THAT'S FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VEGAS HEAT

2009-05-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

We packed our bags and headed South to the Vegas Sun...

GREAT FRIENDS!!!

POSTCARD FROM VEGAS BABY!!!

POOL FUN FUN AND MORE FUN

MY COPPERTONE BABY

MY FAVORITE MAN!!!!

EASTER BLISS

2009-04-13T15:56:00.003-07:00

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

Here are some fun pics of our Easter Celebrations!!!!

A Taste of SPRING

2009-03-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

We are waiting, waiting, and patiently WAITING for SPRING. There is no SPRING in sight. The forecast is Snow, Snow, and MORE SNOW. Keeli is our little RAY of SUNSHINE. When we look out our windows all we want to do is frown. However, how can we not SMILE when we look at our Princess KEELI!!!!!

Note to Self: March is the perfect time for a Beach Vacation!!!!!

BLOG SLACKER!!!

2009-03-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! It has been nearly three months since my last blog post... Where does the time go??? I have many good excuses of why the

BLOG HIATUS.

First excuse: The camera is broken. No pictures to post. How boring is that. Camera repair is on the list this week.

Second excuse: Winter Flu Season. YUCK!!!!!

Third excuse: FACEBOOK... I know lame excuse. My friend, Whom I never see anymore told me that Facebook is blogging for people that don't like to think. So I decided that I did not want to think for a couple of months....

Fourth excuse: We hibernate in Winter. There is no news to share.

Fifth excuse: I LOVE to make excuses.

So I am back. Hopefully, the camera will get fixed, the sun will start shining, and my Facebook addiction will end.....

It is good to be BACK!!!!!

DECEMBER RECAP:

2009-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

WOW!!!

What a December.

We had a very, busy, fun ,eventful month. Being that we were all so busy, my blogging was put on the back burner. So here is a little glimpse of our month.

Randy and Keeli took a weekend trip to Seattle to see Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and many cousins. Randy is the perfect Dad!!!! I was a little teary when he strollled Keeli into the airport. This was my first time being away from her. They had a great time and I counted the hours until they were both back home!!!

This is Keeli giving Aunt Linda's cat a big hug. (If I had been there she would not have been hugging the family cat!) I am sure Linda was worried about Keeli choking the cat to death.

Grandpa bonding with Keeli

Cute Carter and Keeli reconnecting after Kari-lynn packed her family and moved away from us. We are sad and miss her and her three boys.

TWENTY FABULOUS YEARS!!!!

MY TOP TWENTY LIST

20- He is a fierce racquetball player.

19- He is very healthy and takes good care of himself.

18- He loves to have a good time and is outgoing.

17-He is not judgemental of me or anyone else.

16- He is bootylicous!!!

15- He can laugh at himself.

14-He has a smile that lights up a room.

13-He never ever gives up.

12-He is the best dad.

11-He is a wonderful provider for our family.

10-He is a good listener and gives good advice and counsel.

09-He is a wonderful example to our family to always walk in righteousness.

08-He is young at heart and still thinks he is a teen-ager.

07-He is very patient with all my short comings.

06- He has never lost his temper in twenty years (his wife has).

05-He is a very positive person always looking for the best in others.

04-He is constantly asking questions and learning new things.

03-He loves me unconditionally, despite all my short-comings.

02-He is genuinely concerned about the well-being of his family.

MY NUMBER ONE!

He has been married to me for twenty years and he is still my best friend. He is my go to guy. He is the one that I look forward to falling asleep with and waking up too. He is the man I want to grow old with.

HAPPY TWENTIETH RANDY

I LOVE YOU!!!

Justin is a sophmore at Alta and is enjoying a great wrestling season. We are keeping busy going to meets and tournaments. He is wrestling on the Varsity team and is making his dad proud!!!

GETTING IN THE ZONE

WARM-UP

GETTING READY FOR THE TAKE-DOWN

KEELI'S CHRISTMAS DRESS

WHAT A CUTE BABY

PRINCESS KEELI

Austin playing with KIKI

JUNGLE JIM'S PLAYLAND

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Austin gave Randy a pair of wrestling shoes

Keeli enjoying her new doll's stroller

AUSTIN AND JUSTIN'S NEW RIDE

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

CHEF ADAM AND HELPER RANDY

WHEW!!!! Sorry for the long post.

Good-bye DECEMBER

Bring on 2009!!!!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS BECAUSE OF:

2008-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

CUTE NIECES AND NEPHEWS

WOODHEAD'S

WOODWARD'S

PINNOCK'S

NOT PICTURED: WILLIAMS

They were here!!!!

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA WOODHEAD

were greatly missed

SIX MONTHS AND COUNTING!!!!!

I love when the family gets together on

CHRISTMAS EVE.

We all always enjoy great food, fun games and lastly the Nativity.

Good times Good times

CHRISTMAS 2008 now a great memory!!!!!!

NO SANTA PLEASE!!!!

2008-12-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

We are having so much fun this Christmas season with Keeli. She loves the tree, the stockings, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. She was so excited when we told her we going to see Santa. She was telling everyone she saw at the mall all about Santa. Evidently, she is all talk. As you can see in these pictures she wanted nothing to do with Santa. It looks like we will stick to the pictures of Santa. The real thing is way to traumatic.

CUTE CHRISTMAS HELP

2008-12-08T20:26:00.003-08:00

Randy has a little Christmas helper.

Make room for me!

Get out of my way!!!!

Finally, I am king of the ladder

We have found that Keeli has no fear.

She climbs on tables, countertops, beds and even ladders. We have to watch her constantly as she is always looking for a fun adventure.

Happy December Everyone

I am singing Christmas carols, eating Christmas candy and online Christmas shopping.

Life is Good!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-30T15:55:00.001-08:00

MY TWO BRO'S

MY GORGEOUS SIS AND HOT LITTLE D

THE FAB FOUR MINUS ONE

LIS WAS IN D.C. WITH HER KIDS

THE COUSIN CLAN

PIES PIES AND MORE PIES

RANDY AND PIE!!!

IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER

KAREN AND RY RY

STEVE AND MARLIES

JUS AND THE GIRLS!!!!

WE THINK HIS NOSE IS BROKEN FROM WRESTLING.

WE FIND OUT ON WEDNESDAY.

THANKSGIVING 2008 was the BEST!!!!!

Steve and JaneAnne hosted one great party!!! We thoroughly enjoyed their warm inviting home, the fabulous food and lastly, ONE GREAT FAMILY!!!!!!!

We stuffed ourselves until our stomachs were overloaded. We told great stories and enjoyed being together. Our Thanksgiving tradition is to eat, eat and eat some more and then head down to Jordan Commons for a Holiday movie. "Four Christmases" was the holiday pick this year. I enjoyed the first forty minutes. Keeli was not interested in a Christmas show and wanted to explore. I told Randy after the movie that I felt bad I missed the show, but how fun it was to chase a toddler around. So WORTH IT!!!!!! Thanks Woodhead clan for a very fun day.

DIP PLEASE!!!!

2008-11-14T19:14:00.003-08:00

Seven layer dip is my boys all time favorite snack. Anytime there is a big sporting event on T.V. you will find a bag of chips and dip nearby. The boys seem to have passed on their love to Keeli. She totally digs that she can dip her chip into sauce. Justin was not too happy that she was dipping straight from the dish. He has a germ theory. You better not double dip or eat from a serving dish or you will have the wrath of Justin upon you. He also is not too fond of sharing drinks. We just sneak our double dips and sips of his drink when he is not looking!!!! Justin you know we love you!!!!!!

DIP DIP DIP

YUM YUM YUM

MY RACQUETBALL CHAMP AND CUTE KEELI!!

I just had to add this picture. Don't they look alike????

HALLOWEEN 08

2008-11-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

It is HALLOWEEN once again. That means miniature candy bar wrappers in all my sweat pant pockets. It means time to get together with friends and dress up in silly costumes and enjoy each others company. It means caramel, chocolate, covered apples, pretzels and anything else we can find in the kitchen to dip in chocolate. It means taking Keeli to the Pumpkin Patch. (That was fun. It has been a looooong time since we visited a pumpkin patch.) It means dressing up Keeli as a ladybug and taking her trick-or-treating.

HAPPY FALL!!!!

Unbelievable. Excellent. Adventure.

2008-10-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

JUSTIN RULED ON THE TENNIS COURT

LOVE LITTLE LUKE

WATERFALL OF FUN

AUSTIN AND MELISSA STRIKING A POSE

U.E.A. BREAK!!!!!

We packed our bags and headed South to St. George to enjoy a fun-filled week-end with great friends!!! We indeed had an UNBELIEVABLE, EXCELLENT, ADVENTURE. We started our trip with our usual visit to the Pizza Factory for Calzones and Never On Sundae dessert. Lucky for us, we were able to get stand-by tickets to Les Miserables at the Tuacahn. It was fabulous!!! What an unbeliavable theatre.

