the cutest SUPER GIRL i've seen.

"Mom, I am going to save the world!"

I love that she picks a costume that I haven't see another little girl wearing...yet. I love her confidence. I love her imagination. I love her.

Happy trick-or-treating!

special delivery with a bit o'spooky.

This year when we asked Van what she wanted for her birthday it was this list...

• alarm clock
• garbage can
• night light

When we asked her again and again, it was still the same list. I laughed at the list, but I couldn't bring myself to buy her these items for her birthday. We plan last minute, because Paul and I don't keep secrets well AT ALL. We finally went shopping two days ago. We let Van pick the remote control truck, and then we picked out practical stuff...but things that we both thought that she would really love...a new bedroom set, and bedding too!

This morning when the semi truck pulled up with her bedroom stuff she thought that I had invited my co-workers to her spooky breakfast. I think that she was in shock that all of this stuff was going in her bedroom. It really is moments like this that make being a parent so much fun.

(pretending to sleep)

If you are my friend on Facebook, you already know that Van wanted a spooky party. When we went shopping I just threw a few things in the basket to make a spook-tacular birthday breakfast.

French toast was grilled skin (yuck), sausage were the fingers, eggs were the brains, and fruit punch was the blood. I made these creepy ice cubes, and bought the skeleton dishes. I plastered the downstairs with caution tape, and I had to make it look like a birthday party with balloons! It was a HUGE success. Van was a happy girl this morning.

I don't know how I am going to top this birthday next year, but I am sure that Van is already planning something!! =)

my 5 year old.

It was today 5 years ago that we brought our Van into the world.

Funny how you make fun of those people that say "they grow up so fast!" Until the day you have a child of your own. Funny how you think "I would never do that!" Until the day you have a child of your own. Weird how people give advice to others who don't have children. Until you have a child of your own, you won't and don't understand. Even then no one has our Van, no one knows her quite like Paul and I do. I know that we were suppose to be Van's parents...what I didn't know is how lucky I would feel to have the job! Van is contagious.
Van is sensitive like me, but has a little fire like Paul.
Van loves friends, but likes playing in her room by herself.
Van hates having her hair done.
Van loves taking baths, but avoids washing her hair.
Van loves popcorn, and loves all things spooky.
Van is good at making a BIG mess in her room, but will always clean it up.
Van hates "tight" clothes, and loves shorts.
Van likes being different.
Van will put on a princess dress, and then play with her trucks.I asked Van some questions for her birthday...
What is your favorite TV show? Sponge Bob (this has been her show since she was 2)
What is your favorite color? Pink...shocking huh!?
What is your favorite food? Shrimp
What is your favorite thing to do? Go play arcade games.
What is your favorite toy? My new remote control truck. (Van got to pick any present she wanted for her birthday, and she picked a truck...see top picture!)
Today we will celebrate her birth. Today we will celebrate that we get to be a family. Today we will have surprises that make me giddy inside, because I know she will freak out when they happen. Today I will celebrate being her Mom, and having a Daughter that I adore...and I will protect her, love her, and live for her...forever!

Happy Birthday my

Savannah-Rama-Ding-Dong!

Heber Valley Railroad's Haunted Canyon Review by our Van

What was your favorite part of the train experience?

I loved the scary cowboy, and I liked the princess too!Were you scared?

Nope! (I may have told her it was going to be a lot scarier than it actually was.)What was your least favorite part?

The bathrooms smelled funny.

Do you want to go again? YES - Hello Mommy! (exact words!)

Thank you to the Heber Valley Railroad for letting us come and experience this. This time we went to the Vivian Park ticket booth, and we got on the train obviously with no problems. The Halloween season is quickly coming to an end, if you would like a code to receive a discount on your tickets...e-mail me! I will give you all the 4-1-1!

Wordless Wednesday: Nightmare on 13th part II

my birthday boy.

