF and I have a love/hate relationship.

Earlier in December Travis and I decided that instead of buying presents for one another, we would do a sub-for-santa for someone in need- which we did. I knew in the back of my mind that Travis would probably get me something anyway because he can't resist and he spoils his wife like crazy. I threatened him, telling him not to, but I knew full well I would be getting a surprise. When I walked out to a seafoam-green beach cruiser, I was shocked. It was like my 5th grade dream come true and I think I might have squealed like a 5th grader as well. What a hot-babe cutie pie he is right? I know it.

My sweet mom made a quilt for me this year. And not just any quilt, the cutest snuggliest most amazing quilt ever. I am so excited about it and I love it even more because it was hand-made by her. Here's a little snippet of it and her holding baby Charlie.

I thought I'd throw this next picture in because I think it's really funny. My brothers both got Macbooks for Christmas and this is their "surprise face"

I always feel like a little kid at Christmas. I feel ajuvenile-ish anticipation when it approaches, and get butterflies in my belly for parties, feasts, and presents. I look forward to everything and everyone. Family fights, disaster food, unexpected gifts, and misbehaving children- bring it on, I love every minute of it.

Blogging is...

2010-11-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

...so easy to do, but I slack.

This month, since I only blog once a month these days, here is what happened:

Look at those lips. It's not my fault my kids are so freaking adorable! Oh wait, they were grown inside of me so yes it is my fault.

On November 19th, 2010, my baby turned 2. There was much celebration on our part, much crying on B's part, and much cake eaten throughout the weekend.

We had birthday pancakes the morning of, and built forts in the afternoon. Super.

Later on in the month, it snowed buckets of snow! We were all very excited, then I was horrified. No gloves? Check. No hats? Check. Boots too small for B and too big for Drama? You betcha! We made do, and they played in the snow- what a relief.

Then Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday in Southern Utah with the Ballou's and had heaps of fun. In an attempt to make the children look one way and smile, we took about 1000000 photos and hopefully got a good one. Here is a sample of a typical picture:

"Eva, don't stick your tongue out! Clark, look over here, sit down! Brenner, hold Charlie up a little more! Charlie, look cuter (not possible)!"

So there I was, all tucked in bed by 11:30 on Thursday evening, my body working overtime at digestion, when I got a phonecall: "We're at Walmart, Grandma is here, so rally!" What was I to do? Rally of course. You don't want to miss Grandma Green shopping at midnight right? Hoodie, pajama pants, TOMS, and Cindy-Lou Who hair is the perfect outfit for Walmart midnight black Friday madness. We came, we saw, we conquered. Jana+Sarah+Blake+Tanner+Grandma Green+me+28383747 people+3948239482 shopping carts= fun.

I have much to be thankful for and although I try hard not to be serious on this blog, I want to say that I love my family and extended family so very much. I am grateful that I married in to such an amazing family as well, and I always feel so welcome and loved by them.

Thanks for the laughs Thanksgiving 2010. Hellooooooooo December!

Halloweener

2010-11-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just ate 4 "fun-size" candy bars in a row. Wrappers are sitting here by the side of my computer and I'm wondering where they went. I can't imagine why I'm not skinny.

Moving on.

This year Halloween was not the relaxed "Guess what you're going to be for Halloween?!" No, instead it was "Mom, I want to be____" (Insert hard to make and complicated costume)

For some insane reason, I felt that a good Mom has to physically make the costume. By 5:00 P.M. Monday I had definitely had enough and the whole "home-made pirate costumes" idea was thrown out. My Mom, in her infinite wisdom said to me, "You know, you're still a great Mom if you go and buy a costume. You don't HAVE to make it by hand..."

Just what I needed to hear. We were off to a Halloween boutique shortly thereafter.

Amidst the slut-o-ween costumes and crap, B found a "Knight in Shining Armor" costume which included a breast-plate, a sword and sheath, a shield, and helmet. Perf. Throw on some grey sweats underneath- done and done. It wasn't until we got to the car that I thought about B taking a sword to preschool that Thursday for the Halloween party. Yikes right? You know him right?

Keh.

So after some extreme coercion/bribing, he agreed to be a weaponless cowboy for preschool and a knight for trick-or-treating. Phewf.

On to Drama.

When B was 18 months I bought an adorable skunk costume online but it was accidentally dropped at my neighbor's house by the UPS man the day before Halloween, and she brought it over the day after Halloween. Devastation ensued. Nonetheless, I had a skunk costume that barely fit Drama and he was taken care of.

I didn't get any pictures of Drama in his skunk costume or B in his Knight get-up, but here is the cutest cowboy ever:

Happy Halloween, so glad it's over.

Updates

2010-10-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

Once again I'm behind and a lot has happened so I'll update in pictures because it's probably better for you to see pictures than for me to sit and type a lot of words.

We went to the circus! My mom and her hubby took us to the Ringling Circus and it was a total blast. The show was amazing and B and Drama thought it was top-notch. Of course, Grandma and Papa had to buy them every bazillion dollar snowcone, cotton candy, hot dog, and licorice that came by, culminating with the purchase of this beautiful sword for B. He adores it, I have a love/hate relationship with it.

We decided to ride TRAX to get to the show, which was a great choice and the boys thought that was better than a bowl of jelly beans left on the floor.

Ok I had to put this picture in because it's one of the rare instances that I have both eyes open, the light is good, and I don't look like a huge dork. Who cares what the kid looks like right?

Then....

Chuck was born! We traveled to Boise to see the new baby boy of my super-hero sister in law Nicky. I think my brother Eric had something to do with the new baby too. His name is Charles and he's so cute and squeaky and we luuurve him. Nicky is like a birthing goddess, sincerely. She was wearing pre-prego pants and nursing that baby like it was no sweat at all.

We also took the boys which was a little crazay but they had fun with Eva. This picture is so great because it seems like they are all looking at me when in reality, Eric and Nicky's TV is mounted high above the mantle and they are watching a movie.

Tricky.

More haps in September included my first root canal (YIKES, I blame RAGNAR) my birthday, and other outdoor fun in the best month of the whole year.

I'm also going to do a plug to win this Madsen bike because it's so very awesome. Click on the link and check it out.

I'm sure I would look just like this girl if I had this bike, and my boys would sit happily strapped in the bucket, smiling with their arms securely folded.

Life's Cliches Coming True

2010-09-02T16:15:00.001-07:00

B on his first day of preschool.

It's a little unnerving when the things you always hear people say actually start to happen to you.

Things like "Your kids will learn which buttons to push and then they'll smash the buttons to pieces." People say things like that when you're in your weakest moments at the grocery store and your kids are being savages and you're about to do one of two things: rip your hair out or rip open a bag of M&M's to pacify the beasts.

Tuesday another one of those things happened to me. The inevitable "They grow up so fast! One day you're changing a newborn diaper and the next you're sending them to school!"

It's insanity. Insanity I tell you. The years go by and although B is only 4, I feel like he is changing and growing without my knowledge or consent.

Tuesday was his first day of preschool, and after donning some new school clothes and his brand-new "Buzz n' Woody pack pack" he was off to un-mothered territory. Frightening and happy at the same time for his parents. Absolutely thrilling for him.

As for all those things people say, I'll take them one day at a time.

Ketchup

2010-07-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

No no no, I'm not dead. You know how when you don't blog for a long time you just put it off more because you feel like you need to play catch-up? That's where I've been for the last few months.

So I decided I'm just not going to update extensively.

A lot less work for me, a lot less blahhhhg for you.

I am, however, going to go back to June because remember when I did this post about being a runner poser? Well guess what....

I did the Ragnasty.

(Ragnar, or the Wasatch Back Relay, for those of you who don't do the Ragnasty)

188 miles, 12 people, 29 hours of thrills. That's me, back row, far left, looking absolutely stunning after running 3 legs and not showering and sleeping in the suburban. So sexy.

I did it, I loved it, and I'm doing it again next year.

As for the half-marathon, I'm looking to do one in November. Strangely, I'm having a hard time wanting to run. Weird I know.

After the Ragnasty we had some good times in Idaho Falls and did the big fireworks show:

B decided to shake his booty in the street while we waited for the show to start.

THEN......IN MID-JULY......

We moved to Salt Lake.

Wha? Yes you read that right. We moved back to the land of my birth and said goodbye to Idaho Falls.

YAHOOOOOO!

THEN... ONE OF THE BEST WEEKENDS OF THE YEAR...

THAT FAMOUS PRESTON NIGHT RODEO! (That's really what it's called)

Hand dipped corndogs, fresh lemonade, and fab rodeo.

August took us to St. Geezy and we went to Sand Hollow and had fun with Megs.

We're hoping to squeeze the life out of the remaining warm days of Summer.

Yesterday I stepped outside and took a big sniff.

It was then that I detected it.

Yes folks, the smell of FALL is in the air.

Bring on September, the best month of the year!

You Said it Dude.

2010-06-25T12:04:00.001-07:00

Take a breath and read this:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/01/29/notes012910.DTL

Makes you think eh?

Hello, Goodbye

2010-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well, May came and went without so much as a hello or goodbye and now June is following suit. Things have been busy for us, and since I can't remember the details, and since that would take forever, here are the highlights since the last post:

May began with a two-week long excursion to Salt Lake. I was assigned to be with my teenage brothers while my parents took a trip to Africa. Our mornings were spent like this:

At first, we had a great time; shopping, visiting friends, and the like. Then there was the inevitable sickness. Stuffy nose and the usual. Just when that was letting up, the basement flooded. No big deal, get some fans right? I wish. The drain guys said it was a "soft clog" and that we should call disaster clean-up. When that guy came, the conversation went like this:

Me-"Yeah we sucked up as much as we could and put fan on it since it was Saturday, and I called my parents in Africa and they said to have you come give them an estimate."

Him- "Ok well what you've got here is level 3 damage. So what we're going to need to do is rip out all the carpet, cut out the baseboard and drywall 3 feet up, take out the vanity and linoleum in the bathroom and lift up the HVAC system to have it cleaned."

Me-"Uhhh... ok how many levels are there?"

Him- "Yeah, 3. This is raw sewage, I wouldn't let your kids be down here."

Me- "Holy Sh*%"

So they came and did all that and the company was great and although it was a huge mess, it's all put together now and I was a hero for being there to handle it.

I thought raw sewage in the basement would be the last speed bump of the trip. Wrong. We were scheduled to go to the zoo with some friends and family and on the way, I noticed B scratching his arms. Upon closer inspection I saw a bazillion hives all over, hot and forming sores from the scratching. YIKES! After the zoo, some benedryl, and cortisone cream, I took him to instacare. Bloodwork and steroids, unknown cause for the hives. Beauty.

In the end we had a great time and miss SLC and our peeps there like crazy. Quinn and Russ, I love you like a fat kid loves cake. Thanks for testing my vegan cooking skills.

There was a brief period of normalcy at home, then B's 4th birthday.

Whah? B is 4? Yes, it's true.

Birthdays always make me think of that Bright Eyes song. Happy birthday darling, we love you very very very very very much, do you know that one? I played it for B and we danced and sang and it was music magic.

I made an amazing cake and then destroyed it with blue jello. I salvaged it but it still looked like something crazy out of a Dr. Seuss book. Thanks to everyone who made it, I still have balloons on my ceiling.

A few days later we went to Island Park for the Memorial Day weekend. Fun had by all, especially in the tub.

Into June we have been mostly home. We spent some time in Weston on the farm, had some fun, did some training with my main runnin' woman Annette.

Last weekend I ran the Ragnar Relay, but that was so monumental it deserves it's own post.

Sunday Funday.

2010-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoons for our family usually involve miscellaneous clothing, baking, and the can't-go-anywhere-keep-the-sabbath-day-holy kind of fun.

I made bran muffins: I know what you're thinking, and yes, bran muffins are usually reserved for old people who are trying to stay regular by eating nasty, tasteless, fiber-filled muffins. However, these muffins are sooo good and are sweet and cake-like, but have enough fiber to be on the healthy side (provided you don't drown them in honey-butter, oops.)

The batter stays good for 6 weeks so I keep a big container of it in the fridge and make fresh ones as we eat them.

Hot baked muffins made from scratch when you wake up? Come on.

You wanna the recipe? OK! Here you go:

5 C Flour

1 t. Salt

4 C Fiber One (You know, the long skinny things that look like cat food. It come out to be one of the two packages that comes in the box)

2 C Bran Flakes

2 C Chopped Dates (I know dates are kinda gross but I promise you won't even know they're in there)

2 C Sugar

1 C Butter or Oil

4 Eggs

1 Quart Buttermilk

2 C Boiling Water

5 t. Baking Soda

Combine all the ingredients except the boiling water and soda. Boil the water and add the soda to it all at once (I like to let B do this, it's kinda like a chemistry experiment and it gets him quite excited) Add soda/water to the rest of the ingredients and stir it all up. It makes a lot so use a big bowl. You can make the muffins right away but I think it's best to let the batter sit over night and let the fiber one and bran flakes get a little soggy. Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes or until they look done. YUM.

I think my MIL said one muffin is 2 points for weight watchers, so not bad.

Don't eat more than 4 a day or you'll be kinda sad.

Enjoy!

So Let it Be Written!

2010-04-26T10:58:00.001-07:00

Can it just be said that you are not a monster if you feed your kids macaroni and cheese once in a while? Where is it written that a kid is going to be obese and die of cancer if he/she eats powdered cheese and noodles?

Geez.

Sometimes I read things that mothers write and I just want to tell them to get off it. Am I the only one here?

That being said.....

Today we enjoyed some delicious Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and I must say it was delightful, for both the boys and myself. I fix it once in a while and we all love it.

So there.

Doesn't this boy look like a little macaroni and cheese does a body good? I thought so.

On another note, I've been hearing a lot of this for the past week: "MOOOMMM! Wipe my nose please please wipe-a-nose please MOM!!!!!!" Followed by a shrill shriek because snot is running down his face and burning his little raw, red, Hitler-style, nose-wipe mustache.

Tissues litter my house. Snot is everywhere.

Exhibit A:

Know what that is? My couch cushion with snot wiped on it. Gross.

Please don't be jealous of how glamorous my job is.

Oatmeal Lovers

2010-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm breeding oatmeal lovers.

This morning Clark enjoyed his breakfast oatmeal with raspberries and honey, in his own bowl, with his own spoon. He made a bit of a mess getting the spoon from bowl to mouth, and then drank all the last bits of oatmeal.

I've been subjecting my family to all kinds of food madness lately. Tofu parmigiana, lentil soup with turkey sausage... you know, I like to experiment. The best part? Travis turns his nose up when he finds out what's in it, then they all scarf it down like they haven't eaten in days.

Hurrah!

Cuppy-Cakes

2010-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up with Wednesday slums. Drama had a hard night, and dragging myself out of bed this morning was torturous in nature.

Going on a run? Yeah right.

I did manage to go on a nice run/walk just to get myself and the boys out of the house before the rain came.

Then home.

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......

I know!

Cupcakes!

What is better than rich, chocolate cupcakes made from scratch with butter-cream frosting? Not many things.

However, I had no cocoa and I wasn't about to go to the store.

So.

Cake mix and frosting from a tub?

YAAAAYYYY!

I won't post a picture of myself stuffing cupcakes in my mouth but you can imagine...

The goal now is to not eat ALL of them before Travis gets home.

Boop. Bip.Weekend!

2010-04-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

It was a happenin' weekend for the Fonnesbeck family.

To start out with, Travis got a new job! (wooooo! the crowd goes wild)

Friday Trav and the boys headed to his family's farm to do some work. I had signed up for a sewing class with my Mom on Saturday morning so I stayed home.

Alone on a Friday night, I did what any married mother of two would do.