Day two had more adventures to fill up our days. The boys headed to the mountains with their dirt bikes in tow. Rosie and Melissa got the girls' day started with a walk-run workout. I was getting very excited for the rest of our day. Today was my younger sister, Tricia's, MAKE A WISH dream come true. All the girls got dolled up and headed to Vegas for J.T. and friends at Planet Hollywood. I talked Randy into being our driver. Also, I wanted to enjoy the concert with my guy! We made it to Vegas and the car somehow ended up at the Fashion Show Mall. Randy slept in the car as we girls spent our wad on cute over priced exercise clothing. Planet Hollywood was our next stop for a never-ending buffet of food. Lastly, we made our way into the huge theatre to enjoy a little Justin Timberlake, Jonas Brothers, Leona Lewis, Boys 2 Men, Rihanna, Adam Levine, Fiddy Cent, Lionel Ritchie and more Justin!!!!! This concert was AMAZING and did not dissapoint. Lucky for us, this is now going to be an annual event!!! We piled in the car at 1:30 a.m. and headed back to St. George arriving home at 5:00 am. Thanks Randy for driving five sleeping girls, that were dreaming of Mr. Timberlake, home.

We spent day three with our very good friends from Chiropractic College, the Russell's. They are very nice as they made a bunch of young girls very happy by letting us all swim at their club. This is not any club. This club was where the High School Musical gang hung out and filmed their movie. After a day of swimming, tennis, pickleball and sun we headed to Don Pedro's for a mexican dinner of food, laughs, laughs and more laughs!!!!

Sunday arrived and Rosie, Randy and Austin headed to church. Someone had to stay home with a tired baby. I kindly offered and Justin seemed to think that it was a two man job. Later in the day we got the gang back together and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at the Russell's enjoying their beautiful home, croquet, wonderful family and great food.

What a great Adventure of fun-filled memories!!!! Thanks Trish for sharing your Make-A-Wish with all of us.

THE GIRLS ARE ENJOYING THE HSM POOL!!!

MY TWO HOTTIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISH!!!!!

2008-10-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISH!!!!!!!

TWO MORE DAYS!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

AM I CRAZY????

2008-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I broke my arm in July. Because of the broken bone I forgot my way to the gym. I forgot to watch my calorie intake. I forgot that my weight explodes when I do not exercise. I have to say that I have had a very enjoyable two months. Zingers, Diet Coke, M&M's plain and peanut, Diet Coke, chocolate chip cookies, Diet Coke and gummy bears, oh, and did I mention Diet Coke! I was on a two month binge. Suffice to say, I lost all control. It is definitely time for an intervention. That is what my mind kept telling me as I stuffed Halloween candy in my mouth.

It was time to dry up and get rid of my carb cravings. "How was I going to do this?" That is the question I asked myself every day. I decided to try an eleven day cleanse. This cleanse consists of a shake in the morning, 2 cups of lettuce and 4 oz of protein for lunch and another shake for dinner. Oh, I forgot to mention to drink water, water and more water. Yep, it is true, no Diet Coke or anything else except water for 11 days!!!!! There is more to this cleanse. On day 3 and 4 you drink this awful tasting cleanse with water, four times a day. NO FOOD. I do get ten almonds and these awful tasting scooby snacks. I am on day 3 right now. After the two day cleanse you go back to what you did on Day 1 and 2 for five days. Lastly, the home stretch is another two day cleanse on day 10 and 11. I am CRAZY!

The only thing that is getting me through this is trying to decide where I am going to eat on Day 12! Porcuipine Grill's, Chicken Nachos; Iggy's, California Chicken Sandwich; Training Table's, Turkey Sandwich with Cheese fries, AND ONE, LARGE, HUGE, DIET COKE!!!! People tell me after this is over my taste for these yummy foods will dissappear. I am hoping this is the case. I am totally aware that crash diets do not work and the key to weight loss is diet and exercise. However, when my self control left I needed to take desperate measures. So, when I finish this long, painful, two weeks I will be back to the gym and hopefully have a better eating pattern.

You never should start a new diet without a buddy. I coaxed my younger sister, Trish, to do this with me and my neighbors, Angie and Adam. Adam does not really count because he does the cleanse his way. That means Ginza for lunch, and a salad for dinner. He is on the half-cleanse plan. When one of us is weak and ready to throw in the towel the other one boosts us up. Having a buddy helps HUGE! We are all on the Crazy Train!!!!!

So day 3 it is and 8 more to go!!!!!

KEELI IS IT!!!!!

2008-09-26T21:39:00.003-07:00

WE LOVE HER SO MUCH

Seriously, she is so cute!!!!!!

CABIN FUN!!!!!

2008-09-22T20:39:00.001-07:00

We had a so much fun at Lance and Angie's Cabin over Labor Day. The girls got their crafting fix at Swiss Days. The boys got their four wheeling fix riding the trails. We all got our food fix eating, snacking and eating some more. Lastly, I can't forget our President games every night!!!!

Good times, Great friends, Excellent Memories!!!!!

POLITICS ANYONE?

2008-09-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

I had no idea how addicted I was to all the political shows until they were taken away from me. We went up to our friend's cabin over Labor Day Weekend. It did not occur to me that we were in the mountains and there was no cable. "What? No Hardball? No O-Reilly? No Hannity?" How could I go for five days with no information about the presidential race? I was a little sad. O-kay, not too sad that I missed Obama's grand speech at the DNC. I was more sad that I missed the pundit's reaction to Obama's speech. I would have to suck it up and just settle for the local news to get my fix. I asked my friend, Angie, if I could go watch the news to get my daily political briefing. She looked at me and replied, "We don't have T.V." I commented, "I know I just want channel two, four or five to get the local news." "We don't have two, four or five. We don't have any T.V." she exclaimed.

How was I supposed to know how Chris Matthews felt about Obama's speech? Oh silly me, I don't have to wonder. I know how he felt. I am sure he got chills down his leg. What about O-Reilly; he is fair and balanced, or Glen Beck? I went to bed a little lonely without these men telling me their opinions. Oh wait, I forgot these are not opinion shows. LOL

It was a rough and long night, but I made it through. The big day had arrived. Who was McCain going to choose as his running mate? Lucky for me, Angie had XM radio in her car. It is not as good as seeing it but at least I can hear the latest political buzz. "Sarah Palin", Who is she? Where is she from? Why did he pick her? I had so many questions. I really needed my shows to let me know about this new V.P. pick. I was a bit perplexed over this pick. No Romney? Is she capable of becoming President if needs be. I made it through the weekend with no political buzz. I am back to my political forums every night. I have come to like Sarah Palin. I am confused about Obama. I still don't understand why he won't put his hand on his chest during the Pledge of Allegiance. I wonder why he states he is Catholic but when he took the oath for office as Senator he put his hand on the Koran. He took the American Flag off of his airlplane and put a picture of himself. I am confused why half the country wants this man to become President. I understand that our country and world are having problems and a change in leadership is needed. But, are we that desperate for change that we will accept any type of change or anybody that says he stands for change regardless of their lack of experience and being unproven? I am not claiming to be a political analyst, but these are simple questions that need some explanation.

So, for the next couple of months we are on a political roller coaster. I have found through my nightly news shows that if you are an Obama fan, MSNBC is the station for you. They love the man! If you are a McCain fan, Fox is it. If you are on the fence, CNN is the station that has the most balanced coverage. It took some time to warm up to McCain but he will be getting my vote.

SO LONG SUMMER!

2008-09-10T17:41:00.001-07:00

Summer went by way too fast! It is hard to believe that the kids are back in school, the pool is closed and I made my way back to my favorite place the gym! We made some great memories this summer. We found our new little piece of heaven, LAKE POWELL! Here are some pics of our new favorite place.

DRAPER DAYS

2008-07-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Draper Days at our good friends, the Hansen's. They sure know how to throw a great party. We had a wonderful evening with great neighbors. Our friend Brien, from Seattle was in a little culture shock. We were sitting at a table enjoying a barbeque, dessert table, volleyball, inflatable bouncing castle, a D.J. playing music, and to top it all off a neighborhood of good friends. His statement to me was; "Is this for real, What neighborhood does this." My reply to him was, "Draper." I told Randy that he needs to make me a t-shirt that says:

"Just living the Draper Dream."

Keeli enjoying the fireworks

PRECIOUS

Keeli found a new love "POPCORN"

How cute are her little piggies!!!!

SOFTBALL DREAM TEAM

2008-07-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

Draper Days hosted their annual Mens Softball Tournament. Randy put together a team the day of the tournament. The boys were excited and ready to show off their softball skills. Their team was named "DYNASTY" They played the first seed team in the first round. This team won the tournament the previous year. We pulled off a win in the last inning, thanks to Austin who hit the winning run with two outs and a tie game. He hit his dad home. I had so much fun watching Randy and Austin play together. Team Dynasty made it to the finals and lost by three runs.