I remember Paul's 20th birthday like it was yesterday. German chocolate cake, presents, and most of all, he was my missionary. Who would have thought I would be spending Paul's 31st birthday with him?! Over the years birthdays have changed. Paul's birthday may or may not get a little overshadowed by Van's being two days later. I would love to say today is a day all about Paul, but business as usual for the most part. Our evening will be spent picking out Van's birthday presents, a dinner of Paul's choice or maybe Van's, and a movie. If I get motivation or a spare moment, I might make some cupcakes or something. Here is where you feel bad for Paul...his lame wife didn't even buy one gift. ;) I have no idea where I would be without Paul. I feel lucky that he is my partner in all things. Since Paul's last birthday our marriage has changed 180 degrees, a blessing indeed. As I watch our family grow in size, I feel over-joyed to be on such an awesome adventure with such a great man. Paul is always looking for ways to improve our situation, and make Van and I happy. Paul has a constant look of "deep thought" on his face, because I don't think that he ever stops worrying over us.

Last night while we sat over Del Taco and discussed plans of today, I apologized for not doing anything. Paul looked at me and said "I am doing what I want, I get to spend time with my family! I have the most amazing wife." Nice huh? I then proceeded to throw up on my food, no joke!

Although I didn't buy any presents for Paul that doesn't mean that I don't love him to the ends of the earth. Van and I really are very lucky girls, and Vin is lucky too!

We love you, Daddy! Happy Birthday!

Crayola: Lights, Camera, Color! Giveaway

Yes, this is just a big tower of Crayola crayons, but when I showed Van what also came with it...we have been busy using all of the different colors.

My Blog Spark sent us the tower along with our code to Crayola.com/colorme, and this is where the fun began! At Crayola.com/colorme you upload your own photos, and it takes all of the color out...making it your very own coloring page. Trust me this is addicting. Good thing my code is good for 6 months of unlimited prints, huh?

We printed out baby pictures, vacation pictures, and of course family pictures. The other thing that was really cool about the website is that you can add stuff to your coloring page...new backgrounds, props (like a mustache or hat), and phrases too!
Wanna try out this website for the day? You do need a code...so go ahead and stick this one in there PRT77F3S. If you want 6 months of unlimited prints like I have, all you have to do is buy a "specially marked" 48 count or larger of Crayola crayons...or you could win it here too! =) I don't know about you, but we can always use new crayons in our house!!

You will receive a Crayola Crayon Tower and your very own code good for 6 months.

Just leave a comment.

Giveaway ends November 1st @ Midnight!

forgetful.

I usually stay up late on Sunday nights to post the winner. Last night I forgot to stay up, forgot to put the number in random.org, forgot to post...and I am hoping that you will forgive me? =)

Rachel Sue said...
I always loved where the wild things are, but my absolute favorite growing up was Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

I really am excited for you to get your prize pack. We have been enjoying books all week, and Cheerios too!

E-mail me your deets, and I will make sure your package arrives safely at your door!

Why I don't travel?

My friend Landon traveled to Europe this past week, and while I looked through his pictures I realized why I don't travel. I would take one look at this breakfast sandwich from Burger King...and throw up! Do you want me to tell you what I think it looks like?And this just scares me...I think that I will just stick to Disneyland and the occassional trip to Hawaii!

Happy Monday! =)

Our Baby is a BOY!

I was a ball of nerves last night and this morning. It was our big day to find out what we would be adding to our family. I wasn't nervous to find out that my motherly instinct was right this time, and we indeed were having a boy. I was nervous, because I was afraid of bad news. With the ultrasound almost taking an hour, I am amazed and feel blessed that everything from head to toe checks out on Our Vin. You don't realize all the little things that can/do go wrong until the nurse says something like "his lips and nostrils look great". That hadn't even crossed my mind.Before she started she asked us what we wanted. Van proudly annouced "I want a BROTHER!" I think that Paul knew in his heart that this would be a boy, but said "I want a girl." We both know that we won't be finished with our family now that Vin is coming, we know that there is a another little girl...as hard as that is for me to say right now. ;) The ultrasound tech said that Paul was the first man she has seen to want a girl, and not be jumping out of his seat at the news of a boy. Funny that she would say that, because when it was annouced to us that Van was indeed a girl...he did just that...jumped right out of his chair.Vin is proving to be just like his older sister, because he is extremely active. When you get an apology from the ultrasound tech of "if this is a sign of what is yet to come, I'm sorry!" You know that your baby has got some intense energy!