I went to Barnes & Noble and looked at gossip magazines and interesting books and all the little fun things in the store.

I lounged in their cushy chairs and absorbed the pure, unadulterated silence.

I didn't have to say, "Don't touch!" "SHHH!" or hiss "Brenner where are you?!" in the bookstore. Nope, just me, books, and silence. Joy!

Then I headed to Bajio, since Travis never wants to go there, and ordered the shrimp tacos. Yum. If you haven't tried them, do yourself a favor, and don't even think about ordering just one. To top things off, while I was there I was hit-on and asked for my number, which is always a confidence boost for a girl. I politely told him I was married and made him feel like a total idiot- also refreshing.

Saturday I spent the whole day with my Mom doing fun mother-daughter things. We went to the sewing class, which proved to be very informational. We ate out twice, went to a movie, bought some things, and got some amazing ice cream. To say we had a great time is an understatement.

After 9:00 church, we all took a 2 hour nap. Joy! That never happens.

Then we came up with the brilliant idea to longboard down the hills of Lincoln road. Of course I'm a ninny and wanted to see Travis do it first. He geared up and we headed out. Here are the results:

Brenner was practically having a seizure from excitement and I was practically having a seizure from worry. I kept telling him "Ok please don't break your arms, you start your new job tomorrow. Tuck and roll. Tuck and roll!"

He actually kinda crashed at the bottom, but no harm done besides some grass stains. Again, joy.

Afterwards we went home and cut Drama's hair way too short and now he looks like he should be going to basic training.

Somewhere in the mix, I dropped my third child, also known as my unicorn, white-lightning, or, my iphone. (booo! jeers from the crowd)

The glass shattered, but because of sheer awesomeness and commitment to it's fabulous owner, it is still intact and it still works. We've ordered a replacement for the glass that should be here soon, which brings me to the next event:

Our mailbox got stolen.

Whah?

Yes.

Travis woke up early to go to work and sent me a text that said "Our mailbox is gone."

I had to see it for myself. I should take a picture but I'm too lazy, so I'll describe. We had a plain, black, metal mailbox on a black metal stand. The mailbox was/is anchored in a cedar container full of sand and rocks. So basically... not that cool or special, just your standard boring mailbox. apparently very enticing to ruffians and the like. So the stand is the kind that has two pieces; the bottom piece is anchored to the ground/bucket, and the top piece holds the actual mailbox. So this is what happened: Someone came in the night, lifted the mailbox off the stand, and took off with it. All the other mailboxes on the street were untouched. I feel slightly harassed, but if I knew the hooligans that did it I wouldn't turn them in to the police or anything. My choice for their redemption would be to replace the mailbox and then mow my lawn all summer. Simple.

Oh and on my child-less Friday night I created a tablecloth genius masterpiece, but that's a post for another day.

I hope your weekend was as fabulous and eventful as mine.

Ode to My Late Night Snack

2010-04-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Reese's Puffs,

You look a lot like dog food, and I must admit, when I first saw your brightly colored box, I was revolted. However, I was introduced to your sweet, whole-grain goodness and I will never turn back.

In the morning, I run 4 miles of windy, hill-laden road.

In the afternoon I eat oranges and apples and jump on the trampoline with my boys.

For dinner, I make home-made pizza on the grill, sneaking in veggies and spinach and the like.

In the evening I go to the gym and boss people around, telling them to work out harder, longer, and more effectively.

I do all these things, and then..... after the children are in bed......

I cuddle up to a bowl (or two) of Puffs. Perfect day? Nearly.

Ice cream? No thanks. Candy? Nah.

I'll take my snack with milk, in a bowl, with the largest spoon I can find.

I know you readers are skeptical.

I know.

Try it.

I've already converted a few.....

Cowboy Day

2010-03-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Today B had a healthy obsession with cowboy gear.

He found his gun.

He found his holster.

He grabbed his cowboy hat.

He woke up Drama with all his whooping and hollering.

There were tears from the one who was disturbed from a deep slumber.

There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth as the older cowboy tried to force a hat on the young one's head.

There was much rejoicing when Mom suggested we go eat cheesers and strawberries for lunch.

Before the exit into the dining area, the cowboy busted one last cap in Mom's face, followed by a time out for pointing guns at people.

Check Them Out

2010-03-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Often times (kind of all the time) I wish I could do my wedding over just so I could have

this girl

do my photography. I'm not saying my photographer wasn't wonderful, she was. (And she darn well should have been with her price tag) but Tonya is AMAZING.

Seriously.

Sadly, she moved to New Mexico and I don't see her very much. However, if you have a wedding coming up, senior pictures, or you just want some family photos, give her a buzz, I promise you won't be let down. Go to her website and check out the gallery, you'll be there a while just oogling over her work.

Also, her sister is starting to delve into the amazing art of photography and she is located right in Salt Lake City! So give Brenda a holler as well.

And tell them both that Em sent you.

P.S. I ran 5 miles Saturday at a pretty good clip AND not only did I survive, it was a great run and I'm not sore. WAHOOOO!!!!!

A Clarky Story

2010-03-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Clark

11:47 a.m.

today.

Ahhh. I can't believe how Mom is letting me drink juice all day for the last two days. What a fool.

What's this? Oh she thought she could hide her phone from me huh? Let's see what this baby can handle.

Don't mind if I do.

Now who should I call..... How about Annette? No... how about Mom's OBGYN. Yeah, good one.

Hm, no answer. I'll just put this back where it was. She'll never know the difference.

Oh, hi Mom.

P.S. Brenner has croup, and we all have colds, and I have a giant cold-sore on my face. Yay.

Today

2010-03-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

(This picture has nothing to do with the post, I just really love my yellow tights)

Today I lost my iphone. I went out to put the boys in the stroller to take a run and somewhere in between setting it on the BOB and running back inside for gloves, it vanished. I do know it's somewhere in the stroller or garage, because I heard the "text message jingle" I have looked and looked but not gone into complete panic mode yet.

Today I am going to work again. I got a little gig as a personal trainer at our local gym. This presents a few problems for me:

1. Personal trainers get more clients if they look really svelte and tanned and toned. Check me off all of those things. I'm working on it.

2. There are a lot of "Idaho-style Guidos" working out at the gym. You know, juice heads that work out in jeans and CANNOT take their eyes of themselves in the mirror while working out. I'm praying none of them ever want a session with me, but if so, we'll work out so they have to face me instead of their veiney-armed selves.

3. I need more workout clothes- not to work out in, but to stand there and boss my clients around. Usually I would jump at the chance, but I have a specific color scheme I am required to wear that is definitely not my fav.

Today I ate Wheat Chex with vanilla soy milk. Try it before you judge. I can't get enough of it.

Today I am going to eat healthier- I promise.

Today I AM going to clean my bathroom, which is long since overdue.

Today I really love an ice cold, sweaty can of Diet Coke. I drink the caffeine free variety because the other makes me jittery and sleepless. I love it on ice and could drink a lot during the course of the day. However, on the rare occasion that I buy a 12-pack, I savor my one can per day. I know, I know, I'm running and training and personal training as well, but hey, at least it's not vodka right?

How about you today?

Da Boyeeez

2010-03-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

This morning when Brenner woke up and requested my presence in bed, I wondered if I would remember how these mornings went. So I decided to snap a couple of pictures and blog about my boys.

Clark

Loves putting anything on his head. Clothes, books, and yes, even hats.

Loves chewing on NERF darts and walks around with them hanging out of his mouth like a stoagie.

Is a walking fool now.

Loves. Oranges.

Likes brushing his teeth.

Likes to climb up on the kitchen table and chairs and mess with things up there or turn lights on and off (he's doing it right now)

Cannot get off chairs or table by himself so he just sits down and yells until I come to rescue him.

Doesn't talk much but seems to have a lot to say.

Has little or no interest in watching a movie with B.

Has a huge belly and skinny little arms and legs- he's my little toad.

Still takes two naps a day and sleeps relatively well at night.

Has 11 teeth.

Eats almost everything like a savage little vacuum cleaner.

Loves a good snuggle.

Brenner

Still adores a good book.

Loves NERF guns.

Wakes up and if i'm not in bed, yells for me to come "sweep with me a wittle bit" and freaks out if I can't/won't.

Is becoming long and lean, no longer a toddler bod.

Pees in the toilet, standing up, and hardly ever misses- hey it's a big deal.

Loves his rocket-ship PJ's.

Is a human GPS.

Loves music and memorizes songs really fast.

Is totally obsessed with Flicka and Thunderhead, son of Flicka.

Is a huge breakfast person (he ate a whole bowl of oatmeal, two eggs, and milk this morning)

Becoming picky with other foods and literally gags if I try to make him taste something he doesn't want.

Tells a great bedtime story.

Loves routine, and knows ours well.

Likes to carry around a particular animal. Right now it's a white horse his Dad bought for him that closely resembles Thunderhead.

Loves a good snuggle.

As I watched the Olympics this weekend, I almost cried every time I saw those "Olympic Mom" commercials. You know the ones. It's pretty amazing how our kids can grow up to be anything. Who knows, I might have served oatmeal to an Olympic athlete, a movie star, or a nuclear physicist this morning. Kind of exciting.

Runner Poser

2010-02-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Monday, I started week four of training for this.

Some of you might recognize RAGNAR, because you have put yourself through the same torture as I am going through. Let me explain.

I am not a runner.

I have some speed, which came in handy for high school tennis, or sprinting away from brothers, cousins, and other villains, but distance is not my long suit. This being said, I am trying to become a "runner poser" A.K.A. someone who runs a lot and pretends to like it but really doesn't. I have heard there are people born into this world who actually enjoy running. While this idea is completely foreign to me, I have accepted it as truth.

Exhibit A:

These little fellas from Kenya were born running. They popped out the of the womb and were off, training for a marathon. In fact, no training necessary, they have the goods and just need to register.

Anyway, I am not of Kenyan decent, and although I have some impressive runners in my ancestry, I'm pretty sure none of them ever "loved" to run.

Fact or fiction, some people get a kick out of running.

I run for the same reason I gag down oatmeal on a regular basis. I know it's good for me. This year, my goal is to run RAGNAR as well as a half marathon. I'm not going to pretend to run a full marathon because... well... I just don't care that much.

Through my schooling and other experiences, I'm pretty sure about 15% of the population can handle a marathon, and the rest are just hashing their bodies. It's my personal opinion backed by four years of university studies of the body and exercise- nothing more.

So tomorrow I will condition, and then Friday I will be back on the treadmill, because it is so cold in I.F. that my tears froze on my face yesterday when I attempted an outside jaunt.

Anyone else have an opinion on running?

It's Vintage.

2010-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

What's the haps with us? I'll tell you.

This week was Travis' birthday.

I'm not going to list 29 reasons why I love him because that's just not my style.

I married him and had babies with him, so isn't it safe to assume I think he's the cheese to my quesadilla?

Yep.

Travis shares his birthday with his two sisters, whose birthdays are 2 days before. So his mom had Travis on the 10th, 2 years later had Kristen on the 8th, and then 7 years later had Annette on the 8th too. They share. I'm sure it sucked when they were kids, but these days we have "birthday WEEKS" for them, and the phrase "Well, it's my birthday." is common during the whole week, not only the day of.

Kristen and Annette: I love you like a fat kid loves cake. Thanks for running 3 freezing miles with me this weekend.

Ding-dong. Woof. Bear. Whah?

A few days ago we visited one of our favorite vintage shops (a.k.a. the D.I.) and scored two awesome coats for me. Here's one:That's right, soft leather goodness for $12.00! I love when I find D.I. treasures. Eric and Jana are the reigning king and queen of D.I. but I'm slowly gathering.

When you make a purchase at the D.I. you have full right to say "It's vintage" when you are asked about it, right? It's old, previously owned/used and you bought it. Definitely constitutes "vintage" for me.

Then on Wednesday Clark bumped his little noggin for the billionth time. Walking has proved to be hard on the skull. So he smacked into his doorway full-frontal right in the middle of his forehead and then fell down at the bottom of the stairs and got this little number:

There you have it. The haps.

Little Letters

2010-01-31T14:29:00.001-08:00

January has been... well... a whirlwind. Today I thought of all the things I could/should post about and the list got a little long. So instead I am going to adopt the style of a favorite fellow blogger and write some little letters.

Dear Anthropologie,

Thanks for being such a fabulous store. You're sort of addicting, wonderfully refreshing, and very expensive. I love you anyway despite that last part. Anyway, thanks for the little things on sale that make my day and now sit gloriously in my windowsill for me to look and and smile while I do dishes:

Dear Idaho Falls,

It's blasted cold and I had to walk through a blizzard in my heels today to get to church. Not my favorite. However, thanks for the river and the ducks. We had a lot of fun until we all started to scream from the cold. It was 14 degrees:

Dear CM,

I do not appreciate you dumping all the baking soda on the floor about 10 minutes before we are scheduled to head out the door. Stay out of that cupboard.

Dear NERF company,

While I love that we have a relatively safe alternative to other guns, I don't really love being shot in the face, head, neck, eyes, or any other part of my body with those little freakin foam darts. They litter my house. Good idea but gee....... it's a love/hate relationship.

Dear Valentines Day,

I love you too. And all the adorable decor that comes with you.

Dear Boise, Eric, Nicky, and Eva,

We had a great time. We love you all. Boise, when I leave, I feel like Idaho Falls is your red-headed step-child.

Mug Shot

2010-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Personally, I think a person's choice of mug says a lot about that person. Is it because I really love mugs a lot and secretly wish I drank coffee so I could buy hundreds of them to line my cupboards?

Maybe.

Nevertheless, this is our family's mug shot:

On the far left is Trav's mug. Ok he didn't really choose this one, I bought it at the D.I. for him for Christmas, and I think it's cute and hysterical at the same time. It was fifty cents and I couldn't resist. Anyway it's completely Travis, because it says "Anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad" As you may have read in the previous post, his Dad skills are the bomb-diggity.

Next is B's mug. This is what we put his hot chocolate in about 60% of the time. The other 40% we pretend that he doesn't make messes and he gets a real mug with a plastic IKEA spoon to stir it with (too much clinking with a metal one makes me crazy) However, the Nalgene bottle suits him perfectly. It is virtually indestructible, brightly colored, and most importantly, he can't get the lid off.

Perfect you see?

Next is CM's mug (That's CM- short for Clarky Malarky because everyone was giving me crap about "Drama" saying it would give him a complex) CM's mug is an adorable insulated cup with cars on it. He is quickly approaching the destructive "Nalgene stage" but for now he merrily drinks his fiber enriched whole milk in a blue car cup- no hot chocolate for him but he doesn't care one bit.

Now I have saved the best for last. I have no idea where I got this mug but it's one of my favorites. Hand-thrown pottery mugs are a weakness of mine, and this one is little enough to make the hot chocolate a little more concentrated but big enough to be the perfect serving size. This does not imply that I am a hippie, but I do immensely enjoy some earthen products.

There you have it.

What do you drink your hot chocolate out of?

Travis the Dad

2010-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

My husband is a fantastic father.

Just this morning I rolled over and said:

"Sweet darling, will you please go feed breakfast to our adorable, sweetheart baby boy?"

It might have been a little different than that, but I can't really be sure.

Anyway, as you can imagine, he jumped out of bed and exclaimed:

"Yes my beautiful wife! I know you had a long night with Brenner, I would be glad to fix a healthy, wonderful breakfast for our youngest child. You look amazing this morning, and your breath smells of flowers, Skittles, chocolate and all things good."

It might have been a little different than that, I can't be sure.

The point of this post is to note something he said to B last night.

B had grabbed something off the dresser and was playing with it and Travis turned around and said:

"Brenner! Put that down."