Justin giving his old man advice

Where did she find that?

MY TWO M.V.P.'S

Brien, our friend from Seattle came to visit.

Team Dynasty needed Coach Elliot!!!!

THE BIG "40"

2008-07-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

I am happy to announce that I just joined the forty club!!! Randy and Tricia thought that they would be funny and make posters around the neighborhood announcing the big day. Randy found a glamour shot that was taken ten years ago and plastered it all over the neighborhood.

I just want them to both know that payback is a !@#$%

THEY ARE SOOOOOO FUNNY!

Tara Lee gave me a bouquet of forty suckers with the phrase

"FORTY SUCKS"

HOW TRUE IS THAT!!!!!!

THE TRIATHALON

2008-07-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!

In honor of my "Fortieth Birthday" Destry was kind enough to put together the Jana Woodward Annual Triathalon. My goal was to participate in a triathalon before I turned forty. Last Friday July 12th we met at the Treehouse to accomplish this dreadful goal. As you all know from previous posts sickness hit the Woodward home for the past month. My training was put to a complete halt. However, a goal is a goal and this stupid triathalon had to be completed by Monday the Fourteenth.

Many thanks to Trish, Destry, Steve, Mitch and Adam for joining me. Click on over to Tricia's blog to get an in depth triathalon recap, or you might like the triathalon slide-show at Jane-Anne's blog.

JULY FOURTH FUN

2008-07-14T14:05:00.001-07:00

I LOVE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS! Family, Food, and Fun, are my three favorite things. We partied it up all day long. We filled our stomachs with amazing food. We had major swimming competitions and an enjoyable evening of games, laughs and even more food!!!!!!!!

AUNT LISA, BABY LUKE AND OLIVIA

MY TWO "HOTTIES"

TRISH WITH LITTLE "D"

THE INFAMOUS POSE

POOL FUN

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

2008-07-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

We have had a summer of fun, food, vacations, company, EFY, Youth Conference, swimming, sun, good friends and, last but not least, sickness. WHO GETS SICK IN THE SUMMER? Keeli was sick with croup. She had to get steroid injections to open up her airway. We cuddled and rocked a sick baby for a week. I was a basket case worried about our little baby. Maybe that is the reason I came down with STREP THROAT. I was miserable in my bedroom with shivers, a fever and trying not to swallow. Thank Heaven's for anti-biotics within a day I was back to my normal self, except for the fact that I felt this rash on my back. I was perplexed, wondering what was this thing on my back. I asked family, friends, anyone who would look at it what this blistery, red, irritating thing was on my back. The answer: SHINGLES. Why would I get shingles? The doctor's answer was that shingles comes from stress and a weakened immune system. I am now trying to figure out what I am stressed about. Could it be the big 40? Could it be the triathalon I am suppossed to be training for? None the less, I have no idea why my body just shut down. I am now on the mend. The doctor asked if I needed any meds. I declined as I am not in any pain. My younger sister then told me you never turn down drugs. She is so right. It is always nice to have a stash for an emergency. However, with me it is best that they stay at the doctor's office. I will just stick to my old stand-by DIET COKE. Summer is now in full swing and we are better than ever and we are going to enjoy every minute of it!!!!

KYLE & SARA'S WEDDING

2008-07-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

KYLE AND SARA GOT MARRIED LAST FRIDAY IN THE SALT LAKE TEMPLE. IT WAS A FUN CELEBRATION. WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED OURSELVES TAKING PICTURES OF KEELI ALL DAY. YOU WOULD OF THOUGHT IT WAS HER WEDDING DAY!!!!!

OSBORNE CLAN

CARTER AND KEELI GIVING HUGS

WE LOVE LITTLE GIRLS AND FLOWERS

PRECIOUS!!!!!!!

HOTNESS

PRICELESS

THE BRIDE AND GROOM

GRANDPA WOODWARD

KEELI'S NEW NAME IS CLIMBING KEELI

GRANDMA WITH HER GRANDSONS

MY MAN!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOX

FAMILY PHOTO

I LOVE MY BIG BROTHER JUSTIN

WE LOVE THE LAMPRECHTS

OUR SEATTLE COUSINS

KEELI CLIMBIMG

SEATTLE-ITES COME TO THE SUN

2008-07-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

WE LOVE TO PARTY!!!!

We are always up for a good time. Randy's family came into town for my nephew's wedding. (nextblog) We enjoyed a week of barbeques, swimming, making cards, bridal showers and a wonderful wedding.

Relaxing by the poolside. (Where's my SONIC) Is it bad to visit Sonic twice in one day? I did feel a bit guilty. OH WELL IT IS SUMMER!!!!!!

MY CUTE PREGO NIECES.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING WITH KEE KEE

FAMILY FOOD AND FUN

CARTER AND KEELI WITH ERICA AND CRYSTAL

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

2008-07-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

FOUR NEW EAGLES

Vance, Justin, Paco and Landon. Way to go boys!!!!!

PROUD PARENTS

PROUD GRANDMA AND LITTLE SISTER

LOVE BIG D AND LITTLE D

TRISH YOU KNOW I AM LAUGHING RIGHT NOW AS I AM POSTING THIS PICTURE XOXO

JUSTIN AND HIS HOT COUSINS
THAT WOULD BE KEELI CLIMBING UP THE SLIDE ALL BY HERSELF!!!!
LOVE JANE-ANNE AND MARLIES ARCHULETA LOL
VERY HANDSOME MEN!!!!
I COULD EAT HER FOR DINNER!!!!! LOL

MY SISTERS GIVING ME DIRTY LOOKS IN THE HOT SUN!!!

We are not much of a scouting family. The boys enjoyment of scouting was NOT!!!! It was a very happy day when Justin finished his last merit badge and passed off his Eagle Project. SCOUTING is now officially over. Justin preferred not having an Eagle Court. (I think he did not want to wear the uniform one more time) Dad and Mom vetoed the no Court of Honor idea. We had a great celebration with a few other boys receiving there Eagle's. I want to thank my totally wonderful family for sitting in the HOT, HOT, HOT, Sun. We had a great program, fabulous food and wonderful friends and family!!!!!

KEELI'S FIRST STEPS

2008-07-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Keeli is a master at climbing. She also loves the camera!!

STILL A BIT SHAKY

LOVE HER!!!!!

WATCH OUT HERE SHE COMES!!!!

YEAH!!!! Keeli is now officially walking. These are pics of her taking her much awaited first steps. Mom is happy as her clothes are not getting holes in the knees from all her crawling all over the cement in the back yard. Also, it is a good thing because the cement is piping hot right now. I am sure her little knees were getting roasted. SHE IS SOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!

OUR FIRST TRIP TO D.C.

2008-06-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

We took a family vacation to visit my parents on their mission. They are serving in the Washington D.C. Visitor's Center. Here are a few highlights of our fun-filled trip!!!!!

The boys favorite time of touring is FOOD TIME!

Keeli was perfect on this trip. We kept her well fed and she was good to go.

KRISPY KREME of course we had to buy a dozen of hot melt in your mouth doughnuts.

The family picture in front of the Washington D.C. Temple.

We toured all the Monument's in one evening. We started at 10:00 p.m. and hit every monument. The heat in D.C. was 95 degrees and the humidity was HIGH. We beat the heat and the crowds and finished our last monument at 1:30 a.m. Lucky for us Keeli sacked out in her stroller.

Monument Marathon

We spent a morning in the Crime and Punishment Museum. This is where America's Most Wanted is taped every week.

Our first day we encountered a HUGE storm. We actually saw a breaker blow up. We could not see the roads as we were driving because of the torrential rain. Many cities lost power for days. We had a schedule and we could not veer from our itenerary. We toured the Vistor Center with flashlights as there was no power. I have a funny story about this power outage but don't worry dad I will just giggle about it all by myself. The aftermath of the D.C. storm. Yes, that tree is totally uprooted!!!!

I love my cute Nieces, Baby London and Ryan. They are all living in D.C. right now. We met up for a great dinner and fun company.

My cute niece, Kristi, (pictured above) set us up on a tour of the capital. Austin is patiently waiting in the Senator's office for our tour to begin. My parents also had a great connection and hooked us up on a tour of the White House. Thanks to Lindi and baby London for touring with us throughout the city.

How cool is this!!!!!! If you look real close President Bush is waving. I loved watching his motorcade drive by. I asked the police officer how to know if it is the President's motorcade. His reply was an ambulance always follows in the rear of the pack. No other motorcades get ambulances. This was serious 24 action. There were big black suburbans with secret service men with guns pointed in all directions.

President Bush's ride!!!!!!

The boys were a little tired of the Smithsonians. I think think they were dreaming of Newport Beach!!!!!

We just finished walking through the Art Museum

HOT HOT HOT!!!! We had to stop in a local CVS store to hydrate. Keeli made sure she had her water and her binkies.