It definitely hasn't started to sink in. I am sure that with a few shopping trips to look for Polo shirts, trucks, and such...we will be ready for Vin with open arms come March.

ESPN: The Body Issue Part II

Do you remember when I posted about the ESPN Body Issue? This morning when I logged into my e-mail and found this gem of a comment, I had to share it with everyone!



Susan said...

Hi!
I'm one of the athletes in the magazine. I'm honestly sorry you were upset by the issue but I think you may be missing the point of it. The magazine is purely showcasing the human body as a thing of beauty and athleticism. None of the girls in this issue would have ever been in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit or Playboy... we're not that type of build. I am big and strong and very proud of my body. I did not pose nude to offend anyone, but show people what rowers look like. And I disagree that it makes us 'bad role models' because I hope that girls who are big or have muscles will stand a little taller and be proud of the things they've worked for. I'm not a model, I'm an athlete, and I'm proud of my accomplishments.

My response to this:

I don't remember saying anything about the body types of the people posing. I don't remember saying anything like, if you have muscles or are bigger you shouldn't be posing nude. I don't think that you have to pose nude to be proud of what you have accomplished, and I definitely don't think that I have ever wondered what a rower looks like nude?! Just sayin'. I am a bigger girl, and I stand taller and am very proud of what I accomplish...without posing nude. I hope that my daughter will look up to athletes for what they do accomplish, and not what they look like without clothes on. I don't think being naked has anything to do with sports. ESPN should stick to talking about sports and related topics, and not a magazine that is only there to oogle over how great every one's body looks like nude.

Okay, I'm done.

the plan.

(picture stolen from Auntie Jenny)

I have not been sleeping. I don't think that it is very funny. I actually get really worked up about it, and then I end up having a minor melt down in the wee hours of the morning. I am worried about myself, and Paul is too. It will be the only time you will ever hear me say that I am excited for a Dr. appointment. I am going to fix myself, if that is possible. I really hate going to the Dr. I could go my whole pregnancy with two appointments...one to tell the sex of our baby, and one to tell me that it is time to have the baby.

But in the wee hours of the morning, when I have hours of sleeplessness I have time to think. Sometimes it is good happy thoughts that I want to jump up and write down, because it is those thoughts that remind me of my amazing life that has been created with Paul and Van.

Last night my thoughts turned to our plan for when this baby arrives. I thought about when Van, our first, was born. It was...What movie were we going to go see the night before I got induced? Who was going to be the first to get the call? Who was going to be the first to see our new baby? I then realized that these are all my same thoughts for our new addition. Who cares what movie we will see as a family, but I know who will get the first call...Our Van. Who will be our first visitor...Our Van. After all Van is our world, and should be the first.

Even though I know I have enough love for our Bri/Vin...Van will always be the one that made me a Mom, and I love her immensely for that.

Wordless Wednesday: Always an Adventure

One of our new machines,

and YES, I am totally addicted.

Yogurt Stop part 2

The Yogurt Stop opened in Draper (129 E 13800 S to be exact), and we were excited to be invited to their Friends and Family Grand Opening. Paul had never been, and was extremely impressed. Of course when Van has her own little special table to sit at, she is a giddy girl. Paul couldn't help himself when he saw pie crust, fresh strawberries, and cake batter yogurt. I wondered if he could accomplish his task, I think that he was even impressed by himself when he scrapped the bottom his bowl.

We {heart} the Yogurt Stop!

Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories Giveaway

My Blog Spark must have known that I needed a little reminder that reading with Van often is important. Van loves to read. She has a little stack of books that she hides under her blanket in her bed, and a tiny little flash light. I have caught her numerous times way after bed time reading to herself by the glow of her flash light.

I am guilty of buying a box of cereal based on the prize inside. I love when it isn't just another plastic toy. I think that Cheerios came up with an excellent idea of giving out children's books...that is something that we can never have enough of. They estimate they will hand out 6 million story books!

When I received my box on Cheerios I also fell in love with the fact that you can actually see the book you are getting, so you don't duplicate. Of course Van quickly gathered all the books in our package, and ran to put them under her blanket.

I was also provided by My Blog Spark a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble. I'm telling you Van is going to have one outstanding 5th birthday. I have a list of books that I have been wanting to get for her which include...

Where the Wild Things Are has gotten so much press with the new movie, I decided it was time to introduce Van to this story. I remember reading it, but honestly it has been too long to even know what the story was about.

My personal favorite growing up was The Rainbow Fish. I still can't believe it's not in our collection, it is a must have! =)

Do you want to receive the same package of fun goodies I got?

Leave a comment telling me what your favorite story book is/was, and you are entered!

Ready. Set. Go!

This Giveaway Ends October 25th @ Midnight!

the difference.

This pregnancy has been so different.

This pregnancy started off rocky. I didn't want to get excited, I was and still am afraid of it going bad. With Van I was excited from day one, I might have been a little naive thinking nothing could go wrong.
This pregnancy I swear I have been sick for longer. I was sick for a long time with Van, but I started to have good days in the mix. Maybe it's just been 5 years, and I have forgotten. Thankfully.
This pregnancy I crave bean and cheese burritos with green sauce from Del Taco...constantly. With Van it was Burger King french fries.
This pregnancy I have felt little flutters, occassionally. Van was a strong little thing, and Paul had already felt her move at this point.
This pregnancy I can't get enough sleep. I could sleep all day (just ask Paul). I was a lot more active with Van.

Are you wondering the same thing as I am? Does this mean it's a boy?

Frightmares at Lagoon.

Paul and Van made plans to go to Lagoon for their birthdays. I am pretty sure that I wasn't suppose to be in the plans, it was just suppose to be a Daddy/Daughter Date. When my friend gave me 3 free tickets...they had to take me. ;) So I came up with a better plan. Invite Shane so Paul could go on big rides, I would be the photographer, and make sure that Van got on all the kiddie rides. It was a success! It is days like these that I fall in love with Paul and Van all over again...okay, and Shane too! I watched my soon-to-be 5 year old wait in HUGE lines by herself, and not even complain. She looked so grown up, and I realized how quickly she will be off in to the big world by herself. Van begged to go in to the haunted house rides, I thought it was going to end badly...but I let her (of course we made Uncle Shane go with her). Van came out completely freaked, and this is how the convo went...

Mommy: What did you see that freaked you out?
Van: Mom, I only saw the floor!

Mommy: Laughing hysterically!

Being pregnant I can sometimes be no fun to be around, especially when there is A LOT of walking involved. Paul is super patient with me, attentive, and lets me order a big meal only to eat less than a 1/4 of it! We are really excited for this pregnancy to be over. LOL. We are really thankful that Shane made the drive all the way down here to celebrate! Van has a huge crush on her Uncle. Mommy and Daddy are not cool enough when Shane is around. Van wants to sit by him, hold his hand, and play non stop with him.

Lagoon just might become one of our birthday traditions. Turns out Paul isn't too old to enjoy the big rides. =)

Happy Weekend!

Well, I think that Sam Jo said it best when I was talking about the month of October..."It is like Van-a-palooza!" It is Paul's birthday, and Van's birthday this month. We have been celebrating almost every day so far. Today is no exception. =) We are headed up North for another day of frightening adventures...for their birthdays, of course! There will be lots of rides, scares, pictures, and let's not forget lots of unhealthy food...oh, and our favorite guest will be in attendance too. If I'm not to exhausted I will post later today, no promises.

