Appah's Life

2010 Wrap up!

2010-12-31T16:25:00.000-08:00

Blogging has taken a back seat for the last few months, and since the year is going to end in a few hours I thought it would be a good opportunity to list off the highlights of the remainder of 2010.

Payton and her Roosevelt soccer team.

Parker's first temple trip at the Medford temple.

Phoebe and Paxton at "trick or street"

Payton, Parker, Paxton, & Phoebe

Payton turned 10! Her with her birthday breakfast, apple crepe.

She also had a "spatacular" birthday party with her best friends. Rachel & I gave all the girls glitter toe pedicures and facials. I also made each of the girls a satin eye mask in their goody bags. They were some very pampered young ladies.

We had swim lessons,

And Jr. High football.

Parker graduated elementary school.

Phoebe graduated pre school

Payton and her dance team.

Phoebe and her tap class.

Georgia Bowlby's came to visit.

Oregon Coast

and the "Redwoods".

Tidepools...caught lots of hermit crabs.

April's last year as Girls Camp Director

But gets to go back next year as the Youth Camp Leader!

Jacci came home from a 19 month mission.

Had a fun Christmas out at the cabin with lots of snowmobiling!

Happy New Year! We hope that 2011 brings as many blessings as2010 did.

Camp Ester Applegate "Minute to Win it" birthday blast!

2010-09-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

Phoebe had been planning her 6th birthday party for about 9 months. She was dead set on having it at "Lake of the Woods" one of her favorite places in the world. And she would invite all of her friends, and they would go camping. So, we made up invites and asked people to come and camp with us....and they did! We decided to have a "Minute to win it" party since we were having both kids and adults. We planned a ton of games. First though we had some canoeing, some food, and some super yummy cupcakes! We had lots of friends come up, along with the Garcia's and my parents. The Jensen's come over from Medford too. Here is Chad amazing us at the "Chocolate Unicorn". Notice the reactions of the Davis boys, this was intense stuff!Craig thought that Jane required a little assistance with her tower. Parker working on his stack.Nicky worked really hard at "Bite Me" The Dad's did "Bobble Head". Craig was a "Rock Star" and totally dominated this one. Ask him if his neck hurt the next morning while he was picking pears.Macie wasn't sure what Jason was doing and was grabbing his neck...So funny!The next pictures are from "Face the Cookie". I hope you all will still be my friends after these pictures. They are too funny to not share!And now there's one of me to even the score. We had such a fun time up at the lake with our friends, thank you all for coming. Hope we can do it again next year!

Phoebe's Summer 2010!

2010-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Graduated Pre School!

Lost her very 1st tooth!

Turned Six!

Had the best birthday party of her life!

Started Kindergarten, wow! What a fantastic summer!

Who needs money anyhow?

2010-04-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we had to buy a new dryer. Tomorrow....we'll be purchasing a new washer, and a new garage door opener. When it rains, it pours. I hate "non fun purchases"!

Disneyland Info

2010-03-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

So while this trip is still fresh in my mind I decided to put together a list of information regarding all things Disneyland. I did a good amount of research beforehand, and talked to lots of friends about their park experience. It was great to go in armed with info. Disneyland truly is overwhelming, and I think that if you don't go in with a plan it's inevitable you will waste alot of time deciding what to do next. Here's a little bit of what I learned, hope it's helpful.

Transportation: We stayed at a timeshare condo that was about 3 city blocks away from the entrance to the park. Not too far, but far enough that walking with the kids everyday would really cut into our park energy. We opted for the ART (Anaheim Resort Transit)bus. The cost was $4.00 per day per adult, or $16.00 for a 5 day adult pass. We did the 5 day pass since we had five day park hopper passes. It was $16.00 for Jason, Parker, and myself. Paxton was free, 3 and under ride free with adult. And the girls, up to age 10 or 11 were $1.00 a day, or $4.00 for the four day pass. Doing this made transportation to the park a no brainer. To park in one of the park lots it is $14.00 a day. This lot is further away than where the ART drops you off and picks you up. Our bus stop was right outside the entrance to our hotel, and they even had a kiosk in the lobby to purchase the passes.