Keeli looking patriotic in D.C.

How is your balance?

We were starving after a long morning of sight-seeing. The only food nearby was a McDonald's in the Smithsonian. Forty Five dollars later we were ready for our afternoon. Seriously 45.00 for Mcdonald's GROSS!!!!!

HAPPY FIFTIETH MOM AND DAD

2008-06-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

THE BIG 50!!!!

WOW!!!! that is a looooong time.

We love you Mom and Dad and we are so happy that you are our parents.

We had all these wonderful plans to celebrate your big day. We were hoping a family cruise to the Caribbean, or maybe a family Lake Powell adventure or better yet a trip to Tremonton and Portage to reminisce your courting years. However, you decided to pack up and leave us for a mission. We will have to have one HUGE party when you get home. We miss you guys.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

A NEW TEAM IN TOWN

2008-06-02T14:55:00.001-07:00

Watch out there is a new team in town. My cute nephew brought some of his teamates over to shoot some hoop. They tried to get a pick-up game over at Draper Park. Noone was interested. All they got was horns honking at them. I think they are way too intimadating in those hot yellow jerseys. FYI: Deseret Industries have more of these good-looking uniforms in stock if anyone is interested.

A WEEK OF FUN

2008-05-27T11:48:00.001-07:00

YEAH!!!! The pool was put to good use on Monday and Tuesday. We had record breaking heat. Ninety degrees and we loved every minute of it!!!!KEELI'S FIRST SWIM
THEY ARE BOTH SOOOO CUTE!!!!!

The Lamprecht's made a trip to Utah to drop off their handsome new missionary. Elder Lamprecht. We were lucky enough to spend Tuesday night with them before his entrance to the MTC. He will be serving in Chile. We are so excited and happy for him. We love Jordan. He has a quick wit and is truly hilarious. We are constantly laughing at him.

KEELI HAD AN INSTANT ATTRACTION TO UNCLE LANCE

SAYING GOOD-BYE FOR FOUR YEARS!!!!

PROUD PARENTS AND CUTE ELDER

The weather took a turn for the worse as the week progressed. Lucky for us we have a brother who was kind enough to let us go hang out at his joint for the afternoon. (Jungle Jim's) This was Keeli's first field trip to the JUNGLE!

KEELI LOVED THE TEA-CUPS, MOM NOT SO MUCH

OLIVIA AND ELLIE ROCKING THE ROLLER COASTER

KEELI RIDING HER HARLEY

BIG "D" and LITTLE "D" hanging out together

Randy, Austin and Keeli enjoying a sunny afternoon putting together a new swingset.

AN AFTERNOON OF FAMILY FUN

CHECK OUT MY NEW SWING

WE LOVE SUMMER

2008-05-18T20:25:00.001-07:00

SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE AND WE ARE HAPPY!!!!

KEELI AND LUKE KICKING BACK
MY BEAUTIFUL KEELI AND GORGEOUS FLOWER POT

HOW CUTE IS LITTLE MISS ELLIE

GRAVY WOES

2008-05-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Don't we all love a clean kitchen? I sure do. I am a bit obsessive about a clean kitchen. As soon as I make a meal all the dishes have to be cleaned and loaded in the dishwasher before eating. When it is time for bed the kitchen has to be clean. Waking up to a dirty kitchen makes me very moody. It is now a joke that you better not leave your plate or drink unattended or it will be discarded. My cute niece, Olivia, asked her mom why Aunt Jana always throws her drinks away before she is finished. I don't know why I have this disorder. I just do.

One of our favorite meals is Costco Rotisserie Chicken, Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Randy's famous gravy. This gravy is made with love. We are all dishing up our food anxious to enjoy our dinner. My eyes dart to the sink and I see dirty dishes. I cannot eat until those dishes are cleaned. Hurriedly, I start scrubbing pans. I really did not notice that a sauce pan was full of Randy's famous gravy. I honestly thought the sauce pan was soaking in dirty gravy water. Yes, the whole pan of gravy went down the disposal. I walked over to my plate looking for the gravy. Panic hits. Please tell me I did not throw all the gravy away! I was a bit nervous to let my family know that I had just thrown away the whole pan of gravy. The boys chuckled and thought their mom was losing it. Randy decided it would be best to remain silent. I tried to justify my stupidity while Randy still remained silent. Luckily, Randy was nice enough to make us another batch of his beloved gravy.

I am a bit compulsive in the kitchen. I am working on it. Well, not really. Tonight I threw away my brother-in-law's half-eaten dessert. To my defense, I thought he was finished. I now have to leave this post because it is time to clean the kitchen before I retire to bed.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2008-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY EVERYONE!!!!
My first shout out is to my wonderful mother. I am so proud of you and your wonderful example. You are an incredible mother and I am so grateful to you. I appreciate your love for the gospel and all your missionary service. I am a bit selfish and would like you both back home. However, you are amazing and I will have to share you for another year. Thanks for all your love, concern, help and support to our family.

I LOVE YOU MOM

My next shout out goes to my wonderful Mother-in-Law. I am so grateful to her for raising such a wonderful son. I really appreciate all her love and concern for our family. I appreciate her great love for the gospel and her wonderful example. She truly is a wonderful, caring, nurturing mother, and grandmother.

I LOVE YOU ELAINE

Thanks MOM'S for simply being the BEST!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY KEELI

2008-05-07T11:29:00.001-07:00

AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN
FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
I THINK I AM GOING TO BE SICK
KEELI'S FIRST BABY DOLL

It is hard to believe that Keeli has been with us a year. I want to share some of my feelings and experiences that we have experienced this past year. After numerous failed doctor visits and many tears we came to the conclusion that our family is complete with Austin and Justin. In the back of our minds we always considered adoption. Honestly, I was not too thrilled with the idea at first. I was so scared of all the unknowns. There were so many uncertainties and that frightened me. We had two beautiful boys and life was good. Why would we want to change a good thing?

I am now forever grateful for the wonderful blessing of adoption. I remember the butterflies in my stomach as we first met our birth mother. There was an instant connection. My heart ached for this sweet young girl. I wanted to adopt her and her baby. I instantly fell in love with our birth mother. My emotions were all over the place. I was sad and heartbroken for the trial that this sweet,young, girl was facing. I was also so proud of this young girl for her tremendous courage, and desire to know that adoption would be the best choice for her baby. I never knew that you could be excited and yet heartbroken at the same time. (you can)

Words cannot express the gratitude in my heart when both Randy and I got to see this beautiful, baby born. We were in love. Keeli made her debut into this world and melted our hearts. I can truly say that the day that we signed the adoption papers had to be the hardest, most emotional day of my entire life. I was saying good-bye to a young girl that I wanted to take home. I knew that we would not see each other for a long time. I knew her heart was breaking as she was giving us her new born baby. My heart was breaking knowing I was taking her baby. The only words I could express to this beautiful young mother are "Thank You!" and "We Love You!" Adoption truly is a gift of love.

Keeli is truly our princess. We all love and adore her. Our lives have forever changed since Keeli came into our family. She definitely is the main attraction. I cannot help but smile as she dances to the music on the i-pod. She has this head bob that is hilarious. She also loves to sing. It has been so much fun singing all the lullabye’s that I never thought I would sing again. Her little cheeks are constantly being kissed. It is a race to the crib in the morning to get Keeli. Our all time favorite is when Keeli cuddles up to us and pats our back. We call it "pat, pat." That melts our heart every time. I had no idea the love we would have for this precious little girl. I look at her and my eyes get teary. She is the ultimate gift.

I love adoption! I will always be grateful to this beautiful young birth mother. Her courage, strength and love allowed us to become parents of this precious baby girl. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father’s Plan. We are so blessed to have this gospel. I will always and forever hold a special place in my heart for our birth mother. We will never forget what she has done for us. I love her and pray for her happiness.

This is Randy here. Jana asked me to add my input and feelings about Keeli. I read what Jana wrote and I'm not sure how to follow that up. She pretty much said it all and I'd like to add "ditto" to everything she said. Jana is amazing.

I've had people ask if it is possible to love an adopted child as much as a natural child. I have to admit that I wondered the same before adopting Keeli. I knew how much I love my boys and wondered if I could love an adopted child that much. The more I thought about it, however, the more I realized that Jana is not my flesh and blood and I can't imagine loving another as much as I love her. I have come to realize that it is not your own blood that you love, but rather it is the bonding, experiences, commitment, respect, awe, and admiration that allows your love to grow for another. I feel all of these feelings in such a huge way toward Jana, Austin & Justin. Without a doubt, it is no different with Keeli. I sometimes feel like I am on hallowed ground and unworthy of such an incredible blessing of being able to be her dad. I hold her little hands and look into her eyes and feel like she is too good to be true. I feel those feelings of awe, admiration and respect for this little child. I hope and am committed to be everything to her that will give her the greatest chance for happiness and joy in life. It is definitely true that the harder you work and longer you wait to get something, the more you appreciate it. Keeli is no exception to this rule. Having a child later in life really makes us appreciate how fortunate we are. We don't want to miss a moment and know how fast they grow.