Although Brenner listens to the first request every single time and never does anything wrong, this time he didn't put the object down. (I'm not sure what the object was because I was just listening to the whole exchange from the bathroom)

So then Travis says:

"Put that down or it'll burn your hands off."

You might notice that there is no exclamation point on the end of the sentence. This is because Travis said it so matter-of-factly that I almost gagged on my toothbrush.

I peeked around the corner to see B's face. At first he looked surprised and then suspicious, and then he put it down.

Mission accomplished I suppose.

Inside

2010-01-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

It's snowing here.

Again.

And this is what we've been doing a lot of.

I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a reason to go somewhere; alas there are none. It's not really fun for B to play outside by himself. He gets all dressed up, goes outside and realizes there is no one but the ginormous snowman his Dad made with him.

Bless you dear husband for being home and making that snowman with him this weekend less we go completely insane from staying inside.

So here we will stay, painting, building forts, and playing endless hours of cars and animals. We will continue to watch

snowflakes

In Retrospect

2010-01-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today we took down our Christmas tree.

And put away the cute Christmas dishes.

And took down all the other Christmas decor in the house.

Sigh.

Now the house seems empty, as it always does when we put those things away.

I thought about 2009. It has been a good year for our family. I thought about how last year at this time, I was blissfully living in Logan, unaware of what was to come. I was also blissfully nursing my little tiny baby, who has suddenly grown into a little boy right before my eyes. Funny how that happens.

Now our small family is in a different state- literally and figuratively speaking, and although I still miss Logan terribly, I know in my heart of hearts I will come to enjoy living in this place.

In light of the new year, here is a recap of 2009- Fonnesbeck style.

In January we went to Island Park to the new cabin- loved it. Hooray for Mom and Craig for a job well done. We did some light snow-shoeing and watched wonderful sunsets in the toasty cabin.

In February we blessed the little man. Brenner... well... he was just dapper. We also celebrated Trav's fabulous birthday. (Along with his sisters, who were both born on the 8th)

In March we went to the cabin again but with the Ballou fam this time. We snowmobiled, ate, and had a grand time together. I also started making hats like a mad woman and took this picture of B, still one of my favorites.

So charming.

In April we revisited our old friend, The Hogle Zoo, and found a new love for it. We also rode the carousel once and watched others ride every time after that.

We were able to visit Boise in April and spend Easter at Eric and Nicky's.

In May we revisited The river, Brenner learned how to ride AND steer his bike, and we celebrated B's 3rd birthday (a few times).

June brought bathtime shenanigans, and the "Puss in Boots" episode. (A slightly uneventful month for us)

July... July was a blur. We decided to pick up and move from our perfectly wonderful home and neighborhood in Logan to Idaho Falls. (I was totally happy, can't you tell?) We spent even more time at The River, where were participated in our first Fourth of July Ashton Parade- which was epic. We also attended "That Famous Preston Night Rodeo" Which is quite possibly one of my favorite weekends of the year.

In August I made apricot jam until I thought I was going to freak. We also said goodbye to my cousin Henry who is now serving his mission in Missouri. (We took the family photo op. that day)

In September I celebrated my birthday in Hawaii. It was truly a wonderful vacation and I am so glad I was able to share it with two of my favorites: Nan and Meg. We ate well, slept well, and got absolutely rocked by the ocean. Hawaii is magical, especially with toads, "pinkaladas", haupia pies, sushi, shopping, kayaking, tubing adventures... the list goes on and on

In October we went to Boise where Nicky and I took the kids to the farmer's market (SOOO fun, I'm way jealous) We soaked up the last warmth of the year, and ended with the savage children for Halloween.

In November my baby turned one. Yikes. We also trekked out and cut down our very own Christmas tree. We had Thanksgiving with family in Salt Lake and then went to the cabin in Eden. (No pictures of that)

December brought the annual "Lobster-Fest" and a great Christmas. We spent the night in Weston, and B got sick a couple days before so he looked like the living dead on Christmas Eve. In the morning he was in good spirits and opened presents with vigor. Santa brought him his only requested gift: a "whiting-a-queen truck!" Both boys also scored big with the grandparents with books, puzzles, and all sorts of good present booty. They also got matching camo from Grandpa and Nana.

Whewf. That was intense.

2009 you were good to us.

2010, bring it on, I am so ready.

Wednesday in Photos

2009-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Wednesday in photo form, because isn't it more fun this way?

As you can see, Clark has now murdered his 3rd full toilet paper roll, we're eating gagillions of oranges, I am tackling the mountains of laundry, Brenner breaks things and says "I'm so so sorry...", we eat olives for dinner appetizers, and we conclude the night with laying under the Christmas tree. Perfect.

One is Fun

2009-12-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Made a happy birthday quilt.

Had 3-layer confetti cake.

Opened presents (not so happy for B).

Snuggled, just the four of us.

Happy Birthday Drama!

Love you little man.

Fab Weekend

2009-11-12T14:59:00.001-08:00

Last weekend was fab. Here's why:

We went to historic downtown, hit up Great Harvest, and had delicious soup and sandwiches.

We did some light window shopping in preparation for Christmas. Shout-out to the Aunts- I need a babysitter here for a weekend or even a day sometime before Christmas so Trav and i can get the kiddies some things...

We made a house for B and we all got inside. (Not at the same time)

We went to church, ate a delicious roast and veggie dinner, and then played with pipe-cleaners.

Driving in Idaho Falls

2009-11-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

I forgot that I promised a special post about driving here in IF. Since day 1 of our relationship I have heard my husband bash on "Utah drivers" He says things like:

"Well, I just cut that guy off but it's ok because we're in your car and we have Utah plates."

While I can appreciate that there are a lot of crazy drivers in Utah, and I don't miss the traffic and construction, here in the heart of Idaho, there is a whole different breed of people. I see them on the road every day and most of the time I wish I had my camera handy. Here are a few things I've seen:

An old four door car with no doors. Now you might say "Eh, no big deal, sounds fun." Well strapped inside with seatbelts are children. We're talking 10 and under. And the Dad (Bet you can't guess what he looks like) is just driving along like it's no big deal.
Vinyl lettering on the back window. Now I know what you're thinking- you see it all the time in Utah, a.k.a. the vinyl lettering capitol of the world. Well this vinyl lettering is huge, and it says something like "In memory of Billy Bob 1960-2006 He was a real pal" Now Travis said I shouldn't mess with death and I might hurt someone's feelings, but for heaven's sake, this has got to stop. I see it all the time. Is this reallt how you want to remember your dead loved ones? Vinyl lettering on the back window of your '83 Camry?To each his own I suppose. I apologize if I've offended.
Now my favorite: We are driving to get on the freeway and head south and up ahead I see an old, slightly hickish truck. Normally I wouldn't give it a second glance, but sticking out of the bed of the truck were the legs of numerous sheep. I had to get a picture, and since Travis was driving I calmly urged him to get closer to the truck for a better view. For some reason he was embarrassed that his wife was hanging out the window taking pictures of dead sheep. Nevermind that. Look at this:

Go ahead, click to enlarge. It's for real.
Thanks Idaho Falls, you're always good for some drive-by entertainment.

Healthy Eating

2009-11-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of foods that I choke down because of their health benefits. While oatmeal isn't on top of my "eat because you have to" list, it certainly isn't one of my favorite breakfasts. I eat it because it fils me up and I'm not ravenous in an hour. Plus I know it's good for me and yadda yadda yadda.

One morning while I was staring at my bowl of oats, B asked for a taste. I thought about the possibility of him barfing- because after all, it's Brenner, and lastnight I thought he was going to lose it while watching me eat my broccoli. But I was interested in what his response might be and I needed to mop the floor anyway, so I gave him a little bite.

He ate it and asked for more.

The next morning and many many mornings thereafter he has requested oatmeal. It's foreign to me why he would choose this over frosted mini-wheats, eggs, or french toast, but I oblige him with a huge helping of fiber-rich, healthy oatmeal.

And I can sleep peacefully, because I know my kid's digestive tract is regular, and because oatmeal, in the immortal words of Russell "Keeps the heart-attacks away."

Fine Weather

2009-11-05T14:11:00.001-08:00

It has been quite warm here the last couple of days, so rather than do laundry and clean and all that stuff, we've been playing outside. Quite justifiable because I am hearing this kind of thing a lot lately:

"Oh just wait until you have a winter here..."

Ummm... yeah.

We had a good time at the park.

Savages

2009-11-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually one of those Moms who has to buy and/or make matching outfits for her children, but I decided it would be easier to just make both the boys indians. Of course, I had the idea and bought the fabric and everything before I realized how difficult it would be to find accessories to go with the costume. There were no indian head-dresses, tomahawks, or necklace items to be found. So I improvised, as I always do, and ended up with this:

Ok, freak, they're adorable right?

Well, putting them in the costumes and getting pictures wasn't so easy. And B totally freaked out while I was painting his face, hence the beautifully straight, even lines. Also, I spent at least 2 hours making that necklace B has around his neck, only to have him discard it later like a dead fish. I'm sure if Clark decides to lunge for it, it will suddenly be B's most prized possession. We also forgot the bow-and-arrow set we bought for the occasion.

We also made some home-made rootbeer and carved some pumpkins.

Shout-out to my Mom, the amazing seamstress who helped me make the costumes.

P.S. I am aware there is a black spot on some of the pictures. It's somewhere inside my camera and I am going to freak if I can't get it out. Any suggestions? I think it's somewhere behind the shutter.

Today

2009-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I found B monologuing in my closet in front of the full length mirror.

He was doing his very best cowboy voice and actions.

And...

Drama took a great morning nap!!

The pictures were taken with my phone. You'll have to excuse their fuzzy spontaneity.

Wild Things

2009-10-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Confession:

I did not love this movie. I wanted to, I really really wanted to, but I didn't.

I spent a good portion of the movie covering my eyes for fear I might vomit, because hand-held camera work and I do not mesh.

Whilst sitting with my eyes closed, I was able to appreciate the music, and I will definitely be getting the soundtrack.

Review: Slightly overdone, way too much camera movement, and amazing music.

It's a great book, so I'll keep it that way.

What did you think?

Family Photo Sesh

2009-10-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here they are, in no particular order. Let me preface this by explaining the process.

We met Travis at Warm River with dinner. B and Drama (Clark) were in play shirts but had their nice jeans on. I was nervous through the dinner for fear B would fall into the water or mud, or barf on himself and the photo session would be ruined. I am usually more prepared with a backup set of clothes but it was a hectic day and we were in a hurry to leave the house.

We finished the meal unscathed, save but a little barf from Drama.

So we found the perfect location and I set up the tripod and a stool for Travis to sit on. He said

"This looks a little silly. Why would there be a stool here in the middle of the forest?"

Grr..

"Just sit there and smile ok?"

So I set my camera to take 6 rapid fire shots, in hopes that we would have at least one photo with our eyes open and smiles on our faces. I pushed the button and then ran to take my position. Then B thought it was a game and wanted to see the pictures so on the last frame he was usually trying to bolt. We took A LOT.

Here are some of my favorites.

This was right before Brenner jumped on my and almost sent us both to our death on the jagged rocks below.

Why is Drama so happy? Well, youe see, he's pulling his Dad's hair out by the roots as fast as he can.

B's favorite thing to do when I tell him to look at the camera and smile. Same face. Every time.

Ready...... BOLT!

Well I just think he's cute.

And now, the final product......

Afternoon Delight.

2009-10-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today I thought back to when I was 17 and my Mom let me sleep in and stay out late.

Thanks Mom, you're the best.

So when I awoke to Clark screaming in his crib, for a fleeting moment I wished that I was 17 again, hunkered down in my feather bed, on a Saturday, sleeping the morning away.

Sleepily I threw back the covers and went in to fetch my overly-dramatic child. As soon as he saw me he smiled and stopped crying, and immediately I was thankful for this time in my life.

I love it that my kids find so much comfort in me. It might be a tad selfish but I love it.

Ahh so much to say, so very little time (both boys are asleep)

A few week s ago I was rushing around my house trying to get things together before we headed up to the River for our family photo shoot. I was in a mad whirlwind and Brenner kept asking me where we were going. I must have told him a hundred times before we got into the truck. So I pulled out of the driveway and headed to the freeway, like usual. Brenner was yelling something in the back ground and I was on auto-pilot, just driving. When we had driven for about 10 minutes I finally listened to what B was saying and this was it:

"MOM!! You're going the wrong way! Turn turn turn turn! Udder way! MOOOOOMMM!"

Yes, I had completely gone the wrong way and was, in fact, heading West when I should have been heading North.

It is no secret that I am terrible with directions. I try to leave at least 20 minutes early if I'm going someplace new. Now B is my human GPS, and this is definitely not the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last.

I am holding on the the last snippets of fall, going running outside while it's still nice. When I was preganant with B, my Dad bought him a little camoflauge suit, which unfortunately didn't fit B when it was cold. Heaven smiled down on us when we had another boy who will perpetually recieve hand-me-downs from his brother. Now when we go running, he is all bundled up looking a lot like an Ewok, and off we go.

Stay tuned for a post of the family pictures and an extra special post about driving in Idaho Falls

Here is a photo for your afternoon delight!

He's riding bear back.

Sans Pictures and Dishes.

2009-10-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

How silly it was to think "What am I going to do all day when I have kids and stay at home?"
I just got home from Target, returning a coat for B that I couldn't stand. Is it to much to ask for a solid coat that's warm and looks good for toddler boys? Must it always be bright, annoying colors or have action super-heroes on it? And does a decent high quality jacket have to break the bank? I am going to be so glad when he is in the "Boys" section instead of toddler stuff.

It snowed here yesterday. It didn't stick, but the fact that it was cold enough to snow is making me sad. This is the cause for the trip to Target to buy boots, snow bibs, and a coat. I figured I might as well.

What happened to me? I used to LOVE the snow, and don't get me wrong, I still love it, but the word love is no longer in caps. It's so much harder when you have kids. Especially when those kids spend a lot of time outside and doing fun amazing things in the stroller. I went running this morning and about froze my nose off. It's only October 1st! Goodbye perfect September days. Hello coats over halloween costumes trick-or-treating in the snow.

Also I came away from Target thinking about how much I need a big kitchen. I mean huge. Because I love dishes ok, and bowls and plates and all things in that category. I like pointless glass objects that I only use once a year or less. There. More money would be helpful too. I saw a set of dishes that were on sale that I wanted so bad. SO bad. But I knew Travis would give me "the look" if I bought them. Definitely not in our budget or necessary whatsoever. Except for my extreme enjoyment, and I'm sure I would find a place to put them. This one is going to take a while to get over.

Ok ok I'll be positive. Even though someone gave my kids a horrible cold, and Idaho Falls is freezing, and I hate bottle feeding my baby, I'll look on the bright side. We got our lawn in Tuesday, I just got back from a fabulous trip to Hawaii and if Clark wasn't bottle feeding I wouldn't have been able to go. And it is technically still Fall. Hello! My favorite.
And I'm wearing my favorite shirt. The one that says "Yes, I am pushing a double stroller and I wipe bums and noses all day, but I am still totally killer awesome."
I think I'll go eat a toaster strudel now, compliments of Shar.

P.S. I would love to post some pictures but for some reason blogger is on the blitz and it's not an option right now. Hopefully soon though, because we have Hawaii and a family photo shoot in the leaves!

Found it!

2009-09-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Found my wallet, it was at the grocery store. When Travis went to pick it up on his way home from work, they said "We would have called or something but there was no contact information."
This is something I had never thought about before, have you? My license still has my parents address and there are no phone numbers anywhere in the pockets and deep dark corners. Now I have a little card that has my name, number, husband's name, number, and other emergency contact info, just on case I get in a horrible car accident and can't speak and my phone is missing too... or if I leave my wallet in the grocery store again.