Food: Food inside the park is expensive, no doubt about it. While we were there we did pack a lot of food in, especially drinks. The drinks are really expensive. The park prefers you to not bring food into the park, but of the twenty or so different times we went in and out of the park no one ever said anything about our snacks. I had those little cinch sack back packs for mostly everyone. We used those to carry water, small little 12oz bottles of pop, frozen capri suns, crackers, bagels, string cheese, baby carrots, granola bars. With a nice size breakfast these kinds of snacks usually held us through till 1-2pm. Inside the park there are some things that are definitely worth shelling out the money for. Here's the prices of things we bought.

Disneyland:

Ice cream on Main Street- Huge Double Scoop dipped waffle cone $4.99-Yummy!
Churros-$3.50 (not the best deal, but they are so good.)
Big Thunder Ranch all You Can Eat Bar B Que - $20.00 a head. Maybe not the best deal for kids, but for just the adults it is by far the cheapest complete restaurant meal you'll find in the park. Ribs, incredible roasted chicken, all the fixens.
Bottled coke and water- $3.75! Definitely bring your own! I brought in those cute little 12oz diet coke bottles.
Pizza slice at the Pizza Port-$6.99 Thick super bready crust, a substantial slice.
Popcorn-$3.25 a necessity for little ones when waiting in long lines.

California Adventure:

Turkey Leg- $8.00 Huge, delicious, perfect. My 11 year old got this for lunch, everyone he walked past said "Oh My, that's huge".
Corn Dog at the Farmer's Market- $5.50 Huge corn dog, comes in a basket with fries. A really good value.

Food outside the park: We ate at Mc Donald's, Tony Roma's, and IHop (kids eat for free from 4-midnight).

Ride Max and Fast Passes-
There is a computer program called "Ride Max" that will put together a schedule for you based on the information (rides) you put into it. This service was offered free from our concierge desk at the hotel, and I think most hotels around the park offer this. The first two days at the park we opted to do our own thing. We spent a lot of time waiting in lines, and crisscrossing aimlessly around the park. The third day we decided to try the ride max out. We put in the rides we still needed to try out, and it generated a schedule for us based on wait times, start times, fast pass schedules. (More on Fast Pass later.) The schedule was really helpful in making certain that we used our time most efficiently, and had less line wait time.

Fast Pass: Some of the more popular rides in the park offer two lines. One is the standby line, that's the normal walk up and wait line. The other is the Fast Pass line. This line is given preference over the standby, and allows for significantly reduced wait time, and sometimes none at all. You can get two fast passes for different rides out at a time, these are connected to your ticket barcode. Once your time is up on the fast passes you can pull more. Each fastpass kiosk has the return time posted. Say you went to space mountain at 1:00pm to pull a fast pass the return time might be something like between 2:30-3:30 for your redemption. Since we had my mom with us her and I would typically wait in a ride line with the kids, while Jason would be the "runner". He had all of our tickets tucked safely in his wallet, so he would run and get fast passes for everyone while we took the kids on a little ride. On our date night Jason and I pulled a fastpass for california screamin, we went and did some other rides, but still had 35 minutes until our fast passes were valid so we just waited in Standby and rode. Once we were done with the ride we got off, wen't into the fastpass line and got to go on again immediately. It was a blast. For parents with little kids you can also use the "rider switch passes". These allow you to wait in line as a family, then when one of you has to stay off the ride with the little one you can stay at the front of the line wait for your spouse and other kids to ride. As soon as they are done the other parent stays with the little one, and you get to go on the ride no waiting. Your allowed to bring one of the bigger kids to ride with you again, so one of the kids gets to go on twice. Pretty sweet.

Just some other tips:
Set a spending limit: For souvenirs inside the park I gave my kids a $20.00 limit. We got that out of the way the first day, and they were so great about it. They all found something inside that range (Phoebe was the only one who went over $5.00, no biggie) then they were done. They didn't ask for another thing for the rest of the time.
Food inside the park: I wasn't super set on this, just conscience really. We really did good about eating a big breakfast at the condo, then packing in snacks. I knew I didn't want to go over $50.00 a day on park food and we never did. We never felt deprived, if we wanted something we went ahead and got it.
Go to City Hall: Take the time to go to City Hall and get some buttons. We went and got our "1st visit" buttons. Then on our date night Jason and I went and got some "Anniversary" buttons. They have "Celebrating" buttons for anything. These are free, and a fun thing to collect. Another souvenir idea is to purchase "Disney Dollars". You can get these in different denominations as low as $1.00, that will be the cheapest keepsake you can buy in the park.
Take a time out: My mom wanted to go into some shops on Main St and we didn't want to take the little ones in, so Jason and I took them to Micky's Theater. It's just a little round room with six different screens playing classic micky cartoons. We sat in there with the little kids for about half an hour. It was a great time out for us and the kids. Plus there was hardly anyone in there, a much needed break from the big crowds and the sun.