I look at all the selfishness in this world and recognize that most decisions are made by people trying to fulfill only their own desires and wants. I have these same feelings of awe, admiration and respect for her birth mom when she said that she wanted to break the pattern of children being raised in broken homes and wanted Keeli to have a better life than she had. It's amazing that there can be so much evil and pain in this world and yet so much beauty and righteousness at the same time.

Since she was born, I can look at Keeli and have tears pool up in my eyes on a frequent basis. She brings so much joy to our family. Life is so precious and unpredictable. We have to make the most out of every day we have with these wonderful children. I'm so sad to have Austin leaving our home in nearly a year and Justin in 3 years, and yet so excited about the adult relationship I will have with them and the 17 more years we get to spend raising Keeli.

SUNSHINE,SUNSHINE,SUNSHINE

2008-04-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS MEMORIES

LOVE TO SWIM!!!
KEELI THINKS SLIDES ARE THE BEST
PLEASE, NO MORE SHOPPING

SALT LAKE TENSION FOR THE WIN

We are back from a gorgeous fun-filled VEGAS VACATION. I will first start off by saying the hotel was not bad. We were right in the middle of the strip so it made it easy for Justin to head to Gameworks, mom to shop at the stores, Austin to eat mac and cheese at Harley Davidson's, (The best mac and cheese ever!!!!) and Randy trying to figure out why his name is not on the top of the TRUMP TOWER.

Of course the real reason we were in Las Vegas was to watch Austin and his team compete in a National Paintball Tournamnet. We had so much fun watching his team play. THEY ROCKED!!!!! Out of forty teams from all over the country they took home the GOLD!

Keeli was perfect. We were outside all day in the hot sun and she enjoyed every minute. Luckily, there was a park right next to the fields. Here are a few pictures of VEGAS BABY!!!!!

TURN IT AROUND!

2008-04-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

THIS IS TAHITI VILLAGE

(where we are supposed to be staying)

I am trying not to be spoiled. I am trying not to complain. I am trying not to pout. However, I am totally upset and downright furious. Question to self. "Why do we pay so much money for a timeshare?" ANSWER: The cheesey timeshare salesman told us we would make happy, family, memories. That is the reason we bought a timeshare. To make wonderful memories with our family.

We are leaving to Las Vegas tomorrow to stay in the wonderful Tahiti Village. You know the one where Alan Thicke is drinking a Pina Colada in the sandy, gorgeous,huge, pool. The resort with beautiful palm trees surrounding an enormous pool. The resort where we were going to swim, play and make our wonderful family memories. Just like the timeshare salesman promised.

I have been looking forward to our wonderful family vacation for a few weeks. I had visions in my head of us all swimming and lounging around the pool with Pina Colada's in hand. Catching up on all the book club books that I am anxious to read. A wonderful week-end of relaxation and sun by a beautiful pool.

NOT!!! We came home from our work-out this morning to a lovely message on our machine. We have overbooked the resort so we have to relocate you to another hotel. WHAT? CAN THEY DO THAT? Our reservation starts tomorrow. One day notice of a resort change. After a hour of complaining to Interval International the timeshare people. They are so sorry. However, there is nothing they can do. We now are staying in a hotel that has a tiny, little, rectangular, pool. No palm trees, no Pina Colada's, No beautiful sand. Oh, and children are not allowed to use the pool before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. It then changes to an adult pool. Sounds family friendly to me. If there were pictures of the pool I would post them. Unfortunatley, it must be so bad that they don't even have pictures of their gross pool.

I am trying to remember Michael Mclean's song turn it around. The song where you are supposed to turn a bad situation into a good one. I am trying to remember the adage," When life gives you lemons make lemon-ade." I am trying to remember the little book, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." I know that this is small and insignificant. None the less, I am still mad!!!

We are leaving tomorrow to Las Vegas to enjoy our lovely two star time-share. I am leaving my bad attitude at home and we are going to make it a great vacation!!! (Hopefully) and the time-share is for sale if anyone is interested.

Keeli's First Haircut

2008-04-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Keeli had her first haircut today. If she only knew how many more she will experience. We had a mother daughter date to Cookie Cutters. Cookie Cutters is a salon that caters to the younger folk.

Keeli was totally into the slide. Notice the fly away hair. This is her before picture
"WOW! I get to sit in a car and watch the wiggles. Haircuts are the best!"
Keeli now wondering why this strange lady is playing with her hair
Keeli's after glamour shot.

Mom is happy that the mullett is gone. We enjoyed our day out at the baby spa.

TRULY A WONDERFUL "SUN" DAY

2008-04-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic Sunday afternoon enjoying the beautiful blue sky and the SUN!!!

Keeli modeling the first of her Summer wardrobe.
There is nothing better than a Sunday afternoon stroll to visit all our neighbors
We stopped and took a swing on the Pinnock's new swingset
After a long day of church, sun and fun it is time to clean up Keeli enjoying her last drink before a long good night sleep.

Next Adventure we take Randy will be the photographer. Yes, I was present at all our Sunday afternoon outings. I think someone is a camera hog! Furthermore, I know we have two boys but they are not interested in Sunday walks and posing for pictures. It is just a Randy and Keeli thing.

ENOUGH WITH THE WATER

2008-04-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

I find that I do much better with goals when I am accountable to someone. The no carb idea I had last week just about put me over the edge. It is now a new week and another idea. Yes, I am on a yo -yo constantly changing.

Monday I started MY FOOD DIARY. I love this website. It tracks calories, exercise, proteins, carbs, and fats. It truly is amazing. My favorite part of this food diary is the smiley faces I receive when I have done a good job. Seeing these smiley faces makes me happy. I try to go all day without getting a frown. Sadly, frowns appear when you miss exercise, your calories go over your limit, or not drinking enough water.

Water!!! Who drinks sixty four ounces of water a day. YUCK!!! Yesterday was my first official diary day. I was bound and determined to drink all sixty four onces of water. I was not going to get a frown on my first day. I did drink and drink and drink. Needless to say that I had a bladder that was screaming and yelling. I spent most of the day taking much needed potty breaks.

Day two and I am still enjoying my new found diary. I have found that I am eating better, drinking a lot more and exercising just so I can have a computer generated smiley face at the end of the day.

WHERE'S AUSTIN

2008-04-06T12:46:00.002-07:00

Yes, We do have a son named Austin. He lives in a paintball world. His true happiness, joy, love and time is devoted to this sport. We don't see him much. His days consist of school, work, church, and paintball. This past Friday he went straight from school to work (his work is at a paintball field) He tells me he arrived home around 12:30 a.m. He then left at 5:30 a.m. for his team paintball practice. He pretty much just sleeps and eats here.

I knew he had a paintball addiction when I walked into his room and to what did my wandering eyes did appear but boxes and boxes of paintballs everywhere. During one of our conversations I asked Austin, "Are you going to be able to leave paintball for two years while you are on a mission." I got a bit nervous when he had to sit and ponder my question. He said, "Of course, but I will need 5 weeks off a year to play tournaments." HAHA

We are now planning family vacations around Austin's busy schedule. It is paintball season once again. We miss you Austin. We will see you in the fall.

JUSTIN'S PHONE CALL

2008-04-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

ME- "Hello "
JUSTIN- "Hey mom, how's it going?"
ME- "Good, are you having a good day?"
JUSTIN- "If the school calls , I didn't do it."
ME- "DO WHAT?"
JUSTIN- "A bunch of kids were pounding their fists on the lunch table. Not me, I was just eating."
ME- "Why would I be receiving a phone call from the school if you didn't do anything?"
JUSTIN- "Well, All my friends were doing it and the principal took all our names."
ME- "So you are an innocent bystander?"
JUSTIN- "Yah"
ME- "Do you think I was born yesterday?"
JUSTIN- "Just giving you a heads up"
ME- "You are a pain!!! "

THE NEST

2008-04-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

HANGING AT HOME WITH DAD

PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO

HAPPINESS!!!!

THE NEST is the nursery at the gym. It is constantly filled with little ones. Well, not my little one. I try to time my workouts around Randy's schedule so Princess Keeli can stay home and enjoy her dad. It is not that I do not like THE NEST. I just have a difficult time leaving Keeli with strangers. My sister, Trish, keeps telling me I really need to take Keeli to get her acclimated to new surroundings, new adults and meet kids. I don't know why but my heart starts palpitating and I get panicky just thinking of dropping her off to complete strangers for an hour.