While we are celebrating, I am hoping that Tiffany will be celebrating that she won a family 4 pack to ride the Haunted Heber Valley Railroad...

Tiffany said...
YAY YAY YAY!!! I get 7 entries. I blogged, finally tweeted something and updated my FB status!!! Try out HBV "Polar Express" we did it when I was prego with Matty and Will absolutely LOVED it!!

E-mail your 4-1-1!

And when you go, make sure you go to Vivian Park...just sayin'!

The Girls hit Nightmare on 13th.

I was given 4 tickets to go to the Nightmare on 13th, and give ya'll a review. I was hoping that I could go with Paul, because he is my protector at these things. It never did work out. So what do you do when you can't go with your hubbs? You find 3 girlfriends to go! I started having anxiety long before I entered the parking lot. I had been to Nightmare on 13th last year, and I got SO scared. I started to question my choice to invite all girls...Really that just screams disaster in a haunted house, doesn't it?
Before you even get inside Nightmare on 13th they have these scary characters greet you. This is where I get the most freaked out, because you are standing in line, and can't run from them. I have a picture of me with these characters, but unfortunately my phone broke before I could upload it. Super bummer!
We made Sam Jo and Kelly go ahead of BFF and I...which worked out perfect for us. The two of them took the brunt of startling scares. Of course that doesn't mean that we didn't get freaked out. It was hilarious to watch...to the point that I got heart burn from laughing. We let a threesome come in our group behind us for that much more entertainment. We ended up in a black room with a strobe light...I was the trailor of our foursome, and when I got out of the room this complete stranger was holding on to me for dear life. Giggles, giggles, and more giggles!

Would I recommend this to my friends? Of course.
Would I go again? Yup, yup.
Do I think that it's worth the money? I do. I would probably buy your tickets online, because of the discount. =)
Have you gone? Tell me what you think.

Momma always told me...

If you can't say something nice...don't say anything at all.

I am feelin' like this. I don't have anything great to talk about.

Nothing exciting. Right. Now.

My blog is boring.

I'm sorry.

I promise tomorrow I will have stories of excitement...maybe even sooner than that.

Heber Valley Railroad's Haunted Canyon Giveaway.

I couldn't decide whether to do this giveaway or not. I had BIG plans on Saturday night to go to Heber, get on the haunted train, and have lots of fun with my family. We drove up Provo Canyon, I smiled a lot with anticipation. We got a little lost, but found our way to a VERY empty train station. We then found out a little too late that for the Haunted Canyon they actually don't leave from the train station. I may or may not have cried all the way down Parley's Canyon, because we didn't get to go. I had to explain to a very disappointed 4 year old that she indeed didn't get to go on the train...because Mommy didn't read the directions right. It was a sad moment for us.

It is now Tuesday, and I have recovered. I am ready to let one of you win a 4 pack of tickets to go and ride the Heber Valley Railroad...and get a little spooked in the process. All I have to say is don't go to the station...it does not leave from there. =) It leaves from Vivian Park up Provo Canyon, and don't ask me where that is. LOL. If this is anything like my first experience on the Heber Valley Railroad, I am sure that it will be fantastic. You'll have to let me know. Okay?

If you want extra entries you can receive...

1 extra for updated FB status.

1 extra for updating your twitter.

5 extra for blogging.

Leave everything in one comment.

This giveaway will end THIS Friday the 16th at Midnight.

Guessing Games.

I am sure that I have discussed multiple times about how much I hate surprises. This is not limited to presents, I hate that I don't know what this baby looks like. I really don't like waiting to find out what he/she is. I drives me CArazy! It really does.
Will the baby get dark hair like me? Or will the baby come out looking just like his/her older sister? I know it was shocking when Van came out with a full head of blond hair. Will it happen again? Put in your vote...Who will the baby look like??