Hope this is helpful, just writing it down makes me want to go back again! Three years won't be soon enough!

Our Disneyland Adventure!

2010-02-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

We've been home from Disneyland for four days now and I finally feel ready to blog about it. It was a fantastic family vacation, and we made some really special memories. Our first day in the park was so much fun. As per suggestion we did Pirates of the Caribbean first, then made our way to the back of the park. We went on several rides the first day, and watched the Jedi Training Academy show. We did some shopping (the kids were each given $20.00 that they could spend at D-land.) We were able to bring my mom with us to help with the kids. This made such a huge difference in our flexibility with the big kids. Around 1:00pm the first day we went back to the condo and had a quick bite to eat. Then Jason, the three big kids, and I went back to the park. We ran around and played until around 9:00pm. My favorite moment of the day was when we went onto "Star Tours". It's a really dated ride, and they are replacing it with something new next month but my family absolutely loved it! One, because we're huge star wars fans, and second because the little kids totally thought it was real. It takes you on a simulated outer-space ride, and Phoebe was completely floored because she thought we had just gone out to space. She kept saying "That was a real trip mom!" Her face during the ride was too much! After we were done at the park we walked across the street to the ihop and ate huge amounts of food. Phoebe fell asleep in the booth, and Jason had to carry her back to the bus stop. It was a really fun night. The next day we decided to try California Adventure. It was a really difficult morning. Everyone was super tired, and all of us were a little bit snippy. We made it through the morning, then we all went back to the condo. We decided to have my mom take the big kids back to the park for the evening and Jason and I stayed with the little ones. They got to do the street parade, and see some evening stuff that wouldn't hold the little kids attention. California Adventure is not geared towards little ones as much as D-land, so there's just not that much for them to do. Day three of the park was more of the same. Us with just the big kids for the second part of the day, mom taking the little one's back home after lunch. We all did the "Maliboomer" which was so fun. It gives us the giggles bad. Then Jason, Payton, and I did California Screamin. Parker wanted nothing to do with that, he's not much of a roller coaster guy. Then we did "Grizzley River Rapids". We had a lot of fun on that. Payton was the only one of us that got really wet. Starving again, we went to "Tony Romas" and ate ribs. We walked to MCD's to get some dessert and then decided to hop on the bus and get home. It was a good long day. Our fourth day, and the hottest of the week 81 degrees in February, we went and spent the day at Huntington Beach.

It was so surreal, I can't believe that people actually live that life. Surfing in the middle of the day, tons of people walking/running up and down the beach. There were dolphins out in the wake about a 1/4 mile off shore. We had a really nice relaxing day at the ocean. Phoebe and Payton collected shells, Parker made structures with all the washed up bamboo along the beach. Paxton made certain we weren't bothered by the seagulls and chased all of them away. We got enough sun to pink up, and warm our bones. Thursday we went to the park again. Around 3pm everyone left except Jason and I. This was our date night, and we had a really nice evening. We rode all of the rides that we wanted to ride, Tower of Terror, Cal Screamin (twice), Swinging Gondolas, The Maliboomer, and others. It was a great date. We got ice cream on Main Street USA, and it was amazing. We ate dinner outside of the park at Bubba Gump Shrimp CO. We ate ourselves sick, everything was too good. The last day in the park everyone got to pick their favorite ride and that's what we did. Payton's was California Screamin, Phoebe did it with us and liked it! Parker's was Space Mountain, Grandma Suzie did Great moments with Mr. Lincoln, and Jungle Cruise. Paxton was Buzz Lightyear Blasters, and Phoebe's was splash mountain & soarin over California. After the best corn dogs ever Jason and I took the little kids home to swim. We spent the rest of the day/evening packing up and cleaning the condo. It was an amazing family vacation, and it's always such a treat to get out of Klamath Falls in February. We were blessed with great weather, and generous family. Having my mom with us was such a gift. We wouldn't have been able to do half as much with out her there. We hope to be able to go back in about 3 years.