Keeli is now eleven months old. I know it is time for her to venture out and leave her mom and dad for a wee hour a day. It has come to my attention that Keeli feels the same way I do. She does not feel that she needs to go to the nest. She is content and just fine hanging out at home with dad. Keeli is to the point that before we open the door to THE NEST she is in full blown cry mode. It truly breaks my heart handing her over to the lovely nest ladies. Keeli is bawling and I am close to it.

I now hear "I told you so" from my younger sister. Are younger sisters allowed to tell older, wiser, sisters what they are doing wrong? "I don't think so." I am now taking Keeli every day to the nest. I am hoping that this feeling of attachment will lessen for both her and me. I hate to admit that it makes me smile to know that she loves us as much as we love her.

SOCKS SOCKS AND MORE SOCKS!!!

2008-04-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

"Mom,I am out of socks." It seems like I hear that phrase every other week. I could not figure out why I am constantly at Costco buying socks! The missing sock mystery has now been solved. I went out my back door today and look what I found. SOCKS!!!!!

CARB ADDICT

2008-04-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Addiction: CARBOHYDRATES - Not the good carbs, the bad ones!!! The kind that taste soooo good you can't have just one. The kind where you eat one mini-size candy bar and within a matter of minutes there are ten empty candy wrappers wadded up in my pocket. The kind where one Oreo cookie is not satisfying enough. I need the whole row. It is time for an intervention.

My mind is made up that April 1st is the day in which I say "good-bye to Carbs." I know that this day is fast approaching. I made a conscious decision to carb-overload my last few days of March. I started my binge on Friday when I made the boys chocolate chip cookies. One of my favorite things to do when baking cookies is to get my very own spoon and enjoy the dough! It was last Friday evening and the weather was still cold outside. A perfect time for home-made chicken noodle soup. Definitely, a lovely comfort food to enjoy during the winter months. A friend introduced me to home-made mashed potatoes that you put in your bowl. Next you add the soup. Oh, I forgot to mention the rolls that are dipped into the soup. YUM!!!!

The carb guilt hit me Saturday morning. It also helped that a friend of mine was competing in a fitness competition. I spent three hours watching perfect muscular bodies walk the cat-walk. These people are amazing!!! They must not have a love of carbs. Either that, or they've learned to control their cravings. It is beyond my comprehension how they can make their bodies look so good. This was just what I needed to get motivated to kick my carb habit.

Sunday arrives and I enjoy some pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and a few reeses peanut butter cups. My sister, Lisa, invites the whole family up to her house for family night. I enjoy strawberry shortcake and Lisa's famous home-made Oreo cookies. I feel no guilt because I know Tuesday is fast approaching and I soon will be carb-free!

It is now Monday and there is no school today. We load the kids and head to Iggy's for lunch. We enjoy two or three loaves of bread dipped in their yummy sauce. I thoroughly devour my Iggy's french fries dipped in fry sauce. After munching on a plateful of fries it is now time for a juicy, California Chicken Burger. I don't even want to know how many calories I just put into my body.

Today is April 1st. The day I hoped would never come. I am moody, sleepy, shaky, and a little sad. I know that I am going through de-tox. It is not pleasant. I am now hallucinating carbs!
How long is this going to take? If anyone has any good hints of how to curb my chocolate cravings I would love any input. This has to be the longest day ever. It is eight p.m. and I am ready for bed. I am now going to bed to dream of chocolate cake, loaded with ice cream and topped with hot fudge. I know I have a sickness!

FRIDAY NIGHT DATE

2008-03-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT WE DO ON OUR FRIDAY NIGHTS!

KISS KEELI

TICKLE KEELI

HUG KEELI

HANG OUT WITH KEELI

WE LOVE SHARING OUR DATE NIGHT WITH KEELI!

MOMMY AND ME

2008-03-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

The boys enjoyed spring break this past weekend. They packed up the dirt bikes and headed to five mile pass for a day of boy time. Trish called up and said she was taking the girls to the movie "Horton Hears a Who." On Mondays they have a special showing where infants and toddlers are free. That sounded like fun, taking Keeli out for a mother daughter date. I waited years for a daughter to take to the mall, to go see chick flicks and to get pretty manicures. My years of waiting are over! Keeli and I are going out for our first mother daughter date!

I picked Trish,Luke and the girls up and we headed out for a day at the movies. We walked into the dark theatre with our hands full of babies, drinks and treats. The theatre was jam packed full of infants and toddlers. It then hit me, of course the theatre is full of kids. They are free! There were no seats. We had to separate and find what few seats were left. I sat down with Keeli on my lap excited to enjoy a fun movie. I somehow forgot that Keeli is only ten months old. She wanted nothing to do with a movie. I frantically started giving her baby cheeto's. She would eat one and throw one. I tried giving her teddy grahams. She wanted to feed teddy grahams to the boy next to her. She then threw her binky. I was feeling around on the dark floor and couldn't find it anywhere. I was wrestling Keeli in a small confined seat with total strangers sitting on each side of me. My mother/daughter date was turning into a nightmare. It gets worse. An awful smell begins to permeate around me. "Please tell me it is not Keeli," I pleaded. Yes, Keeli decided a movie would be a perfect place to do her business. I was done.

We left the movie after an excruciating forty minutes. We waited in the car for Trish and her gang. I guess I was a bit too anxious for our mother/daughter date. We now spend our bonding time together watching the "Wiggles" and "Captain Feathersword" on the television.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

We started our morning taking Easter Sunday Pictures. That was not a good idea. Keeli was not interested and down right mad that we were pestering her to pose and smile for the camera. We tried taking her to different rooms hoping that a new environment would help the photo shoot. No such luck. My vision of Keeli posing in her beautiful Easter dress was a fantasy. Family pictures were a flop. We were late for church and everyone was frustrated. Here are the disastrous photos. enjoy!

EASTER EGG HUNT FUN!

2008-03-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day with Easter Egg Hunts!! The boys are on Draper Youth Council so they had to wake up bright and early to help set up for the big Draper Park Easter Egg Hunt. They are great kids. I know that they would rather be playing paintball, or wrestling. However, they did not complain and they helped out at the park all morning. Thanks boys. We are so proud of you!!!

We went over to the Hansen's today for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Randy had the camcorder in one hand and the camera in the other. We were not going to miss one second of Keeli's first hunt. Yes, we definetly looked like first time parents. We are having a great time starting all these fun traditions all over again.

OFFICE THURSDAYS

2008-03-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

What is this void I am feeling? I used to love Thursday evenings. Now, it is just another night. Sure I can watch The Apprentice and Survivor. But nothing can replace MY OFFICE. I am sure you are wondering why I call it My Office. Well, deep down I fantasize about working at Dunder Mifflin. I feel a connection to my friends at The Office. Yes, Michael, Dwight, Jim and Pam bring happiness to my Thursdays.

I miss calling my fellow Office watchers on Friday morning to re-cap our favorite Office quotes. Thursday evenings have not been the same since Michael and his crew left. No Booze Cruises, No Run For Rabies, and especially no more Diversity Days. The Office brings laughter, happiness and sometimes just plain shock!!!! I know that it is so wrong to do a whole post about a T.V. show. I am just anxiously awaiting the return of Office Thursdays. For all of you fellow Office Watchers mark you calenders for April 10th.

THINK GREEN!!!!!!

2008-03-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am not Irish. I have no clue why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day. However, I am always searching for that lucky four leaf clover, or even better the pot of gold.

Actually, this is our four leaf clover and our pot of gold combined.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!!

THANKS FOR THE TAG!!!

2008-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

I guess when you become a newbie blogger you get tagged pretty quick. Here are six things you may not know, or want to know about me.

1. At the age of fourteen I thought I knew how to drive. Apparently, I was wrong!!! I took my friends car for a spin around the block. I don't understand why they have to put houses on the road!!!! Yes, I ran the car into a house. A new sprinkler system was needed. A ticket from the friendly police officer and a good grounding later I survived. Thanks mom and dad for being so patient,kind,loving and understanding. Teenagers. uggggghhhhhh!!!!!

2. Way long ago, back in high school I was a cheerleader. We were performing a dance at half-time for a basketball game. We totally messed up the dance and I started laughing. When I get nervous I laugh!!!! I started laughing so hard that I totally wet my pants. SOOOOOO embarrassing. Luckily, we were all clumped together so noone could tell who it was. We ran into the locker room. I made everyone promise not to tell who did it. They even had to bring a mop out to clean up. It is one of those stories I can laugh about now. I was humiliated. Don't make me laugh!!!!!!

3. Do not take me out in a boat on rough water!!!! On numerous occasions I have lost my cookies due to the rough seas. Randy, took me on an anniversary surprise over to Victoria Island. We were on the Victoria Clipper in the middle of Puget Sound. I was ready to jump into the ocean I was so sick. Another time, we were scuba diving in the Carribean. Oh, I mean Randy was scuba diving. I was on the boat vomitting in front of complete strangers. YUCK!!!!!! I prefer a nice sandy beach, a magazine and a cold Diet Coke.