Ugh

2009-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

After a whole week of sitting on the floor of the laundry room, I have finally folded the overflowing basket of whites. No more sneaking through the living room and kitchen after a shower to get underwear, they're folded neat and tidy in their drawers- as well as the rest of the laundry I might add. It's not that I hate the folding so much as I hate the putting away. Oh I long for the days when my children are old enough and I can say "Come get your clothes! I folded them now you put them away." Until then I will have to be content with B putting his socks and underwear away, because when he puts shirts and pants away, they sometimes don't make it...
So, today has been a pretty productive day I would say. The past few nights I have been suffering from a mysterious illness that incapacitates me completely with high fever and chills. After 2 days of this it occurred to me I am having some issues in the chest area from weaning Clark for the trip to Hawaii (3 more days holla meg & nan!) So I called and got an antibiotic to clear things up.
Phewf crisis averted. Check that off the list.

Oh wait not so fast.

When I put the boys in the truck to go get it, to my complete horror I could not find my wallet. Scanning the previous day in my mind, I realized it is either in a grocery cart in St. Anthony, at the garbage dump, or at my cousin Holly's house in Saratoga Springs. Yikes, I know. If I don't have a purse or diaper bag I am always losing my wallet, Travis is used to it by now but I could tell when I called he was especially flustered with me. So since I am going to a tropical island on friday I best be finding it fast. And I have to get a new driver's license before I leave because mine expires on my birthday next week.

Minor details.

So then I vacuumed and cleaned up my house. I pre-made dinner, and played matching games with B. And I watched Clark pull himself up to things, screaming and giving me crusties the whole time.
And then we took pictures together while B slept.
Don't mind the crusty boogers in his nose, I promise I wiped it after because I hate crusty noses.
So for now I am keeping busy so I don't freak out about my wallet.
Wish me luck!

Nap Time Getaway

2009-09-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, I get both my little curtain climbers to nap at the same time. Bliss.
So, I'm going to do a quick post and then do... whatever I want until they wake up. Before I had Clark, I would lay with B until he fell asleep, watching his eyelids getting heavier and heavier until they finally touched his bottom lid, sending him off to dreamland. Often I was impatient for this small phenomenon, watching and waiting so I could slip away and do some cleaning or homework or some other nasty task. But lately, after I feed Clark and send him in his dreamland boat, I go to Brenner's room to lay next to him. I have much more patience these days, and my house is messier and there are other things to do, but ahh, to see him sleeping is quite magical. And then when he falls asleep I sneak out and instead of doing something distasteful and dreaded, I do something I feel like doing. Today it's blogging, but other days it might be surfing the net, or painting my toenails, or yes, even cleaning up the house a bit. I think it makes me a better Mom.
Anyway, as if you haven't seen enough pictures of us at the River, I thought I would share some more. And a few other snippets as well.

B's new hat for the year, made by yours truly
Family picture!
It's not often that I let a boy get this sticky and messy, but things happen when you're at Grandma's house....

Smorgasbord

2009-08-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on so here's a little smattering of the haps. Not in any particular kind of order. We have spent the last couple of weeks going from here to there and everywhere in between. I think we've slept about 3 nights at our own house this last month, which I think makes it a really expensive storage shed for all of our stuff.
We spent more time at the River, and I got some good shots of B on the swing, and some "brother" pictures too. Nevermind that I have to bribe Brenner to stand and put his arm around Clark.

It's harvest time at Trav's Mom and Dad's house and we have been staying there while Travis helps cut grain and get other things ready. While we've been in Weston B has sported the same uniform just about every day:

Pipe boots, gloves, sword down the back of his shirt. You never know when you might need any or all three.
I love this time of year so much. The air is different and crisp in the morning and the nights are cool and we can sleep with the windows open. I'm excited for September, which is, undoubtedly, the best month out of the whole year. Not only is it my birthday month, but the weather is the best, the fall colors are in full bloom, and the garden food is all ready to harvest. What's not to love. Also, this year my Nancy surprised my sister and I with a trip to Hawaii, so it's pretty much a month of gold.
Clark had some minor surgery this last week on his eye. He has had a blocked tear duct since birth and his Dr. finally decided it's time to do something about it. So we took him to the Cache Valley Specialty Hospital and they sedated him just long enough to stick a blunt object in his tear duct. I was super excited. I wasn't sure what to expect and they brought out a little gown and booties for him, took him away and told us to wait about an hour. About 20 minutes later they plopped ol' C-man down on our laps flailing and screaming, all done. It took quite a while to calm him down and then he slept a good part of the day. We're all thankful that's over with and hope to not repeat it.
Here's a couple bedtime pictures.

This is one of Trav's favorite things to do before the boys go to bed. It gets them nice and hyper right before I want them to go to sleep. I love the shirt Travis is sporting in this picture. I'm sure you all know someone who went to South America, or Central America, or somewhere they play a team sport that is really popular. The missionary always comes back with one of these gorgeous jersey's and they think it's the neatest thing ever. They say things like "This team was number one in the country! I got this thing for 15 pesos!" And we as wives or friends or whatever are supposed to say "WOW! Can you please wear it everywhere we go every single day!?" Anyway I don't need to go any further because I'm sure you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Clark got his first hair cut from his Dad, the boy's personal barber. Why is it that some hairs on a baby's head grow freakishly long and others do not? Clark had a lot of those straggly hairs and a little bit of a mullet so we took care of him.

One more thing which is of major importance that I failed to mention when it happened.
Brenner is fully potty trained.
Read it again if you can't believe your eyes. One day I decided to try real underwear for what seemed like the hundredth time and we haven't looked back. There were accidents but not many, and he has never wet the bed, so I am one happy Momma. I need to get some pictures of him in his little boxer briefs because it is so awesome, so I'll post those later.
That's it.

To Jody

2009-08-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

My cousin Jody has been posting lately about her cooking adventures. She is living in New Orleans and has been whipping up local fare like a master. Last week, she posted about a dinner with pork tenderloin and as fate would have it, I had one sitting all alone and waiting in my freezer. So, feeding off her cooking bonanza energy, I decided to give it a go. Here are the results:
It was definitely a domestic day. Earlier I made apricot jam and it was perfect to drizzle over fresh buttermilk biscuits, another recipe I swiped from Jody's blog.

I love apricot jam. It looks so pretty and orange in the jars sitting in the sunshine.

The meal turned out fabulous: Rosemary Pork Tenderloin, buttermilk biscuits with apricot jam, watermelon, and spaghetti squash from the garden. Delightful. We snarfed it right down until we could eat no more.
Jody darling, I could not have done it without you. Keep the good recipes coming. I don't think I'm ready for the roux yet, but maybe after breadsticks from heaven or roasted corn grits I'll give it a try.

corndog hangover

2009-08-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Once again, it has been quite a while since my last post. Between crashing our cars, Rodeo Weekend, class reunions, and trying to write, blogging has definitely been on the back burner.

Many have asked about how we like Idaho Falls, and my best answer is "I'm not really sure, we haven't been there much, but I love the house." I think we've spent about 10 nights there this month. Anyway I thought I would post a picture of the house we're renting. They haven't laid sod yet but it is promised to come soon, so we are counting down the days for that. It is much bigger than our house in Logan and brand-new, so you can't beat that.
That beauty on the left in the driveway is my new mommy car. We ended up buying our silver truck back from salvage, and then we bought my dad's truck from him- which is a great deal for us. I have always loved this truck, and while it is slightly odd to be a 2-truck family, I really really enjoy "my" new truck.

This past weekend was one of my favorites of the whole year. RODEO TIME! It's "That Famous Preston Night Rodeo" (that's really what it's called!) All the carnies come and bring rides and delicious food, there's a parade and a fabulous rodeo. I eat as little as possible the days before the rodeo so I can stuff myself with hand dipped corndogs, rodeo-burgers, and fresh squeezed lemonade. I practically have to roll myself out of that place. This year we attended the festivities Thursday AND Friday. Brenner was dressed in his official cowboy outfit and we stayed up until the wee hours eating and screaming at the buckin' bulls. We again had the pleasure of having Aunt Jana, and cousins Blake, Tanner, and Hannah, although this year Jana failed to teach Brenner some amazing expletives like last year. Real expletives were replaced by the less offensive "FREAKIN-A!" which actually doesn't end up sounding less offensive when it comes from a three years old's speech impeded mouth. The teacher of said "new phrase" is still under investigation.

Brenner has a REALLY hard time keeping his eyes open in photos these days. It's annoying to try and take a million to get one with his eyes open so I've given up on that.
Clark slept through the whole thing, but he sprouted another tooth, which I'm sure was a result of all the excitement. He also learned how to crawl up and down the step under the chairs around Grandma's kitchen island.

As you can see, he is one of those kids who has their tongue out a lot. This is new since the teeth have sprouted. He has to feel up the new one for a few days and so the tongue stays out. After initiation of the new tooth, the tongue goes back in until another rookie tooth appears.

Saturday we attended Travis's 10 year high school reunion (I know, he's an old geezer) Following the reunion we drove to Grace and went through the flume at Last Chance Canal. For those of you who have never been "fluming" I will explain, but sadly, I have no pictures. Farmers have big metal flumes for irrigation purposes, and these flumes run above roads, through mountains, etc. The flume itself is a canal about 10 feet wide in a half circle of sorts. The bottom usually gets all mossy and slimy, making it easier for the "flumer" to float down without getting hung up on anything. The flume at Last Chance goes through a mountain about 5/8 of a mile. It's dark and quite frightening for the average ninny. (me) When we exited the mountain we had Trav's mom drop Brenner in and he clung to Travis the rest of the way. When you get to the end you usually have to walk on some boards that people have rigged up along the top of the flume, and at Last Chance, you're what seems like hundreds of feet in the air. I know I have made this out to be scary and dangerous but it really isn't, and we had a lot of fun.
We ended the spectacular weekend with fresh raspberry shakes at Big J's and a few extra pounds on our bodies.

See you next year rodeo. Until then, I'll be thinking of you.

River & IP

2009-07-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

We love Island Park and Ashton in the summer. We spent a week at the cabin in IP with my Mom, and she entertained and fed us 'til our heart's content.

If there are gloves or a screw driver anywhere in the vicinity of this guy, he'll find them and keep them in his fist until bed.

Yeah, he's cute.
Grandma's shadow.

Then we had a small hiatus at home.
Then on to the river.
The 4th at the river is something from my childhood that has carried on into adulthood with my husband and children. I love it there and it's especially beautiful and green this year from all the Spring rain. This year we had the pleasure of being a part of the Ashton parade, and had a float for our two businesses. We ran out of candy about 2/3 of the way through, so next year we'll plan better and bring out the big guns.
Nicky and Eric getting Eva's swim togs on. This little girl makes my kids look like big time fatties.

Brenner the fisherman.

The three amigos.

The Haps.

2009-07-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since my last post, and I know Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles are having Brenner and Clark withdrawals, so here we go.
A lot has happened to our little family in the last month. We started with moving. I never imagined myself as an Idaho girl but Travis thinks Idaho is IT. So we packed up our goods and moved to Idaho Falls to be closer to Trav's work. We found a great house to rent with more space than our house in Logan. I dig the new house, but I'm still getting used to the area. I really loved our neighborhood in Logan, so it's hard to move somewhere new. When we got married, we had prospects of moving to California or even Japan, and I told Travis as long as he is making a good living for us, I would move wherever he needed to go. Idaho Falls wasn't exactly my idea of greatness, but I'm sure we'll all grow to love it here.
Shortly after moving, we managed to total both of our vehicles. We were "t-boned" in our truck, then the next day we were rear-ended in the truck again. About a week and a half later, I was driving north around 9:00 with the boys sleeping in the back and I hit a deer in our car going roughly 78 mph. It's been a bad few weeks for our poor cars. Thank goodness for insurance.
Intermingled in these crazy events, we have been having some summer fun. We went to the annual Nucor Lagoon day, went to the river for the 4th of July, spent time at the cabin in IP, did some boating, and then Clark cut his first tooth. After going through the pictures, I decided there were way too many good ones to try and squeeze them into one post, so I'm going to split it up.
So that's the haps with us, I'll leave you with this guy. It could be Brenner, but it might be mistaken for Burt Reynolds.

Shenanigans!

2009-06-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

We have been up to some serious shenanigans lately! It's been quite a while so I'll be brief:

Brenner's third birthday shenanigans:

This was one of three parties for the birthday boy. Here he is seen blowing out the candles on the traditional confetti cake.

Puss in boots shenanigans:

Trav's Mom and Dad have this little cat that B loves. I assume he couldn't find his shoes so he grabbed the next best thing: Grandpa's pipe boots.

Pre-bath-time shenanigans:

These cutie-pies now have a nightly bath together. It's quite the deal.

Dad and boys shenanigans:

Thanks Brenner for the super smile.

I have also fallen into some writing shenanigans! I have recently been hired as a freelance writer for a fitness website called 3fatchicks.com. The pay isn't amazing, but I am now a published writer and I get to choose my topics and write from home, which I think is great. So we are happy about that.

Mild Obsession

2009-05-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is what Brenner had for lunch:
Organic peanut butter and home-made jelly sandwich on home-made whole wheat bread.
Apples.
Yogurt.
Water.

This is what I had:
Yes that is the Carl's Junior Kentucky Bourbon Six Dollar Burger, A.K.A. my current obsession. It's coming in dangerously close to my current favorite: a fresh seaweed salad from a sushi joint.

I was running errands with the boys this morning, minding my own business when BAM! The craving came from no where and I found myself pulling up to the CJ's drive-through. I'm not even really a burger person but these guys are pretty darn tasty. I am tempted to look up the nutritional information for the Bourbon, but I think it's best left alone. I am aware that it's probably double what my caloric intake should be, but to my credit, I don't get the combo and I enjoy water on ice in the privacy of my own home. I know it's cruel for me to not at least get Brenner some of those disgusting processed chicken nuggets shaped like stars, but believe me, he has his share of kid's meals. So for now, I'll eat up the deliciously unhealthy stuff and make sure my kid is eating healthy.
Thanks for the calories CJ's, see you soon.
P.S. I'm not an organic health nut with my kids, the organic peanut butter was on sale. However, I do think that if you want to eat only organic- go for it, someone has to.

Before and After

2009-05-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

This week has produced some "before and after" moments that I think are worth mentioning.

Saturday I decided to make a cake and let this guy help me.
Before:

After:

He grabbed this little bowl from the counter and it came crashing down onto the tile. Normally a broken dish wouldn't have me up in arms, but I was a little put out as this bowl is part of a set of nesting bowls, and now they just won't nest the same ever again.

Don't worry though, he was "Sorry Mommy!"

Brenner has finally learned to ride his bike. Monday we spent a considerable amount of time in our driveway with him practicing his pedaling and turning skills.

Before:

After:

What you can't see under the enormous bandage is road rash in it's finest form.

Finding a band-aid to cover the wound was a trick and I only have two this big, so I guess I'll put "giant band-aids for current and future road rash" on my grocery list.

And I can't just post the big guy, I have to have a picture of this little cutie-pie in the middle.

Pay no attention to the fact that he's the only one looking at the camera. Brenner has been... less than cooperative with picture-taking as of late. Also pay no attention to my mommy hair. I know you can't see it that well and I'm partially glad about that. Since it was falling out in mass amounts I got it cut, and having hair this short has taken some getting used to. Some days I like it and some days it's such "mommy hair" But look at Clark... honestly, he is so cute.

These Days...