Phoebe got picked to be in the High School Musical dance party!

Four Days.....

2010-02-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

We leave for Disneyland in four days! Jason and I have never been to Disneyland. Parker went when he was 3, so he really doesn't remember it, and the other kids have never been as well. I'm super excited, and a little bit nervous. I feel like we've planned well, and I've done my research but now that the times come I can't remember anything! I've got so much to get ready! I am super grateful to the Bowlby's for being so generous in letting us use their timeshare to stay at. There's no way we could afford seven days in the magic kingdom inside or outside of the gates without it. I've been checking the forecast and it's holding in the 70's! I cannot wait to be warm. If you have any advice send it my way!

Happy Anniversary

2010-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Today is my and Jason's 12th wedding anniversary. It's flown by, and been fabulous 90% of the time. Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate. We went to the only Vietnamese restaurant in town and had delicious food. At the end of the dinner we got fortune cookies which read....

His: You will a have happy adventure soon.

Mine: Accept the next proposition you hear.

Nuff said, happy anniversary Jason.

Fall Pictures!

2009-12-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Went out past Keno with our friends the Hewletts to get their Christmas tree. We can't have a real one because of my families allergies, but it was so fun to go out in the woods with them. Tiffany took our family picture, and I took advantage of the opportunity to take new pictures of the kids. Fall pictures are always my favorite, and somehow this year I missed the leaves in town so out to the woods we went.
Paxton-3

Parker -11 Payton-9

Phoebe-5

Halloween 2009

2009-12-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was a week long event. It started with the Main Steet Parade and carnival. Paxton the Pirate and Phoebe the Sailor had a blast. Even Parker (who is almost too cool for this holiday) had a good time.Payton was out in the woods with J collecting wood.
They had a ton of stuff going on including several businesses who were giving out candy to the hords of children. Parker stayed at the Jewelry store and handed out candy. This is Phoebe in the Parade with Margaret. These two just love each other to pieces. They have such a sweet friendship.
Then there was trick or treating at "Trick or Street" . Here is Lila the Lion at our church "Trunk or Treat". It was a really good night there too!
Here's Parker in his Ducks Uniform, which doubled as his costume for the second year in a row.
Payton and Eva used their dance receitle costumes to be clowns this year at the Roosevelt Carnival. So many Parties this year!

Phoebe's Pre-School

2009-12-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

Theses are Phoebe's school pictures that my friend Camille did for the school. They are sooo cute!
Phoebe's Teacher and the class, cute kids, great teacher, awesome school! Love it!

Wood Adventures

2009-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

In October Jason and I took the little kids out to Deadhorse and Campbell Lake to get wood. We borrowed trailers and vehicals from various family members and friends and headed out to get wood for the winter. This is a great place to get wood because there is so much standing dead wood, thanks to beatle kill. You can see the whole hill behind the lake is just ravaged.

The down side to going there is that it is about 80 miles one way. So we tryed to make the most out of the trip and get as much wood as possible. We had a truck bed and two trailers. We got directions and a map from the Forrest Service office in Klamath. They told us that when we got to a certain spot we would find the wood in piles already fell and limbed. That was exactly what we found when we got to the lake. Several piles of it waiting for us to load up. We got the truck bed about halfway loaded when a Forrest Service truck pulled up to us and told us that the wood we were loading was for campsites, not us. We knew it was too good to be true. He was nice though, and let us keep what wood we had loaded. Evidently, the office in Klamath was giving out bad information, he had to tell this same thing to two people before us the same day. When he was done crushing our dreams, he told us that the tire on one of our trailers was flat. That was the beginning of a long bad day. We had no spare for the trailer, and the leak was so bad that it wouldn't hold air after we put in "tire stuff" and filled it back up with air. We couldn't drive the trailer home with this tire, so we jacked the trailer up and took off the wheel and put it in the back of the car. Jason found a spot, and started cutting wood while I drove the back service roads to Paisly Or. When I finally arrived in Paisley an hour later they had one service station. I filled up the huge gas tank of the Escalade, and prayed that they could fix the tire that is appreantly older than dirt. The locals gave me weird looks, probably because of the luxery suv I was driving. This kid was the only one working the gas station/ service station and he was running his but off.