4. I am a reality T.V. junkie. I love Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, The Apprentice, Survivor, Biggest Loser and I am ashamed to admit The Bachelor. Do I need counseling?

5. I have an addiction to little girl clothes!!!! Randy is a little concerned. I acutally heard two words the other day that made me shake, A BUDGET! Yes, I agree it is time for my over indulgence to end. It is so hard. I waited so long for Princess Keeli. She looks so pretty in her little dresses, with huge bows. I know she does not need a different dress every day. I am vowing to stop. Wish me Luck! I am not posting a picture of her closet because I am to embarrased!

6. I want to run ten miles without stopping!!!!! I am bound and determined to accomplish this awful task. I have a mental block that tells me that I am way to tired and it is time to stop. I hope to overcome my mental issues and run like Forest!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!!!!

2008-03-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

You truly are a wonderful brother!!!!!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE!!!!!

2008-03-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

GRATITUDE: The first secret to happiness.

I have found that it is easy to be grateful when life is good-when the money is in the bank, the romance is good and every one is healthy. But,when the waters start getting rough and the waves just seem to keep crashing down that is when it is my toughest time to show gratitude. "Thank You" usually isn't the phrase that immediately comes to my mind.

I actually have to work at being happy. I just assumed that happiness is a feeling that comes as a result of good things that just happen to us, things over which we have little or no control. On the contrary, happiness takes work and it is not a feeling to be awaited.

So today, I am thankful for all the little things. I am grateful to God for my wonderful life!!! I am blessed with three wonderful, fantastic, perfect children. I am blessed with a loving husband who is my best friend. I am grateful that I have a husband who has made it possible for me to stay home and raise our boys. Words cannot express the gratitude in my heart for the blessing of our beautiful daughter Keeli.I have a wonderful family that I truly love.

I am grateful that I live in this wonderful valley. I love being able to live so close to my parents. (Who left on a mission) and brothers and sisters. There is no greater joy than spending my days with the people I love the most. So I will not complain today. I am going to savor this peaceful, happy, feeling of joy in my heart.

JUST WONDERING

2008-03-08T13:39:00.001-08:00

WHY IS IT? WHEN I AM HAPPY, EXCITED AND JOYFUL

I WANT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY IS IT? WHEN I AM SAD,MOODY AND DEPRESSED

I WANT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

SPRING FEVER!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

SPRING FEVER, I caught it!!!!!! I am looking outside at the gorgeous blue sky. The snow has completely melted. It is a picture perfect day to play outside. Except for one minor detail. It is FREEZING! Mr. Sun where are you? We are so ready to come out and play. I took on the task of dewinterizing closets this week. Randy thinks I am a bit pre-mature in my spring thinking. I tend to disagree. I am sick of sweaters, boots, coats and turtlenecks. The spring closets are ready. Keeli agrees with me. She loves to stand at the door and look outside. She is ready for new outside adventures. Here is a pre-view of Keeli's spring attire. Notice the beautiful hot pink flower. Courtesy of Peek-A-Bow. Spring we are ready!!!!!!

I'M NOT THAT OLD!!!!!!!! AM I????????

2008-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

I find no satisfaction in writing this post. Actually, I am a little mad, sad, confused or maybe even in denial. Trish and I decided to kill a couple hours at the mall today with our two babies. It was a chore in and of itself to load up two car seats, two strollers and two diaper bags and, last but not least, two large sonic diet cokes. I know it would have been easier to just stay home. In hindsight, that is what I should have done.

We had a fun time shopping for Olivia. That is, until it was checkout time. Keeli was flirting with the checkout ladies. She was showing them how she claps, how she can raise her hands in the air when we say "so big." I was really quite proud of my beautiful little baby. Tricia was trying to feed baby Luke and pay for her purchases at the same time. I was really impressed with her multi-tasking. The sales clerk then asked Trish if these were both her babies. I look over at Trish and she totally has a smirk. I know she thinks this is funny. On the contrary, there is nothing funny about it. "Are you serious? I really don't look that old. At least I don't think I do."

Ok, wait there is more to my sad story. We ventured out to the mall last week to get some make-up. We were having an enjoyable time trying on all the new spring colors. Keeli was showing off like she always does. Luke was fast asleep in his stroller. As we are checking out Trish is asked if these are both her babies. What am I the Grandma??

So my self-esteem is not that great right now. I think I am having a mid-life crisis. Apparently I am in need of a tune-up. Maybe some lifts and tucks and a couple shots of botox. Keeli, I am so sorry that you have such an old mom. I am going to go drown my sorrows in some chocolate and diet coke. And yes, I am still training for a triathalon!!!!! Trish enjoy your youth while you still have it.

SUNDAY NAPS OF LONG AGO

2008-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sundays are definitely a favorite nap day for our family. We get excited for our Sunday slumber. There is nothing better after a three hour church block than to indulge ourselves into a huge pot roast, sometimes turkey, and if the boys are lucky, a tasty steak dinner. Our stomachs are now stuffed to the brink of feeling sick. Our heads are bobbing back and forth and our bodies are yearning for warm blankets. It is power nap time. There has to be a Sunday alarm clock in our heads saying, "It is time for a nap. I really need a nap. I am sooooo tired. I am having a nap!!!!!"

For many many years we all would enjoy this Sunday ritual. We would all look forward to our special nap time. I am not talking a twenty minute power nap. I mean a long peaceful slumber. It's the kind of nap when you have to wipe the slobber off your pillow once it is over. It's the kind where you feel light headed for about an hour or so once your nap is over. The kind of nap when you wake up and you don't remember what day it is. Those are some good zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

Princess Keeli joined our family and we no longer enjoy those naps of long ago. Keeli has her own time clock and her clock is the boss of everyone. Her nap time is not the same nap time as ours. Her sleepy time is church time. I can see why she would choose that time. Sometimes that is my sleepy time too. However, after church is by far my favorite.

We were all enjoying our Sunday dinner today anticipating, hoping, even praying that we would be lucky enough to catch a nap. It is not going to happen. Keeli wants to play. We play blocks, we read books, and we sing and dance to the Wiggles. My favorite wiggle song is "Wake up Jeff." I am so jealous of Jeff right now. I am wondering at this point, "Where is my nap partner, Randy." I look over at the kitchen table and there Randy is fast asleep. Who falls asleep sitting up at the table? I am laughing out loud. Wow! Our lives have changed. We love this change. Keeli has definitely rocked our world. But this change we will happily take and forever enjoy. So for now, we will just have to remember those Sunday naps of long ago.

JUSTIN'S BIG 15

2008-02-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

When Justin was born Randy would always say:

Justin is our Angel
sent from up above
to bless our lives
with joy and love.

This little poem has followed Justin throughout his life. He is our Angel. Justin turns fifteen years old today. It seems like yesterday he was celebrating his sixth birthday with little boys beating up on a pinata. Oh how time flies.

WE LOVE JUSTIN!!!! Justin has a quick wit and a funny sense of humor. We are constantly laughing at his jokes and stories. He is never short for words and he is totally entertaining. He tells me he belongs in the movies. I tend to agree with him. His favorite movie is Zoolander and his Blue Steel gives Ben Stiller a run for his money.

We are so proud of Justin. He did so well in wrestling this year. He lettered for his high school. We surprised him for his birthday with a letterman's jacket. How cool is that!!!!! He looks mighty fine in his new Alta letterman's jacket.

Justin loves his sleep. To start off a great day he thought it would be nice to miss a few periods of school and get some good zzzzzzzzzzzzz time. A boy after my own heart. After a few long hours of school we picked him up and headed to his favorite eating spot, TRAINING TABLE. We all thoroughly enjoyed our number 24 turkey sandwich, cheese fries dipped in their famous sauce, a couple of waters and one large Diet Coke with a fresh squeezed lemon. The latter of the three beverages would be mine.

The celebration is close to over. How can we make this day any better? Justin's all time favorite treat, chocolate covered strawberries!!!! No cake, just a ton of strawberries drenched in milk chocolate. We love our Angel and we are so happy that he is with us to bless our lives with joy and love...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

WHERE'S MY BINKY!!!!!

2008-02-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Keeli was a very slow learner when it came to binky time. Reality finally hit me that she was not going to be a binky baby. I would try every month or so to see if if this binky thing would take. The binky would go in and come right back out. No binky for me!!!! People would tell me that it is a good thing that she does not want the binky. I would think to myself, well you try to keep her quiet during sacrament meeting. A month or so ago I was playing around with a binky and thought it would be fun to put it in Keeli's mouth. For sure, it will come flying back out. I was sorely mistaken. The binky was an instant hit. Oh no!!!! Do I really want a baby with this ugly thing in her mouth all the time? What was I thinking? As I was searching the house this morning for all the lost binky's I was wondering why I got myself into this mess in the first place.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!!!!!