2009-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for tired boys at 8:30.
My sons are sick this week, and with Brenner, it always seems like it's "again".
Tuesday he woke up in the night and was hot so I took his temperature and when I turned it to the light it read 105.7. Horrified I took it in the other ear: 104. I gave him Tylenol, held him close, and he was asleep again in seconds. These sicknesses sneak up on us all the time with B, and I find it so discouraging. His pediatrician was out when I called the next morning, so we went to a "substitute" that ordered chest x-rays, pulse ox measurements, nasal swabs, and the whole shabang. We were a little taken back but went along with everything. In the end Brenner had pneumonia, a borderline oxygen level, and the doc was considering admitting him to the hospital. We decided to take him home, thinking recovery would be better there and it has been. He responded well to the antibiotic and his oxygen levels are back up.

Out of the park?
Yeah right.

Today I was basking in the sunshine in our backyard while Brenner talked through the fence to our little neighbor girls (he was the king and they were a queen and princess) Clark was doing his best to slime the entire blanket he was laying on when I got a phone call from our Doctor's office
"Hello this is so-and-so, from Budge Pediatrics. We got the panel results back and Dr. Brown wanted me to let you know Brenner tested positive for RSV"
Yikes! I asked about the baby and she said "Oh yeah he probably has it too"
Wonderful.
Despite all this, they are both doing well and Brenner is back to himself, although he coughs like crazy when he runs. The "subsitute doctor" also made an appointment for us to go to Primary Children's to see an allergy specialist, but it's not until July so we will see what the future holds with that.
Tonight I am tired. My Moms have been helping me as Travis is working out of town, which I appreciate so much. I even went on a run today while Trav's Mom was here- it felt amazing to be outside alone, just running down the road past the cows.
Tonight after the boys were sleeping soundly, I was about to hit the shower when I came upon these guys:
Every night Brenner brings his menagerie of animals into the tub and when it's time to get out, he lines them up on the side so they can dry and be ready for adventure the following morning. Yes they all face the same direction and generally they touch nose to tail unless I'm rushing him.
I love my oldest child. I mean really really love him. I know all his little quirks and what he likes and dislikes and when he gets hurt he runs to me and I have the magic touch and kiss to make it all better.
It makes me happy to be a Mother.
I'll end with a few of my favorite recent pictures of my favorite boys.

On a side note, Clark is sick too but doing great and sleeping and eating like normal. He is a happy baby and his head seems to get fuzzier every day. I love love love him.

Potty

2009-04-24T14:27:00.001-07:00

Phew! This is the third post for the day! I am feeling very ambitious today, and apparently B knows it because he is making all sorts of sweet surprise messes for me to clean up.

I often wonder about how things run in other people's homes. For instance: is it only my kid who can't seem to keep the pee in the toilet? Honestly I'm not really complaining because with Brenner, it's a feat in itself for him to actually urinate in his potty in the first place.

Let me set the stage for this morning's incident.

Upon awakening, Brenner goes to his door in a trance-like state and knocks. You see, he can't open the door from the inside because it is is child proof. There are many reasons for this-use your imagination. So I go let him out and try to be upbeat because he is in a very vulnerable state in the morning. I never know if I'm going to open the door to a little beast-child or an angel-boy.

This morning was a little tough to decipher, so I say "goodmorning", and he immediately requests breakfast. After snarfing down his eggs, I tell him "Ok Brenner, it's time to go potty." To which he starts to melt down.

I carry him to the bathroom and pull the pajamas off his listless body and plop him down on the bright green potty chair. He stands up and starts crying and wants me to hold him. At this point I am getting frustrated and worried. He drank a lot of water before bed lastnight and woke up dry this morning, so my deductive reasoning tells me that he has to go and I'm also thinking it's a "right now" thing. So I'm trying to stay calm and stand him up to put him back on the chair and he is sad and wants to collapse and all of a sudden he starts peeing as if it's totally involuntary and he stops crying long enough to watch. He is facing me, of course, and I get a nice huge pee spot on my robe before I can come to grips with what is happening and I turn him towards his potty. I'm not a man and he has never peed standing up like this before so he starts spraying the wall, the potty, and the floor like a fire hose going out of control. So I quickly "direct" things and he finishes in the bowl of the potty.

He jumps up and down and shouts with joy "I did it! Let's put a sticker on the chart! Lightning McQueen!" and he is happy and gleeful whilst I sit on the floor next to all the urine.

I'm not really sure how he held all that liquid in his body but there was what seemed like gallons on the floor and all over the place. Wash, wipe, spray, sigh.

I think potty training is the worst thing I have done as a parent so far.

Someone Told Me it's All Happening at the Zoo.

2009-04-24T12:33:00.001-07:00

First a little background explanation. When my sister Megan was little my Dad bought her the book The Zoo" by Paul Simon. It's the lyrics to the Simon and Garfunkel song and it's really a cute book. Brenner has been really into books for.. well.. since he could see, and my Dad reads him "The Zoo" often. So we have the S&G greatest hits which has the zoo song on it and B sings the song and it's great and fun and he really likes zoo stuff a lot. While we were in Boise, his Nanna bought him a set of zoo animals and he has been going crazy about them, carrying them around in the container they came in and telling me what each animal is etc etc.
My cousins Lili and Holly were going to the Hogle Zoo last Saturday and since I have been telling Brenner all winter "When it gets warm we'll go to the zoo." I decided it was going to be a beautiful day and we should go. So off we went with Russ, Nanna, and Meg.
It's kinda funny how B LOVES the thought of the zoo but when he gets really close to the animals he is a little freaked out. There is a giant wooden, tribal-looking elephant by the elephant cages that makes noises and is fun to take pictures by and I thought he was going to shimmy right up my leg and claw the skin off my face he was so freaked out by it. However, I think next time he will be better. He has no fear with animals that are smaller than him but anything bigger takes a lot of getting used to.
We had a great time anyway and I'm so glad we went.

I just have to say how much I love taking pictures of my brother Russell. His faces are priceless. Here he is with Cali O'Malley

Another fabulous Russell shot. Along with Meg and Brenner.

My entourage. Russ, boys, and BOB.

The train gang. Nanna, Brenner, Kenz, and the babes peeking in the background.

In the end Brenner scored another set of plastic zoo animals from his Nanna and was happy as a lark about it.

Easter

2009-04-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Better late than never right? We went up to Boise for Easter weekend to visit my brother Eric, wife Nicky, and cousin Eva. We stayed in a lovely hotel and had a great time with them and Nanna and Grandpa too. Nicky did a little Easter egg hunt for the kids in their little patio/backyard area, and as you might imagine, Brenner was much more interested in getting the candy out of the eggs than finding the eggs themselves. Once he got the hang of it he did great and came home with quite a little booty of candy. Thanks Nicky! We miss you guys already.

Here are the kids in their new Easter duds.

Dear Chacos

2009-04-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Chacos,
I know it's been a while, and I'm sad about that too, but don't worry, soon we'll be together every day. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but I thought I would wear you today so you'd know I still love you more than ever. Yes Travis says you smell bad, but I'll wash you as many times as it takes, and we will never part. Hiking, fishing, walking, and chasing children, we can do it all together...

The weather is so lovely that I decided to go to The Home Depot and get some plants. Yes they're inside plants but they make me cheery looking at thier cute little pots.

So for now, when the weather turns bad again, which it almost assuredly will, I can look at my little friends in the windowsill and think of the warmth to come.

Then when it's here, I can whine about it not being Fall yet.

Em-Style-Steezin!

2009-04-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Success! Today I was steezin. Ok, ok I wasn't exactly "huckin tricks" or "going off cliffs" but I was waist deep in amazing powder, loving every minute of it. I couldn't have picked a better day to have my only ski of the season. My mom and Craig invited me to go and since Travis didn't want me to go through my life always saying "I didn't go skiing ALL SEASON ONE YEAR!" He insisted that I go.

So off we went to Alta, pumpernickel bagel and shmear in our bellies and eyes wide with excitement for the new snow. We spent all morning floating through deep soft clouds. We had to partake of the high-priced delicious food at Alf's midmountain, stuffing ourselves with fries and other goodies from the grill. Honestly, I needed those calories trying to get up after a few falls. My "post baby" (aka out of shape) legs occasionally gave out on me and getting up in deep powder is no easy task. Wah right? So in the end I do feel like I burned more calories than I consumed and I had amazing time gliding around all day. Putting on my ski boots and going on that first run was like coming home, and taking them off at the end of the day was even better. So what if I can't walk tomorrow, so what if my face is wind burnt like you wouldn't believe, the skiing was great and I couldn't be happier. Thanks Mom and Craig!

Speaking of wind burn, here is a picture of my face, although the photo doesn't do justice. I have a sweet line where my goggles were and my face currently feels like it might burst into flames. Hey I made the hat too!

me and the momma

P.S. We missed you Hil and Lane!

day in the life

2009-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Clark is sleeping and Brenner is having quiet time in his room so instead of laundry or something else productive, I'm going to do a quick post of randomness. Last week Trav and I had our 5 year anniversary. Ahh the best day of my entire life. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys and I think the day I had them was great and all, but my wedding was hands down the best day ever. If you weren't able to attend, just know that the whole day was absolutely perfect. Anyway. this year we kept it low key with sushi and a movie. We are saving up our pennies for a trip this fall and I love dinner and a movie oh so much. Happy 5th baby!
Today I am doing damage control (laundry, cleaning etc.) from a weekend in Salt lake followed by Sunday laziness. I took Brenner on a run in the stroller this morning and hopefully I can stay motivated this whole week. Spring has been creeping around Logan, peeking around corners and lurking at the park for hours at a time, alas never deciding to stay. Come or go Spring, stop the teasing! phewf. So after the run, B decided he wanted to paint, which usually I have to closely monitor because of spillage, eating/drinking the materials and the like. This time I put the water in a bowl and let him have at it.
Success! He had a great time and stayed at it way longer than usual. Big boy.

P.S. I got him yet another potty at IKEA this week. Potty party coming soon.

A few nights ago I was getting him ready for bed and he brought his cowboy stuff out, and Travis, not knowing the extent of my bed time rituals, dressed him up.

What is better that footie robot PJ's with boots, chaps, vest, and cowboy hat? Nothing that I can think of right away. Except maybe wrangling him enough to take them off before bed.

And I can't have a post that is all about B-town. So here is Clark's new favorite pass-time, apart from sucking his fingers far enough down his throat to make him gag. Oh I love him.

A day in the life of Em and the boys.

Artsies and Soupsies!

2009-03-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

No, it's not Christmas, it's just Art & Soup time!! I look forward to this event every spring, and this year was fab as usual. For those of you who don't know about it, Art & Soup is an function put on by Community Nursing Services in Salt Lake and is a charity event to raise money for their organization. Artists come and set up their work displays and 30% of their sales for the three days goes to CNS. So that's the art portion. Then restaurants come and bring their gourmet and specialty soups and give little cups of them out all evening. You sip a soup while you look at amazing art. Can it get better? Yes, it can. There are also a few bakeries that come and bring pastries, desserts, and cookies. Phewf, I'm getting heated just thinking about it. Some of my very favorite things: art, soup, and pastries. Wowzer. Anyway, I went lastnight with Meg and Nancy and we had a grand time. My favorite soup was a sweet potato crab bisque from Blue Boar Inn and there was a new artist there that I really fell in love with, Erin W. Berrett. Check out her website http://www.EWBpaintings.com she's great. We left with bellies full of soup and minds full of colorful paintings. If you can, you should hit it tonight at the downtown Sheraton. You can click www.cnsvna.org to find out more details. Don;t even think about eating before you go. In fact, start your fast now.

I always love going because it really inspires me to start painting again. I usually start work on a couple pieces this time of year because of A&S and then abandon them because I don't have the room to set everything up and I don't like getting it out and putting it away a million times. Subsequently, I have many unfinished paintings sitting under the bed. So for now I'm savoring the memories of this year's soup and wishing I had a studio to paint my days away...

P.S. Stay posted for hats on Etsy!

hat for little men

2009-02-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

I made a hat for Brenner on the way up to the cabin and took a few cute pictures so I thought I would share:

Want one????? They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and fun!!

Island Park Adventure

2009-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Ballou fam went to Island Park last weekend for our annual winter excursion. We had a great time riding snowmobiles and quads, sledding, snowshoeing and skiing. It was indeed a great time of rest, relaxation, and fun. We sat in the hot tub until our hair was white and crunchy with frost and stayed in slippers and PJ's all day. Brenner had a great time playing with cousin Eva and aunt Nicky was practically an appendage the whole time. Thanks Mom and Craig for letting us use your splendid cabin. Take a peek:

Nicky holding Clark and trying to help B pull Eva on the sled which resulted in Eva on the verge of whiplash and Brenner in time out.
Russ, Meg, and Clark on the porch like liazrds warming their bellies.

Me, Brenner, and a strange ninja taking a snowmobile ride.

B and his ski poles.

The trip was great. A big thank you to Dad and Nancy for the good fun.

baby gear

2009-02-17T14:50:00.001-08:00

In my never-ending quest to create cute stuff, I whipped up these hats this week:

So I'm giving myself a plug wondering if anyone was interested in purchasing one. I would also be able to make them in different colors/patterns and currently I'm working up something cute for a boy's noggin. I also make and sell pacifier leashes, and thought I might as well put them on here too. Below are the color options and a leash so you can see what it looks like.

If you have any questions, or if you'd like to place an order, just e-mail me at emfonz@gmail.com. Tell your friends, these items make great baby gifts. I've been toying with the idea of making a different blog to sell this baby gear but I'm unsure about it. What do you think?

Next up- a fabulous diaper bag or tote, just as soon as I can find some worthy fabric.

Wishing I Was Steezin

2009-02-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Clark's blessing day and I am happy to say it went off without a hitch. When our family has a party we do it big and especially with the food. Thanks to everyone who helped or brought something, it was all fab.
Here's Clark in his fuzzy-headed, double-chin glory:

Also, last week (maybe 2 weeks ago, I don't recall) we scored a bike for Brenner at the D.I. for 8 bucks! Wahooo! However, it didn't come with training wheels and we needed to buy him a helmet. So, after a quick trip to walmart and a quite a few bucks later, he was set. Travis worked with him in the driveway for a while but in the end he concluded that Brenner was more content to just sit and not pedal. Better luck next week right? Anyway he looks like a little cute-head on the bike so I snapped some pictures:

And pardon me, but damn the economic crisis. I am so sick of it and I want to spend some serious money on non-essentials such as:

Is that too much to ask? Apparently it's more important to pay the freakin gas bill.
On to bigger and better things. Today I came across a Warren Miller movie clip and about broke down because I haven't skied this season. WAH. I have always wanted to be a crazy, hard core, world travelin, trick huckin skier, alas, I have children and more important things to do. But I wouldn't mind doing this

with this guy:

Oh Johnny Moseley, I would just have to tell you that Travis is my soul-mate and that heli-skiing, although totally amazing, doesn't fit into my budget right now.
Insert long drawn-out sigh here.