Across the street from the service station is a nice little cafe where the kids and I grabbed a drink. Inbetween the two on the corner of the main road through town was this "Deer Hide Deposit" bucket. That's small town Oregon for ya!
So about an hour after I arrived, and $60 in gas, and $ 65 in tire tube later I was on my way back to where Jason was. When I arrived to Jason he only had about 6 tree rounds loaded. I had been gone for almost 3 hours, so I was very dissapointed. The reason was, not because he was taking it easy, but because the chain on the chain saw was so dull it was taking 15 minutes and a whole lot of man power to get through one section of tree. After witnessing this for about an hour, I got fed up with it. We decided to just limb them and cut them into six foot sections. Then we both picked them up, and threw them in the tailer. We ended up being out there well past dark, but we got alot of wood. It was such a long drive and a whole day, so the pressure to make it worth it was on. By this point it was also getting to be an expensive trip! All in all a good long days worth of hard work, and heat for the winter.

Making good on promises

2009-09-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Back in the spring I did a "contest" on my blog. The first 3 people to respond and repost were promised something handmade by me with in the year. So since nothing else inspires me like fall it was easy to get to work.

For Kelda I made these stacker blocks. I'll be making some more for myself I think.

For Suzanne I made this Pumpkin plauque. I loved it soo much that I had to make on for myself. Then I went and made a 12x12" one with a big pumpkin on it. They are my favorite! I went and bought Michaels, and Joanns out of wooden pumpkin shapes.

And since Sarah moved (send me your address Sarah!) I made her some fall cards. They're super cute, and way lighter to mail;).

I also made a new wreath for my front door. I am feeling mighty particular about wreaths as of late. Since I have a glass door, and you can see both sides of the wreath I had to figure out a way to make the back side as pretty as the front. I wrapped the whole thing in ribbon, and hid the wire to attatch the vines under the ribbon. Looks great! I also made two mini matching ones for on top of the buffet right inside my front door.

I was a crafting maniac this last week, and there have been no signs of stopping.
Today I painted over the mural I did in the girls room. It's been up for about five months, and I'm done looking at it. I've been working on some new artwork for their room. I'm really pleased with how it's turning out. Tomorrow I will make an oversided memo board for over Payton's bed. The ceilings in their room are really high, and I am too lazy to paint a border around the top of the room. The memo board should take up some wall space and soften the area. Hopefully I'll like it, I havn't been pleased with much of anything I've done in their room since they decided to share.

Mount Scott

2009-09-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today was labor day, and we decided to take advantage of the kids being out of school and Jason being off of work. We went up to Crater Lake National park to hike Mt Scott. Jason hiked it last year, so he was generous and stayed with the little kids, so that the big kids and I could get up the mountain. This was both Parker and Payton's first mountain hike, and they did awesome! I was really proud of both of them. Payton had a little trouble keeping up, and got a little discouraged but that didn't last long and she made it. Parker had no trouble, so that was great! Meanwhile, Jason was with Paxton, Phoebe, and Penny. He really got the short end of the stick. He was pushing the stroller up the path, that in and of it's self had to have been a workout. I figure they got about a mile and a half up the mountain before they had to turn back. Phoebe doesn't enjoy long amounts of walking.

Parker, Payton and I ascended in about an hour and 20 min. We descended in 45 minutes. Payton tripped coming down and scraped up her knee and hands, but she was a trooper and walked it off. I had to hold her hand most of the way down after that. The view of Crater Lake from the top is amazing. I don't think I'll ever get over how blue that lake is. It's fun to be up there and see Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, and Mt. Theilson. You can see the Klamath Lake as well. We talked to two different couples, both from Seattle. We watched a chipmunk take a full on dirt bath, he went as far as to use his paws to rub the dirt on his arms like he was lathering up with soap, weird. It wasn't very cold up there, probably 50'. But in the shade of some of the bigger rocks next to the lookout station we found quite a few ice chips. We were back home by three, so it didn't feel like too long of a day. It was a great activity, and so fun to watch Parker and Payton be pleased with their accomplishment. I'm so sad school is back tomorrow:(

Pax Man

2009-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Paxton! Some things about Paxton from the summer of 2009

*Rides a big boy bicycle with training wheels

*Loves playing the computer

*Is a little scary at how much he know about the computer

*Is talking more clearly than he was a couple of months ago

*Started pre-school this year. (Due to speech issues)

*Tells Penny to "Sit", "Lay down"& Penny actually listens

*Loves Parker more than anybody, he's an amazing big bro

*Say's to his daddy every morning "Hi Mommy", it just cracks me up.