2008-02-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

I know that my previous post was about training for a triathlon and getting in shape. However, I seem to do better with my goals when it is the first of the week. Monday is always a good starting point. So with today being Sunday, and I already blew the past week, why not make my last day a bit more enjoyable. I find comfort, joy and happiness with warm homemade chocolate chip cookies. I feel a good excuse for my binging is the crappy weather. ( I don't eat just one.) The wind is blowing and there is a down pour of rain. The clouds are grey and it is dark!!!!! There is really nothing else I can do to divert me away from the kitchen. So until tomorrow, I am going to cuddle up in a blanket, eat my cookies and watch skinny girls walk down the red carpet at the Oscars.

PLEASE NOT THE BIG 40!!!!

2008-02-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

It is with sorrow that I say that in mere short months I will be a new member of the 40 club. Should I feel excitement? It is a club that is becoming quite popular with my peers. A smile and a little chuckle would cross my face when it was time for my friends to celebrate, or FACE their big day. I made fun of my old husband when it was his turn to join. I never thought that my turn would come so fast. I so loved the thirty years. A strike is in the works. No birthdays after 35!!! Unfortunately this is a strike that I know is not winnable.

So I am preparing myself to join this club with dignity. I am following my wonderful sister-in-law's example and am bound and determined that I will finish a mini-triathalon before the big day. Am I ready to put on the swimsuit, biking shorts and running shoes? No, I don't think so. You see, I don't have much of an affection to the gym. I would much rather drink my Sonic Diet Coke along with a few, or maybe more than a few, M&M's.

Accountability is the reason I write this post. Self motivation is not my forte. In fact, it seems that I am the queen of a good excuse. My back hurts, can't go the gym! presidency meeting, no gym today. Tricia had a baby. I think I will take maternity leave with her. alas; NO GYM!!!!! In the back of my mind I hear the phrase "excuses are for losers." I don't want to be a loser. It is time to take back control. It also helps that spring is fast approaching. No more big, bulky, down coats. Nor more ugg boots and sweat pants to hide behind.

Let this be a written invitation (Tricia that is you) and any one else that is interested. I know that there are many of you out there that are fast approaching their big "40". Come feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Let's do a triathalon together. If you are not turning forty in the near future, lucky you, you still can do it. It is just a goal that you will accomplish must sooner. If you are more experienced and over the 40 mark come show us how it is done!!!! NO MORE EXCUSES THE TIME IS NOW!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER

2008-02-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun at John & Kari-Lynn's house. We helped Carter celebrate his 1st birthday. Keeli got a little heated when Carter wanted her binky. You don't mess with a girl and her binky. Those are two cute babies!!!!!!

Got Paint!!!!

2008-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Austin found his true love. Thankfully, it is not drugs, not alcohol, and not a girl. It has a trigger, a barrell, and a whole lot of paint. I had no idea that this love affair would last so long. I recall several years ago when he said he was going to be playing paintball for his little league baseball party. It happened. It was love at first sight. His life has never been the same.

I thought for sure that there would be a break-up; that this was just a fleeting faze. He would surely move on to another love. I was very mistaken. The old adage is true; once you find your true love your life is forever changed. He spends countless hours keeping the relationship strong. He is either at the field practicing with his team, working to pay for this expensive love(he works at a paintball store) or making field layouts and strategies on the computer to make his team the best. He eats, drinks, and sleeps paintball.

He has found that keeping this love strong takes hard work, time, dedication, money and mostly supportive parents. This love has taken him across the country far and wide competing against the best of the best. He has experienced the feeling of being on top, winning it all, taking the gold. However, he has also felt the heartbreak of defeat, losing a tournament by a few points, disagreements with teammates, coaches and lastly referees. But, like any love affair, given a few days to think about it, he is back and fully committed to the relationship.

I do worry about this long lasting love affair. But, Austin continues to get excellent grades, high scores on the A.C.T. (yuk) and he is a parent's dream child. But, unlike most children's love affairs, he actually insists that his dad be involved. Randy has become his team's coach and has even played a few tournaments with him. They have found this to be a very bonding sport. I'm not sure who gets more butterflies before tournaments, Austin or his parents. We love talking to Austin about paintball, watching and talking about his tournaments and seeing his eyes and demeanor light up while talking about the love of his life. Yes, we enjoy his true love and we don't see a breakup in the near future.

I'm confused, She is not two!!!!!

2008-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

Not My Hair Appointment

2008-02-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

It happened so fast. I looked at my hair and dark roots were taking over my blonde locks. I needed a hair appointment; and I needed it right now. I called up my favorite hairdresser, Cindy, wanting to get an apppointment A.S.A.P. I told her that it is an emergency. The gray was coming in too fast and I was losing control. Unfortunately, hairdressers do not take emergency appointments. I would have to suffer through another whole week.
Today is the big day and my excitement is giddy. There is something about leaving a hair salon with a new cut and color that just makes me feel good inside. I am counting the hours until my appointment. I can make it a few more hours. I know I can!
Trish just called and needs help with carpool as her car has a flat tire. "Sure, I will be right over and we can stop and get a drink on our way home." As we are driving the kids to pre-school Trish exclaims, "I need to call Cindy. I need a hair appt, and I need it right now." I look at her with a smug smile and reply, "I have my hair appointment with Cindy tonight." I could tell she was a little mad, as she was feeling the same sense of urgency that I had felt last week. Then I hear the words, "Can I have your appointment?" "Please no, not my hair appointment", I think to myself. I look at her hair to see if she is truly in a state of emergency. "We are defintely in the same category. What am I to do", I ponder silently. Half-heartedly, I reply, "If you really need the appointment, you can take mine." She looks at me with a smile and says, "I would never take a girls hair appointment." She is so right. You never mess with a girl and her hair.

Pin His Shoulders to the Mat

2008-02-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Justin is wrestling for Alta High School this year. We are so proud of him and the great season that he has had. He is a ninth grader wrestling varsity. It's hard to figure out who gets more excited about practice, Justin or his Dad. Randy has been helping coach the kids, (he thinks he is one of them). If Randy could, he would be on the team. Is there such a thing as a forty and older bracket? It makes me smile watching Randy coach Justin in his matches, yelling out to him and cheering him on. Justin has made his old man proud, following in his footsteps.

My litle Piggies

2008-02-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

First I have to let it be known that yes I do have two teenage boys and one hot husband. But there is something about little girls that is just too much fun. Keeli is now all over the place. Her favorite hangout spot is underneath the coffee table. I had to snap this picture to show that she is now nine months old and has hair long enough for two little piggies. I am totally smitten. She truly is a blessing and I am so grateful that she was chosen to come to our family.

FYI: It is still snowing!!!!!!!!! Can you say cabin fever.

WHAT? NO SNOW DAY!!!!!!!

2008-02-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday morning and it is a blizzard outside. We must have six inches of fresh new snow. It is hard to tell because of the blowing wind and the huge flakes that are still falling. Church is sure to be cancelled. Who would think of going out in this? Well, apparently Utahns do. I still must be living in Washington mode. If we even had a dusting, the town shuts down. That's not the case here. These people are die hards. We all bundled up and headed to church. I was sooooo looking forward to staying in my jammies all day, sitting by the fire, and drinking hot chocolate. Oh Well, I got to go to church and we had a wonderful testimony meeting.

MY DEBUT INTO THE CRAZY WORLD OF BLOGGING

2008-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:00

Keeli, Baby Luke (littleD),Randy

I am now an official member of the blogging community!!! A big shout out to Brooke for introducing me to the blogging world. This is the perfect replacement for all those half-finished scrapbooks that are hiding in unorganized clutter in craft drawers. I cannot think of a better way to keep a journal and a scrapbook all in one.

It has been a looooong time since I have had the blessing of chasing a crawling baby all over the house. Forget the gym!!!!! Keeli is a little bundle of energy, she is into everything. Dare I ask how long this stage lasts?

Superbowl Sunday is in two days, so of course me and tric had to go stock up on all favorite snacks. We bundled up our two little babies and ventured out in the freezing cold to get our

goods for the big day. (we don't even like football) But any excuse to get the fam together for food and fun. Tricia's little Luke is still small enough for a baby carrier, however, Keeli is at the age where she sits in the front of the grocery cart eager to touch every item that goes into the cart. As I stroll the aisles looking for chocolate, Keeli is kicking off shoes, losing socks and doing three sixties in the grocery cart. As fast as I pick up a shoe and sock and put them on Keeli's little foot,the other shoe and sock will fly off. In my attempt to pick up shoes and socks down the various aisles and trying to face Keeli forward, I say out loud , "Are you kidding me" I hear a laugh from the aisle over. It is tric asking me if I am talking to myself. We both start laughing. The joys of being a mom. After our hard workout at the grocery store, we had to go to our favorite spot in Draper. (Sonic happy hour, it's the ice) to refuel for the rest of the day. Note to self. (grocery shop when Randy is home to watch Keeli)