Musings of a Logan Girl

2009-01-23T09:33:00.001-08:00

First let me start with the latest happenings. Yesterday I called the Health Department to ask about birth certificates for Brenner and the baby. Yes I still don't have Brenner's birth certificate. Gasp, I know, get over it. So I asked them about changing names and she said yeah just fill out the info on the back of the birth certificate with the change. Simple enough, so I went and got both birth certificates and plan on filling out and changing the name soon. No more Clarke. He is now known as Clark. I sent out the birth announcements and sorry I couldn't send them to everyone, but they were a little pricey. Anyway, for those of you that got one, just mentally omit the "e" on the end. Before the birth certificate thing, we took Clark to his 2 month Dr. appt. He is growing well and the doc said everything looks great. he aleady weighs 11 lbs. He's growing like a a cute little weed. After that my sister Megan came to visit and we went and had a delicious sushi dinner. This brings me to the rant and rave section of this post.
I usually don't do this on my blog, but I am having one fo those "grass is greener" days where I say things to Travis like "Hey you should be in the FBI!" or "Let's move to the East coast." or "I want to be a size 2" etc. Why is it that women are like this? I'm sure there is something I envy about every single one of you. I would imagine that we all have days like this where we look at someone else's life and wish ours was more like it. Why must I be such a fickle creature? I think that, in general, a lot of women are like this, at least the ones that I know, and I think it blows. I am grateful to have a husband that says "Em, you would like that for about 3 months and then ask when we can go home." Which I think is true to a certain extent. I'm tired of Logan and all the same kind of people doing all the same kinds of things! There, I said it. The thing is, I don't want to move far from my family because I love having them close and involved in my kid's lives, but geez I feel like some days I need a little spice! New people and places and things to do! Yikes I need a vacation. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hate "grass is greener" days and I can't wait until it stops raining so I can go outside and play. So I'll leave it at that because Brenner has trapped himself on the top bunk and is yelling for me to go get him down. It's times like this that I realize my life is actually quite full of spice, and with me and my guys, there's never a dull moment.

Mini Vacay

2009-01-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

We decided at the last minute to head up to Island Park for a couple days to see my Mom's new cabin and see the River. We left Sunday and stayed until Tues and enjoyed hanging out, snow shoeing, and playing in the snow. It was beautiful, and although I wouldn't live there, I would love to spend some time there in the winter. It is quite cold and the snow gets so deep, I think I would buy enough groceries for a couple weeks and cozy up in a nice warm cabin. My Mom's cabin was just finished this Thanksgiving and it is amazing. We stayed in a plush king-size bed, enjoyed some 24, and had some good grub. It was was nice and cozy and I'm so jealous of Mom's appliances and shower!

Before we left I took some pictures of my boys. Brenner looking so dapper in his vest and tie and clark's smiles (by the way I think I'm changing it) They were both really on with the camera so here they are

CLARK E?

2009-01-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Ok this is really important ya'll. Lately I've been thinking about how silly it was to put an "e" on the end of Clarke. It really bugs me when people name their kid something weird or spell it some crazy way, and then I went and did it myself. So, I have his Social Security card, his birth certificate, and everything else except his blessing certificate. Do I change it? I'm seriously considering it because almost everyone, including family, has spelled it Clark. And I'm fine with that, because that was my original intention, the "e" was a last minute change while I was sitting in the hospital, filling out the birth certificate form and had crazy hormones surging through my body. So if you're reading this, I better get a comment, because I need some help deciding what to do.
On another note, I am always trying sneaky ways to get Brenner to eat more nutritious things. It kills me to give him spaghetti-o's or mac-and-cheese, but sometimes you just need a quick lunch. Today was victorious! I cooked carrots while I was making the Kraft macaroni and I pureed them and put them in with the cheesey goodness. Although it looked a little different, he snarfed it right down! Wahoo! I tried it and it's pretty darn good.
This morning we sat in bed and snuggled and played with our little boys and it should have been filmed and put in a movie. Seriously, it was so cute and stinking adorable. Brenner was holding Clark(e) and the baby was cooing and smiling at him and it was about as precious as a bucket full of puppies.
Sigh.
That's all, get back to me.

Christmas 08

2009-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Whew. Take a breath, the holidays are over. I love 'em, but I'm so glad when they are over so things can return to a somewhat "normal" state. We had a great holiday with lots of gifts, family, and fun. Christmas Eve was spent at the Fonnesbeck party, then we came home to sleep and have our own Christmas. Brenner was slow to wake up in the morning. I had all these visions of his squeals of joy when he saw the barn Travis made for him, but he was more concerned with breakfast. Some might say he's just like his mother in that regard....
Anyway once he woke up he was so happy with his gifts, and it was so much more fun than last year. Apparently Clarke was unimpressed by the whole ordeal and was in and out of sleep the whole morning. Travis and I got each other some perfect gifts, one of which included a GPS heart rate monitor for me. No more excuses. I'm excicted to use it, but it will be better when it's not so cold outside and I'm not exiled to the treadmill. We had a fun Christmas day in SLC at my Dad's then my Mom's. Then a few days home and off to the cabin in Eden to celebrate New Year's. It was a good year for us. Kind of weird that at the same time last year we weren't thinking about a baby AT ALL. (well ok Travis probably was) I am so happy Clarke is with us though, he is such a sweet baby and I love him to pieces. He is smiling now and it's enough to melt your heart to liquid lovey goo. Christmas morning I wanted to get a picture of the boys in their matching pj's, and Brenner wasn't too keen on the idea. I have to post these pictures because I thought it was so funny. The first one is the real Brenner, the second one I told him "I'll give you a treat if you give Clarke a hug and kiss!" Take a peek.

Eva sharing with Brenner

My hot babe sister Megan holding Clarke

Cousin hugs!

This isn't Christmas, this is my attempt lastnight to get a pic of Clarke smiling. It's the closest we got.

Party-Town!

2008-12-23T11:20:00.001-08:00

I love my family's Chirstmas parties. There is always amazing food that can be counted on to be the same every year. The Ballou's have lobster and chowder, the Fonnesbeck's have ham, funeral potatoes, rolls, and 7-layer dip, and the Green's have pizza. It's a beautiful thing. This past Saturday we were attending the enjoyable chaos that is the Green family party. I really love the families that I married into, and this one is no exception. Everyone comes in the late morning and stays until the wee hours. Grandma Green (my mother-in-law's mother) out-does herself every year with gifts, food, gingerbread houses, and games. Last year was hard to beat because we had just gotten back from Hawaii, and although we were still on a high from that trip, Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa is always something everyone in the fam looks forward to. This year was extra fun for us because Brenner was more into his gifts, opening presents, and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed the paper torn off thier gift. He got a really fun toy truck that you can ride on and makes noises (yay.) but of course he was more interested in the other kid's toys. We made it home before midnight with a lot of new swag, and fun was had by all.

Brenner and BFF Ella (he was all about the fire engine she got)

Brenner and other BFF Aunt Jana

Clark and Santa!

Snow Fun, So Cute

2008-12-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Chirstmas is fast approaching and my boys are keeping me busy! The snow has finally come to Logan and since we are home and inside a lot, I try to talk Travis into either taking Brenner out or staying with the baby while I take him out. Yesterday I took him to our neighbor's and he played with their little boy Lucas in the snow, which Brenner thoroughly enjoyed. His snowsuit fits him much better this year than last year, when he looked like the little brother on "A Christmas Story"
Clarke is a month old tomorrow, and I know it's cliche, but the time is going by so quickly. He is changing fast and his double chin gets bigger every day. Brenner is great with him and every once in a while he asks to hold him, so we put Clarke in his arms and Brenner says "Oh cute!" in his high pitched "cute" voice (the one he reserves for kittens and babies) Travis is busy at work in the garage making him an enormous barn for Christmas. I'm trying to use Santa Claus to make Brenner mind, but I say "You better be a good boy so Santa will bring you presents!" and he says "Better be good for goodness sakes!" and then continues with the whole Christmas song. Viva la Christmas! I'm so ready for it to be over so that the stores aren't crazy and I can stop hiding things from Brenner and Travis. I'm horrible with gifts, I just can't keep my mouth shut and I want to know what everyone is getting me too. I could put Travis' gifts in a box with a lid on our bed and he wouldn't peek, while I'm trying to find the keys to the gun cabinet where I know he's locked my gifts. I try every trick, thinking he will give me a hint, but he's so good. I will just have to wait I suppose. Here are some pictures of the boys

Snow Monster!

Clarke Pictures

2008-12-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

I was going to post some pictures of Clarke but instead I'm going to direct you to this site:

http://tonyapetersonblog.com/

Last week my cousin Tonya took pictures for me and WOW. I cannot say enough good things about her skills. She is an amazing photographer and such a sweet cousin to do this for me. Take a look at the rest of her stuff, she really has a spectacular eye. If any of you are looking for potraits or weddings, she is your GIRL! She doesn't normally do babies, but she has a referral if that's what you're looking for. Anyway, enjoy!

Oh, we took the babe to his 2 week check and he is doing great. Here are the stats:
wt: 8.5 lbs- 37%
ht: 21.5 inches- 77%
head: 36.5- 35%

So he's gaining weight rapidly and sleeping well too. I don't want to jinx it but he slept from 12:00 to 6:00 lastnight! Yahoo!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T21:21:00.001-08:00

Since we had a baby a week earlier, we decided to stay home for the holiday, and that way we didn't have to commit to going to any one grandparent's house. So late Wednesday night Travis and I went grocery shopping for the feast while Aunt Kristen stayed home with the children. (Yeah CHILDREN, plural. Weird.) Thursday we sat around in sweats and watched movies and played games and had a great time and I cooked up a lovely dinner for us. We tried to downsize and bought just a turkey breast and small amounts of everything else, but of course we had a ton of food and filled the fridge with leftovers. One of the things that makes Trav and I a great match is his love and my distaste for leftovers. I would rather throw away food the very night I cook it than stick it in a tupperware and find it a couple weeks later tucked in some dark corner of my fridge. It's not that I don't know it's there, I just don't want to crack the lid and smell the disgusting fumes of the food that was once delicious and palatable. Travis, on the other hand, loves a good tupperware full of slop from the previous nights. Don't get me wrong, my man loves good food. I don't know anyone with a better palate for good quality sushi. Anyway enough about that. I made all the traditional food, and even made stuffing for Travis even though I don't like it. Everyone was happy with the meal and it all went off without a hitch, which pleased me immensely. So here's the proof that I did it:

Brenner's hack

"The Spread"

And this is how Clarke enjoyed the day. (He's a sleepy-head)

Baby-Town!

2008-11-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

The best news of the week is that I am no longer pregnant! AND as an added bonus, I got an adorable, healthy baby boy. So basically it's a win-win. Here's the run-down for those of you who want to know how it went:
Monday morning the Doc said that I had progressed enough to be induced but that there was no room for an induction in labor and delivery until Wednesday. Apparently Logan is full of baby makin' machines! I was bummed, but hopeful that I would go into labor before then. Of course this baby did not want to come by himself, he insisted on being forced out. So Wednesday morning we called labor and delivery and they said come on in. I was started at about 8:00, and by 2:03 P.M. had produced a beautiful baby boy. 20 inches long, 7 lbs, 15.6 oz. The labor was great, and I got a perfect epidural so I was still able to feel my toes and slightly move my legs but not be in pain. We named him Clarke Travis Fonnesbeck and let me tell you, he is such a handsome boy! Of course everyone thinks thier baby is the cutest thing ever and that includes me. He looks less like Brenner than I thought he would but has so many of his older brother's characteristics. He doesn't have much hair, which surprised me because I thought all our kids would have a lot, but his head is so cute and soft! His doctors say all is well and we are thrilled. The hospital stay was short, pleasant, and uneventful, just how I like it. Travis' Mom brought Brenner in the evening and true to form he wore his cowboy boots and cowboy hat. He kept saying "oh cute" and then went stomping down the hall with someone chasing after him. I had great nurses and doctors and I'm happy with everything that happened at the hospital, but I am SO glad to be home. My mom was able to come and help us for a couple days, which I really appreciated. Clarke is a pretty good baby so far and eats like a ravenous little cute-head. Brenner is adjusting well, and only gets sad when I'm nursing or burping the baby and he wants my attention. He comes running into the baby's room and says "Come on Mommy!" and I have to tell him I'll be there in a minute and he gets this sad look on his face that breaks my heart a little bit. Travis has been great to give him special attention and burp or change the baby while I play with the cowboy.
In other life news, my Grandmother died, and I was really sad that I couldn't go to the services, but in the end I think it was better to stay home, and I don't think she minds. Brenner also discovered that if he climbs onto the bottom bunk, then onto his dresser, then he can climb onto the top bunk. Scary. So I figured we would put the ladder on so he doesn't kill himself with the acrobatics.
So all is well with the Fonnesbeck family, and now we number four.

Oh BOB....

2008-11-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Oh let me count the ways! I got the stroller I've been lusting after for quite some time. The BOB Revolution Duallie is one of my new best friends. I had such a hard time finding a double stroller that I liked, and after a lot of searching and deciding, Travis finnally talked me into this one, and I'm so glad he did. I was apprehensive about a wide stroller like this one, but we took it for its first test run at the zoo and it went beautifully. It fit through evey door with ease and Brenner was comfy as can be. So here are some pictures of the zoo AND the amazing BOB!

Trav and B putting off the vibe to the giraffes

Clones in the egg.

Brenner feeding the ravenous goose that nipped his finger and totally freaked him out. I like that the fence is blocking my face and the baby bump.

The truth is that Brenner is actually half me, and not ALL Travis, if you can believe that.

So it was a delightful day at the zoo followed by Halloween and more cowboy and candy fun. No progress on the baby front, which I'm so bummed about. I thought for sure on Monday he would have told me that I was... I don't know.... 9 cm dialated? Ok not really but more than 1! This little boy is stubborn like his Mom I guess. To be continued!

Halloween Preview

2008-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today our neighborhood had a little party and the kids got to dress up and decorate cookies, play games etc. Brenner has been waiting for a while now to bust out his cowboy outfit, and today was the day! A girl down the street from us is a photographer and took pictures of the kids for us, but I snapped a few with my own camera that I thought I would post.

Before the party Brenner was taking a nap and woke up, so Travis put him on the couch while he did homework and told him "Just lay there for a little bit" So this is what happened:

He always does this kind of thing for Trav, but NEVER for me. I guess his Dad knows how to work Brenner, and Brenner knows how to work his Mom! He honestly sleeps with his arms up like that all the time, I think it's funny.

No new updates on the baby front. Still Pregnant. However, I went to the Doc today, and I'm 1cm and 50% so I guess that's progress. We will cross our fingers.

Counting Down

2008-10-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

So I went to the Doctor today for my last 2-week appointment. Only 4 more weeks! Wahoo. You know, I really don't understand exactly why someone would want to be an OB/GYN. I would think the main reason is to deliver babies and make money, which makes sense to me. However, looking at woman parts and listening to pregnant women whine all day doesn't exactly appeal. Anyway, we listened to the heartbeat and he measured me and then asked if I was feeling ok. I told him of course I had a long list of things to complain about, but nothing he hasn't heard from every pregnant woman in the 9th month of pregnancy, to which he smiled politely. Yadda-yadda-yadda see you in a week. That's that. On the way out the hospital door I thought to myself how funny it was that in March it had not even entered my mind that I might be having a child this year. Surprise! What a wonderful little accident it was though, I am so excited and Travis is just on the edge of his seat to get this baby out. And I also think it's perfect timing for Brenner. He played with a second cousin this weekend and cried his little eyes out when she had to go home, so I'm thinking he's ready for a playmate, even if it takes him a little while to grow up enough to play.
A few weekends ago my family had an annual girl trip to Park City, which is always so fun. This year was to celebrate my cousin Lili's first baby, who is due the same day as my little guy. I got all kinds of great baby swag from Nana and we spent some time with the girls. I took some pictures of Eva, my niece and she is just so cute I have to post a couple. Plus she got the cute new hat. I also took some pictures of Brenner on the trampoline this last week. He has a cute new hat as well. Enjoy!