*Loves Diego and Dora

*Loves going swimming

*Still want's to be carried a lot, he's the baby.

*Screams very high when he get's upset, we're working on that.

*Broke our Wii

*Is really great at all things mechanical (he is his father's son)

*Snores, (he is his Grandpa Jim's grandson)

*Is begining to say prayers, love it.

GO GIANTS!

2009-09-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we met up with Nana & Papa for a ball game at Giants stadium. AT&T ball park is beautiful. It is very clean, and we have never had a bad seat there. The Giants played and beat the Colorado Rockies. It was a slow game until the 6th inning, when it finally picked up and got really fun. Friday night games are my favorite ones. They're usually full, and everyone is in good spirits. Parker and Payton had a really fun time. Grandpa Pat took them down to the field while practice was going on and they both caught fly balls! That was pretty cool. They were friendly and talkative with all of their neighbors, it was so cute to watch. Phoebe and Paxton had a really long day and were exhausted. The game didn't start until 7pm, so anticipating the meltdown we came prepared.

Before the game we walked all over the stadium. The kids got to go down the Coke a Cola bottle slide.

We walked down by the field, and ate lots of yummy ball park food. The little ones lasted until about the 4th inning. Jason brought in his mini laptap loaded up with cartoons for the little ones to watch. It worked like a charm. When they got too tired to handle the situation we took that out, and hooked them up. It made it so that we were able to sit and enjoy the game, and one of us wasn't out walking around with a screaming child.

The game was great, and since it was so hot during the day it didn't get cold at all that evening.

After the game got out, we left San Fransisco over the Bay Bridge and drove north.

We stayed the night in Fairfield, and headed home the next morning. It was such a great week! We had a great time making memories, seeing new things, and spending time together.

Family Vacation 2009 Santa Cruz

2009-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

This summer we were able to go on a family vacation to the Sonoma Valley in California. Jason's parents let us use their timeshare to stay at a wonderful condo just outside of Santa Rosa. It was such a fun week together!
Our first outing during our trip was a day down to Santa Cruz Beach. This was such a fun place. We were able to spend a couple of hours playing in the water. The kids did a lot of body surfing, and playing in the sand. The sand was nice and hot, and the water was pretty great.

After we got cleaned up and changed we headed up to the boardwalk. It has about a mile of rides and concessions. After a hot dog and some cotton candy we started the fun! Payton was super brave and did a big roller coaster with me right out of the gate! Parker is not too much of a thrill seeker. We couldn't get him to do a coaster. He would rather stick to the rides that don't go so far off of the ground. Paxton had a blast on all of the little kiddie rides. He loved the kiddie race cars. Phoebe lucked out. She was tall enough to do a lot of the big rides, which was good because she like Payton is pretty fearless! She was also within the height requirements to ride the kiddie rides.

Somehow I got suckered into going down the log chute with the kids, we got totally drenched!

Paxton got to do a ton of different rides! They really had a great variety for little kids.
They even had a pretty fast roller coaster he could ride on!

All of us loved Santa Cruz. It was the perfect size for our first amusement park family outing. Not overwhelming at all. It was a relaxed atmosphere, the weather was amazing, and the scenery was beautiful. We would love to go again next summer! It's definitely an Appah Family Favorite!

The City by the Bay

2009-09-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up our California vacation by spending Friday in San Fransico. We started off early in the morning, and arrived in S.F around 10am. After driving over the golden gate bridge we headed down Lombard St. The kids got a real kick of of this street, and couldn't believe people actually lived on it.

We went up to Coit Tower on the top of Telegraph Hill. They have a beautiful view of the city.

After finding parking we headed down the "Embarcadero" towards fisherman's warf. We had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe. The younger kids rode the big carosel on Pier 39. We walked around pier 39, and through some shops. We showed the kids Alcatraz Island from the pier, couldn't do a tour with the little kids.

After a long hot(92'and humid) day we hopped back on the street car and headed towards Giants stadium to meet up with Nana & Papa for the ball game. It was hard getting around such a big city with Phoebe and Paxton. We could have definitly seen and done a lot more if they had been older. We did a ton of things that day though, and they held up pretty good.