Jackson and the Rest of the Week

2008-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

This last week has been quite a long one for us! Last friday, the 26 of Sept we headed north to Warm River and to Jackson Hole to see the elk rut. My family has made this a tradition the last few years, in celebration of my birthday, which was the week before, and my Dad's which is on the 28th. Jackson was AMAZING. Every year I can't get over how fabulous the colors are. Honestly I could care less about the elk, but I think it's fun to go watch them boss their ladies around. The trees were spectacular, it makes me such a tree-hugger after I go. I love the Tetons in September though- fantastic. After a full day of fun in Jackson we headed back to the River to spend the night. Originally, my plan was to go home Monday with my Dad and leave Travis up there to do some work, but I didn't want to leave him up there all by himself and he said he was probably coming home Wednesday. So Brenner and I stayed and then Wednesday turned into Thursday, then Friday, and before I knew it, I had been sleeping on an air mattress for a week. It was actually pretty fun to be up there this time of year, and I didn't really have anything to get home to- except my bed, which I missed dearly. Also, having a bathroom a few feet away instead of a few hundred feet away is priceless. I woke up every morning and had to use some serious control to not pee my pants on the walk to the bathrrom. Despite my occasional fits of hunger and complaint, the trip was fun, and I'm glad Brenner got to spend time in my favorite childhood place.

We also picked up a cowboy hat for Brenner's halloween costume (along with boots, wranglers, a rope, and a pearl button shirt) he would not take it off and slept on the way home with it on his head tilted slightly forward so it wouldn't fall off.

New "Clothes"

2008-09-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

So I put this new template up for my blog which I think is really cute, and lots of you have said you like it, so thanks. I just googled 'blogger templates' and browsed forever until I found one. I'm not clever (or patient) enough to create one like so many of you are, but I find a quick copy and paste very satisfying. How do you do that anyway? It's a total mystery to me, although I haven't even really tried. The problem with my blog's 'new clothes' is that it's a little hard to navigate and I can't customize it as much as a regular template (pictures, baby counter, etc) So we'll see how long it lasts, but for now, enjoy!

Hives, Harleys, and a Day at the Park

2008-09-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks and it's time for an update. The last time I posted, we had taken Brenner to the Doctor and got him on a sulfa antibiotic. He did great on it for 5 days and then WHAMMO hives. Same story, different medicine. So he was on Benedryl 24 hrs a day until they went away. When I called the Doctor's office to tell them the nurse just said "Oh no, let me talk to the Doctor and call you back." Sounds great right? It gets better! After talking to him she called back and said the reaction to this drug is particularly bad and to watch him closely for sores on his eyelids and diaper area. Wonderful. Of course my major concern was the fact that he is now allergic to penicillin AND sulfa drugs, but the nurse assured me that we still had options for antibiotics, but they were limited, and of course, expensive. Now begins the battle to keep him healthy. One would think this is relatively easy, but Brenner is.. special. Even though I try to keep a pretty clean house, we are not always at home. He is a busy boy, touching everything and getting into everything. I have armed myself with hand sanitizers and I hope this winter goes ok for the immune-challenged 2-and-a-half-year-old and brand new baby. I am optimisitic.
Here are the hives, this is the second day when they were a lot better.
After that was over, we went to Salt Lake to spend some time with my family. My cousin Holly and I took Brenner and her two girls, Mckenzie and Savannah, to the West Jordan Park. I had never been there and I think it's one of the most fun public parks I've ever seen. There were castles and slides and all kinds of fun building-type structures to run around in. The kids had a great time. This is Brenner and Mckenzie in one of the castles:
Friday I had a birthday lunch with my brother and sister-in-law, mom, and step-dad. After lunch we walked out of the restaurant and Brenner saw Craig's Harley sitting in the parking lot. He was like a moth to a flame! So we put him and Eva on it and I had to snap some pictures because I thought it was a good laugh and Brenner loved it. Nicky's hot elbow also made it into the picture.

Today was another baby appointment and we were quick in and out with the usual "Everything looks great! Any questions or problems? No? Ok see ya!" It's kind of funny because Travis and Brenner usually accompany me to these little appointments and Brenner now knows that this guy is going to give him a sucker and a sticker every time. So as soon as Dr. Horsley walks in the door Brenner can hardly contain himself and blurts out "Sucker please! Scooby Doo sticker!" and tah dah! His wish is granted. Thanks Dr. H.

Changes

2008-09-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Brenner is now officially sleeping in his "big boy" bed! Last night was his first night in his new room sleeping on his bunk bed, and he did well with it. Being the crazy Mother that I am, I worried all night about him waking up screaming because he didn't know where he was, but he didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning. Wahoo!

We bought a bunk bed that I'm not crazy about, so I wanted to find some really sweet bedding to go on it, and I decided IKEA was the place. Megan and I ventured there on Saturday, and since she had never been, we enjoyed the wonders of swede-land for quite a while. I found some stuff I really liked, and since I'm crazy about orange, I knew Brenner would be as well. I know he cares about the bedding about as much as I care about engine parts, but here's what I came up with:

I love it, he loves it, and I'm sure you are wondering if Travis loves it- he does. After IKEA we went to the Utah State Fair, which is always a fun people watching place. There was some stellar white trash, we paid 25 bucks for some delicious corn dogs, and saw the animals. Just what the fair should be. We also stayed for the rodeo and Brenner cheered on the ropers and bronc riders in true form. "GO GO GO! GET IT! 1-2-3 GOOOOOO" I love the fair.
We also took Brenner to the doctor yesterday for a nasty cough and junk, because I am SO sick of the sickness! It seems like he has always got a cold, and this one came only a week after his last bout, so I said ENOUGH! I am not usually a Mom who takes her kid to the Doctor for things like this but I'm glad I did because the doc said he has a sinus infection that just isn't going away. So we got a sulfer antibiotic and are crossing our fingers that he doesn't break out in hives like he did for the penicillin-based ones. The best part about the Doctor's was that he didn't start crying as soon the Doc walked in the door. There were a few tears shed at the end and that's it- a big contrast from the last cry-fest appointment.
So we are preparing for the baby and although we STILL don't have a name, I feel better now that the rooms are switched around and things are falling into place. My latest appointment was a week ago and everything looks great, so 2 week appointments from here- YIKES! It really snuck up on me. It's been a pretty easy pregnancy, just like with Brenner, so we'll see if this one comes early too. My OB told me to start counting kicks and I wanted to say "I think this baby might be half vampire..." my ribs are really feeling it lately but feeling him move is one of the few things about pregnancy that I enjoy, so I'm grateful for the pain I guess.

No pictures from the fair, sorry. Maybe I'll take some of brenner's new room once I get things more organized. Stay tuned!

Everyone Loves a Reunion

2008-08-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we had attended a family reunion for Travis's Grandfather's family and his 2 sister's families. So bascially it was a lot of people that I had never met and some that I knew well. Nonetheless it was a good time. We stayed in a big lodge/hotel, which had just enough rooms to accomodate the whole family, and we had the whole place to ourselves. We stayed up late and the kids (32 under the age of 12) went crazy until they were out of steam. I love the family, and I feel very lucky to enjoy the family I married into. Brenner had a great time as well, and by the end of the day, he was totally pooped. The other great thing about staying in the lodge was that our rooms were cleaned every day and there were fresh sheets on the bed. I am a big fan of clean sheets- another gift from my Mother- and I really can't think of a better feeling when you climb into bed than fresh, crisply folded sheets. Activities were beach fun at Pineview, the pool at the lodge, fun in the park with "kids" and lots of good food and even better company. Here are a few pictures.

Brenner and Olivia
SAND!

Family Photo

P.S. I might also note that my sweet husband bought me a new camera for my birthday/graduation. I have been eyeing the Canon Rebel XSI and he took the plunge and got it for me. What a stud. I don't mean to brag but it is SO awesome, especailly when my point-and-shoot sucked so bad. So I hope from now on the pictures will be getting better and better!

Fountains, Ice Cream, and Boats= Brenner's Favorite Days

2008-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I downloaded photos from the camera lastnight and forgot about some fun things we did, so I thought I would do a short recap and post the pictures.

Last week Travis had to do some business in Salt Lake and so Brenner and I went to the Gateway to shop and play while we waited for him. Of course I didn't think about it until we got there but quickly realized that Brenner would probably want to run around in the fountain. So our first stop was Old Navy where I got new shorts and t-shirt to change into, and Brenner accidentally stole a teddy bear. I was on the phone while checking out and didn't realize he was still holding the bear, so by the time I got off the phone I was far enough away from the store that I was bugged but went back anyway. When I told the cashier what had happened, she looked the bear over (it had been dropeed a couple times and had no tag) and said "Let's call it $1.99" I quickly agreed and we were off to the fountain. Brenner was apprehensive at first but once he found a buddy, they had a great time running around. I got a couple good pictures and we had a fun afternoon together.

Sunday we made navajo tacos for dinner and Travis taught Brenner how to have "monster hands". I think Brenner's meal was mostly olives.

For family night Monday we made homemade peach ice cream. I tried a new recipe using buttermilk, which I thought was pretty good but of course Travis prefers his Mom's recipe. Brenner doesn't really have a preference one way or another.

Yesterday we went to Twin Lakes for a little afternoon boating. Brenner LOVES riding in the boat and swimming, but thinks the tube is some sort of death object. We really tried to get him to just sit on it and he freaked out every time. Nonetheless, we have a good time just riding, and Travis got in some wicked cuts waterskiing before he slightly injured his foot. He still thinks he doesn't need to see a Doctor, so I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Brenner and Grandma
Enjoying a cookie between skiiers
Travis tearing it up!
My boys swimming

Small Updates.

2008-08-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

I titled this blag small updates when truthfully I have a lot to say. So I'm going to try and cram and smash it all so I don't bore the reader to tears.
First and foremost:
I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE!!!
Ok I haven't gotten my diploma in the mail but since I'm not walking or any of that business, I'm done with my last class and considered a college grad. My degree is Exercise Science, and sometimes I really hate telling people that. Certain people say things like "Oh you're the healthy type eh?" as they give me a once-over with their eyes. Hilarious. I just want to add a disclaimer on the end that says "Just because I know how, doesn't mean I do it myself!" Nonetheless, I am very proud of myself, and it's been a long time coming. It still seems like I'll be registering for classes in the Fall, worrying about the prices of my text books.
Thanks Utah State for all the good times.
Next:
Travis and I spent the week at home with no school work or jobs to distract from fun. It was amazing. Although we didn't do anything thrilling, we spent a lot of time just hanging out. I made a ton of apricot jam, conserves, and blueberry jam. I know it's weird but I absolutely love canning things and making jam. It kinda makes me feel like the ant from that story about the ant and the grasshopper. I am working to save up for winter and such. Although most of the things I make contain a fair amount of sugar, it's comforting to know exactly what is in the jar I am eating out of, and I find a certain satisfaction seeing all the jars lined up in my cupboards.
Next:
We still don't have a name for this man-child inside of me! So far I like Oliver the best, but Travis isn't sold on it. He likes a few different ones that I'm not crazy about, but then he says he's not crazy about them either. Naming Brenner seemed so easy, so this is stressing me out! I am open to suggestions and storied of how to win your husband over to the name of your choice.

I guess that's all for now. I think there are other things, but they will have to wait because Brenner has locked himself in the closet with the lights off and is calling for me. Such is life. Sorry there are no pictures, but I'll be sure to take one with me smiling and doing a thumbs up with my diploma when it arrives. The cheesier the better, right?

Jellystone and Camping

2008-07-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy past couple of weeks so I'm going to try and cram it all into one post. Last weekend, the 18th and 19th we went to Nancy's family Ranch near City of Rocks in Idaho for a family reunion. We had a really good time with family and enjoyed some really great food and fun. We ventured out to City of Rocks on Saturday to find a place to rock climb and ended up helping my brother Eric tow their jeep back to the Ranch. All went well though, Travis and Eric were able to fix it, and Eric and Nicky got home just fine. They have been at dental school in Virginia the last four years so it was especially nice to be able to do fun things with them during the Summer months. Here are a few pictures:

Helping set up the tent
Enjoying a sucker by the stream
Uncle Eric in his "house"

This last weekend, Travis had some business in Island Park and we left Tuesday to spend the rest of the week up at the river. My cousin Holly was there with her 2 girls and Brenner had a great time with them. McKenzie is almost 3, and although her and Brenner loved to be together, they tormented each other constantly. Holly and I were on gaurd at all times trying to keep the peace. Uncle Steve built them a little playhouse and they had fun climbing up and down the ladder to the loft.

It's funny because I have been going there since I was pretty much zero, but we never really went anywhere outside of Ashton and "The River" area. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I actually got to go to Yellowstone and see Old Faithful and the whole deal. So this time we decided to go again, since we heard rumor of a grizzly bear hanging around, and I wanted to be able to tell Brenner that we did visit Old Faithful when he was a little boy. Shocking, he was ornery and slept through most of the drive there so he didn't see the animals we had been telling him about. When we pulled into the parking lot at the Yellowstone Lodge he looked around and wailed "Animals!" Like he knew he had missed them and was really upset. He was quickly soothed with the promise of ice cream, and thoroughly enjoyed a custom built cone of his own.

Brenner and Travis also got the fishing bug and now are both addicts. Travis is now a fly-fisherman, and Brenner has his very own Sponge Bob pole with a bug-looking thing on the end for him to cast and reel in. We had to go buy him his own because Kenz had one and it was a BATTLE. He knows how to share just great, but has a very small amount of patience when it comes to waiting his turn.

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Boise and Stuff

2008-07-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we visited my brother and sister in law in Boise ID. We had so much fun and they really spoiled us with good food and great entertainment, not to mention some dental work on the side. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but Nicky sent me some pics that I thought I'd share:
Anyone who knows my brother Eric knows he loves his quaint accessories. He got this hat out to wear that day and Brenner immediately glommed onto it. Of course we all thought it was cute so we had to get a picture.
This is Trav holding their sweet baby girl Eva ("EBA!" as Brenner puts it) and me in the background looking, as usual, like I've had a stroke or some kind of accident.

Nicky got a killer stroller that I lust after. Obviously Brenner likes it too.

We went on a walk one morning and I'm pushing along my umbrella stroller because my jogger has a bent wheel, all the while thinking to myself "Single or double jogger?" because Travis promised me an amazing stroller of my choice. I figure I might as well go with a double, since Brenner can't really ride a bike or anything and I'll probably be toting them both along wherever. But the double seems so HUGE! Right now I'm thinking about the BOB double I saw at REI, it's pretty neat and has a carseat adapter. Any thoughts?

I was thinking today, it's kinda funny how some of us live through our kids. We went to REI because I have been looking at some Keen sandals for Brenner. He has sweaty stinky feet like his sweet Mother, and so his current sandals were getting gross. (At least that was my excuse for the new purchase) Anyway, looking back on it, I think it's funny how excited I was about the shoes when Brenner could care less about what's on his feet, as long as he can still run-a-muck around the store. Every morning I make sure Brenner has a hot breakfast with whole grain, or eggs, fruit, etc. I try to have a very healthy meal for him to start out the day. Then I sit next to him with my bowl of strawberry frosted miniwheats or wheatchex and bananas. Yes I could cook myself some eggs or waffles along with him, but I do enjoy my cereal immensely. I am absurdly buying 3 boxes of the miniwheats at a time, like I'm storing up for the apocalypse or something, but I can't get enough of them! Maybe I enjoy the cereal so much because my Mother believed the same thing as I do: healthy, hot breakfast to start the day. I do so love her so much for that. Hmmm... something to think about.

Holiday

2008-07-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

This Fourth of July we went to my family's place on the Snake River. (Actually the Warm River) I went there as a little girl almost every year and now as a little family we really love it. This year, even though there were zillions of man-eating mosquitos, we had a lot of fun. It's a lot different when you have a little savage to chase the whole time, but thank goodness for his Nana, who took naps with him and watched him so I could relax. Travis had been working in Island Park the whole week prior, so Brenner and I were very glad to see him and we spent some time together. Travis cooked some killer dutch oven food, we ate at Trail's Inn, and watched the spectacular Ashton Parade. The good news is I found the charging cord to the camera, but the bad news is that it wasn't charged for the parade. I got some good video though. Brenner was on the verge of getting run over in his efforts to collect saltwater taffy, even though his mean horrible mother only let him have one piece. Good fun. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

So we had a great trip with no problems. Might I also add how much I love portable DVD players. Brenner watched "wetters" (Letter Factory) about 5 times and knows all the sounds and letters. Thanks Leapfrog! I hope everyone else had a great Fourth!

Outnumbered!

2008-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well I'm sitting here in the Doctor's office waiting for him to come in and say "Everything looks great? Having any problems? Nope, ok see ya!" So while I'm waiting I might as well share the big news! IT'S A BOY! Yes, I will be even more outnumbered. We are thrilled and the baby looks great! I'll post more soon!

Lagoon!

2008-06-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Monday was Lagoon day for Nucor, where Travis's Dad works, so the whole fam goes. When I say the whole fam I mean all the aunts and uncles and cousins and everything. They take coolers full of fruit snacks and chips and other assorted yummy things, then every year they have the same spot as their "base camp" of sorts. So everyone goes on rides and eats and sits around in the shade and takes in the greatness that is Lagoon. I must admit, after turning about 16 Lagoon just wasn't as fun, but Nucor day is the greatest. A good time had by all. Last year Brenner couldn't go on anything but the merry-go-round, but this year he was able to do a few things:

He really enjoyed the cars and he liked having a buddy, and the only person we could get to go with him was this adorable little girl. Such a ladies man. She's actually younger than him, which I enjoy because she's bigger than him, and that doesn't happen very often. We were having a grand time and then we decided to put him on Puff the Magic Dragon. So his Grandma took him and he buried his head in her side and cried the whole time. Annette and I stood there and laughed (I'm a former Ballou, what can I say) and then after that we tried to put him on the little planes, which I think he normally would have enjoyed, but under the circumstances did not appreciate. I didn't go on too many rides, being with child and all, but I did have a great time with family. Of course there was white trash everywhere and 14-year olds showing everyone that this is TRUE LOVE, but it's Lagoon, so it's to be expected.

You might notice the butterfly bandages and bruises and such all over Brenner's face. That would be an attack from an archaeic bug zapper. We were at the River and Island Park this last weekend and he pulled a giant, old, metal bug zapper down on his face. It was a little traumatic, he gushed blood everywhere and was crying SO hard. Thank goodness nurse Nancy was there with antibacterial wipes and butterfly bandages. I think it will be a small scar, and it's near his hairline, so I think his high-fashion modeling career will be unaffected.

I guess that's it. We lost the charging cord to our camera so I'm taking photos with my iphone while we decide on a new camera. This being said, you'll know why I don't have a good picture of Brenner's face so you can really see the damage. I hope to remedy the problem soon.

Happy trails!

Kung Fu and a Fever

2008-06-12T09:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was quite an eventful day for our little family! I went to school in the morning and back again in the afternoon, just like usual. When I got home we decided it was the perfect rainy day for a movie! So we took Brenner and headed to the theater for Kung Fu Panda. We got some popcorn and took our seats and Brenner was glued to the screen for the first fifteen minutes with a steady stream of popcorn from his Dad. The movie was great and there were tons of little kids in the theater, so I didn't feel bad when Brenner was yelling "Panda!" or "hahahah FUNNY!" Which he did a lot. So after the movie we headed home and the weather had cleared so we decided to head up the canyon for a hike. We wanted to get a little bit of a workout so we decided to try Brenner in the backpack. We had only tried it once before and he wasn't crazy about it, so we hadn't used it in a while. This time he was excited and we put a hat and jacket on him and off we went. It was beautiful, as Logan Canyon always is, and the weather was cool and perfect. We went a couple miles in and back and had a great walk. We took turns carrying the backpack and I decided it's a great pregnancy workout for me. The best part is when you take it off you feel so light, it's like instantly losing about 35 lbs! Here are a couple shots from the day:

We were almost to the car and Brenner started whining and crying a little for no apparent reason so we hustled down so we could take him out of the backpack. When I touched his head I realized he was burning up so we put him in his carseat and offered him juice and a granola bar on the way down the canyon, which he didn't even care about. If any of you know Brenner you know he's never one to deny food, so obviously I was a little worried. At home he didn't want to eat and I gave him some Tylenol and tried to comfort him. Travis' little brother Jeff was sick earlier this week with the same thing and the Doc told him it was just a virus. So now we're just trying to keep his fever low and make him drink. He's not quite himself but I think it should pass quickly. In the mean time we can't go camping tonight as we had planned so I'm bummed about that, but I'd rather had my boy feeling better.

Doctors

2008-06-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well I went to the baby Doctor AND Pediatrician last week. Brenner is doing well, his head and height are in the 49 and 50 percentiles and his weight... well.. you can imagine it's up there. He's a growing boy ok? I felt so bad for Dr. Brown, Brenner started crying and scrambling for me to hold him as soon the Doc walked in. Everything is great with him though, and I am so grateful for that. We have a family member whose baby is at Primary Children's on a ventilator and it's not looking good. I went to see him and of course my hormones got the best of me and I started bawling my head off as soon as I walked in his hospital room. He's such a sweet baby boy.
Anyway. Enough sadness, the baby doc found the heartbeat of this little person inside me. "Strong." He said, and I was glad for that, and then he sent us on our merry way. Now I'm counting down the days until the ultrasound on the 30th to see if it's a man or woman!

Canyon Fun

2008-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

We have been going to Logan Canyon frequently for hiking, climing, cook-outs, etc. Brenner LOVES it. He is such a tough little boy, he falls down a lot, but is quick to say "K!" (because I always say are you ok?) We have a lot of fun, and we just bought Brenner his own climbing harness, because he likes to "kym"
Here are some pics:

Brenner's Birthday

2008-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was also Brenner's birthday, so we had the customary BBQ and family fun while celebrating his fabulous second year. Thanks to all the Grandparents and brothers and sisters that came, we love our family! Here are some pictures of the Birthday Boy and the raging party:
Yes I'm pretty much Paula Dean with the gourmet coconut cake.

He couldn't quite blow the candles out but he really liked them and was quick to remind me "Danger, fire."
The party was, of course, ill. Proving to be a little too much for the great-grandparents.

I had put half the cake on a paper plate for someone to take home, but they forgot it, so it was sitting on the edge of the counter-a little too close to the edge you might say. Brenner was tempted and as we were getting ready to go somewhere the day after the party, he decided to attack. This is what I found:

I don't think he ate a whole lot but he was pretty happy about his accomplishment. Happy Birthday Baby.

A Few Things...

2008-05-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

So it's been quite a while since my last post and we have been busy so I have much to say.

We did some yard work at our house in Ogden (which still hasn't sold by the way and is so cute and nice. hint hint.) Brenner was so funny. His newest obsession is his hat and gloves, as well as hammers. Here he is hard at work:

He's so freakin cute.

Next, let me just say how great Mother's Day was. We spent a few days at Trav's parent's house and I was able to spend some quality time with my sweet mother in law, who I love and learn so much from. She is just an amazing Mom, and such a great example to me. Then we went to Salt Lake to spend Saturday night with my Mom, who is an amazing Mother as well. I totally slacked off and didn't wake up early to make her breakfast, which I felt guilty about, but I did do the dishes for the AMAZING breakfast she made for us and the Missionaries that live with her. I hope those Elders know how spoiled they are. She cooks and cleans for them and is their little Mom away from home. Hence she is another unbelievable Mom on my list. Then we headed to my other Mom's house, Nancy, who is the world's greatest step-mom. She is truly just like another Mother to me. She is always giving of herself, and willing to help, and I love her to pieces. So that was Mother's Day weekend in a nutshell. Travis gave me the movie "P.S. I Love You", which make me cry and I can't get enough of, and he planted some stawberry and tomato plants in cute little planters in the backyard, because he knows how much I love both of those things. Such a sweet thoughtful husband, I am so lucky to have him.
This brings me to my next topic: the book "I Am a Mother", by Jane Clayson Johnson.
This book was such an amazing read. I sat in the car in Island park while I waited for Travis to talk to clients and ended up finishing the whole thing yesterday, as well as almost a whole box of tissues. I'm not sure if it's just the pregnancy hormones either, this was a tear-jerker. My Mom gave it to me for Mother's Day and I was like "Cool, thanks, never heard of it." Let me tell you, if you're a woman you should read this book. I can't say enough good things about it. That's all.
Next topic: the love of my life after my husband and my kids:

Yes I love my iphone so much. I went on a little "business trip" to Island Park with Travis and this little beauty looked up countless numbers, checked my e-mail, took pictures, gave me the weather, and the list goes on and on. I highly recommend it to anyone. The trip was fun and fast, and we ate lots of unhealthy food and tromped around in the snow and mud.

Here is a picture of what Travis lookedlike most of the time:

And what I looked like:

I did a lot of sitting in the truck, which was fine with me because as you read previously, I was bawling my eyes out with my book.

When we returned to Brenner in Weston he was counting the slivers in his hands from his "work" with the hammer in Ogden, and could count to ten all by himself. I was impressed. So now I am proud to report that he knows his colors, sings many songs, and can count to ten before he turns 2. I know every Mother thinks their kid is the best thing ever but Brenner really is. Except for when he does this to my house:

But even then, after I scrub red sharpie with the glorious magic eraser, I love love love that little boy of mine.
So thats is all. A lot I know, but it's been a while. Congrats to Whitney and Tiffany who just had beautiful babies.

The End.

The Doc

2008-05-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well last week I had my first doctor's appointment! Everything went well and my doctor is a great guy who I hope I will like as much as my doctor in Ogden. The baby looks like a cute little alien-baby and everything is right on schedule to deliver November 21. I can't believe I'll have a 4 week old baby around Christmas. Crazy.June 30 we find out if it's a boy or a girl, and I'm really quite excited for that. I'm a litte more impatient about finding out this time than last time.
Anyway the Semester is over and I'm so happy with the results. Summer is already proving to be fun and busy with our little family. I'm excited for the adventures we will have, so I'll keep you posted.

Pockets

2008-04-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I put some pants on Brenner and he suddenly discovered he had pockets. So the whole day revolved around pockets and all the many wonderful things to put in them. Of course, being the Mother, I thought it was cute and adorable and I took pictures of him with his hands in his pockets (none of which were really that great). So today was laundry day and I put some things into the dryer, turned it on, and went about picking up books and toys. Later, when the clothes were dry, I pulled them out and discovered many small rocks and lots of dead grass scattered thoughout the clothes. Pockets were not so cute anymore. I had to rewash all the clothes because the grass stuck to everything, and from now on, I am doomed to be the "prewash pocket checker". Such is the life of a Mom I suppose. Here are some pictures of the cute little pocket boy prior to the episode.

ok ok...

2008-04-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Alright out with it already! Yes I'm pregnant, yes this was sort of unplanned, and yes I am SO excited! I'm due November 21st, meaning I'm only about 9.5ish weeks along. Travis and I were going to wait until I was farther but, yeah, we both had problems with that. I had planned on taking my last two classes in the fall and then get pregnant after that, but it looks like I am Summer Semester bound, and that's ok too. So in the mean time I am a little sicker than I was with Brenner, but all in all doing well and just trying to get through finals AND sell our house in Ogden ASAP. No big deal.
I almost think this news is just as exciting though: BRENNER IS BINKY FREE!!! We decided one night last week to just put him to bed without it and he didn't make a peep and hasn't asked for it since! I am so relieved because I thought it was going to be a horrible battle, but he has been so great about it.
That is my life in a nutshell right now. Thanks for all the congrats from my sweet girlfriends!

5 Tag

2008-04-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted in a while I decided to fill out this little tag, mostly because I think it's so fun to read other's.

10 Years Ago:

I was 14 and going to Jr. High. Does anyone really love this phase in their lives? Ok I guess it wasn't THAT bad, I hung out a lot with one of my best friends since kindergarten, Brittany Duke. I was in between groups of friends, and thank goodness I picked the right ones!

5 Years Ago:

I was wrapping up my freshman year at Utah State and getting ready to go to Germany with Brittany. I still didn't know what my major was, although I had already changed it 3 times. In the fall I started dating Travis, whom I had known since the previous fall, and the whirlwind began!

5 Months Ago:

I was getting back from our family trip to Hawaii! It was the best. I was also gearing up for Christmas, trying to think of the perfect gift for my hubby.

5 Things on my "To Do" list today:

Well since it's already 9:00..

1. Write my lab report for Exercise Phys.
2. Clean up the living room
3. Fold some clothes
4. Take a shower
5. Go to sleep!

5 Snacks I enjoy

1. Fresh peaches and cream!
2. Honey Nut Cheerios
3. Chocolate cake
4. Pineapple (any fresh fruit really)
5. My Mom's hot cinnamon rolls!

5 things I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire:

1. Buy an amazing lot and have Travis build our dream house!
2. Travel with Travis
3. Buy a sweet Mommy car
4. Take my sister to New York and spend!
5. Spoil my family

5 of my bad habits:

1. Chewing on the inside of my lips and cheeks! (ew i know)
2. Sniffing right after I blow my nose
3. Not returning phone calls
4. Grazing all day
5. SPEEDING!

5 Places I have lived:

1. Erda, Ut
2. SLC, Ut
3. Ogden, Ut
4. Taylor, Ut
5. Logan, Ut

5 Jobs I have had:

1. Dental Assistant
2. Olympic worker
3. Phone surveyer
4. Acceleration Trainer
5. Mom!

5 Things people don't know about me:

1. I'M PREGNANT! (I know, I was surprised too)
2. I am FINALLY graduating from college this summer!
3. I was a rodeo princess
4. I am a painter
5. I keep lots of things that have silly sentimental value, like a shirt I wore when I went on my first date with Trav

5 People I tag:

1. Ashley B
2. Holly S.
3. Tonya P.
4. Anna R.
5. Hillary B.

Minty

2008-03-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was going through some pictures and was reminded of a funny thing. A few weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, Travis and I had Brenner in bed with us and we were all awake and just talking and snuggling and Brenner was being so stinking cute. So he got off the bed and said "book" and ran off. Usually when this happens, he goes into his room, gets a book, comes back, and I read to him before we have breakfast. So Travis and I started talking about something and pretty soon I realized that Brenner hadn't come back with a book. So I got out of bed and went to investigate. I walked into the living room and there he was with a smile on his face, sitting nest to a little pile of wrappers. Upon further investigation I discovered that he had, in fact, gotten a pack of gum from Trav's bag and EATEN 12 pieces of gum. Of course I was a little alarmed but I had enough time to snap a quick picture before I called nurse Nancy. Brenner was fine of course, and his breath was nice and minty fresh for the whole day.
I'm not really sure why there is a hammer nearby. But hey, it's Brenner, so you never know.

Time is flying... some places too fast and some too slow.

2008-03-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been a while, so although I don't have the Easter pictures (my camera ran out of juice the moment I turned it on) I thought I'd do a quick update of the haps in the Fonnesbeck house.
The past few weeks have been kind of crazy for us. Spring break was a blur, and of course, never long enough. My Dad had some slightly "emergency" back surgery, so we were in Salt Lake babysitting him and trying as hard as we could to not let him think he's invincible.
Now we are home in Logan and Travis and I are back in the grind of school, just counting down the days until the semester ends. I will have two Summer classes and then I'm done, which I am so excited for. There are so many books other than Anatomy that I am really looking forward to reading. This semester has kicked my butt, I'm not used to studying, and there has been quite a bit this time around.
Our Easter was nice, we went to Weston and went to church there, then had a big Fonnesbeck family dinner. My mother-in-law is an amazing cook and always has a great spread. Since Brenner is the only grandchild, he had his own little Easter-egg hunt in the house (it was cold and windy outside) and we had a nice visit with family. So there you have it, I hope to be able to post some pictures soon!