Boy Heaven

2009-08-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

Parker and Harrison get to spend a few days together every summer with Harrison's grandparents Mike and Diane. It has been dubbed "Boy Heaven". It's three days of video gaming, junk food eating, fun place visiting time together. Rules don't really exist during these visits, and the three of them (Mike, Harrison, and Parker) have way too much fun together.

This year they wen't camping on the Applegate river. The boys got to fish in Mike's aluminum boat, swim, jump off of very big rocks, and eat at at yummy resturants. The boys about drove everyone crazy with their discussions of the car company they plan to open after college. These two are very into cars right now. They discuss things at great length, with much detail. It's amazing that these two have been best little buds since they were 5. That's almost seven years!
It will be interesting to watch their friendship continue to grow over the next few years. All in all it was a great trip, and a wonderful tradition that I am so grateful that the Oliver's continue to include Parker in.

My Pheebs

2009-08-18T07:38:00.001-07:00

Today was Phoebe's fifth birthday! What a huge milestone five is. So many things happen at five, you start school, you start loosing teeth, you learn to read and write. Five is a pretty big deal. For Phoebe's special day we did some pretty fun stuff. For breakfast we had waffles, her favorite. Then we gave Phoebe all of her gifts. It was so fun to watch her open everything, she was so grateful for all the clothes, and toys she received. I made her cake, before it got too hot. It was 95' on her birthday. After getting dressed and ready Phoebe and I left for some shopping. We met up with dad at "Ick Donalds" for lunch. After lunch with dad, Phoebe and I went and picked up her friend Bekah to go out for some birthday ice cream. I took the girls to Dairy Queen for a little lady treat, then we went back to our house for a play date. When we got home I had planned on frosting Phoebe's cake. Paxton had other ideas, he really likes cake. He ate over half of that thing! It was so hot, I couldn't stand the thought of turning the oven back on. So....we frosted the half eaten cake, Phoebe was just fine with it. Such a trooper! The Garcia's and Hewlett's came over for some half there cake.

Jason had to go over to the pear farm in Medford with the youth, so I made plans with Holly to come over with just Phoebe and have a little celebration with the Jensen's. Amazing Holly whipped up some yummy cupcakes, and a divine dinner for us. Phoebe got to have a super fun play date with Lily. Afterwards at the pear farm she got to see her Nana and Papa, and all of Keno branch sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She had a great birthday, and got to spend the whole day being super special getting one on one time with mom and dad.

Phoebe is my favorite five year old girl in the whole world. She has the quirkiest sense of humor, and constantly keeps us laughing. She loves music, dancing, swimming, riding bikes, cutting hair and her dog Penny. She is sweet, and thoughtful. She is kind to her friends, and is generous in so many ways. She is frustrating beyond belief, and stubborn. She is strong willed and confident in her own skin. She is beautiful, and the most fun person to hang out with that I know. I am in awe of her, and know that I am blessed to be the mother of such a special girl.

Portland Zoo

2009-08-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Last week the kids spent seven days with my parents up in Salem while I was at girls camp and Jason was at work. On Saturday as soon as I got home from camp and took a shower we got in the car and headed up to see the kids. We decided to make a long weekend out of the trip and spend a day in Portland at the zoo. It was a great time, and all of the kids did really well.

Phoebe and the Penguins.

Here is Phoebe in the petting zoo. She was the only one who was brave enough to go in.

Zebra

The girls had a fun time posing for pictures on the statues, whoo no hands!

Payton and Paxton on the bench.

Phoebe and the bear, posed by Payton.

Paxton and the Asian Bull Elephant. Most zoo's only have one bull elephant. The Portland zoo has six. They have to shuffle them around all day long to different areas, it's a huge job.

At the Sea Lion tank, the huge sea lion was being pretty active in the water since it was such a hot day. It's amazing to see them move their bodies underwater. It was so fun to watch.

Kids at the Sea Lion's tank.

Payton crawling through the tunnel.

Phoebe waited all day to so the Giraffe. I was only able to get two pictures before he went inside. At least her attention span is short, so as soon as she laid eyes on him she was satisfied.

We had a great day at the zoo. We were able to see tigers, hippos, polar bears, and black bears. Birds of prey, wolves, fruit bats, and tons of other interesting and beautiful animals. We'll have to go back as soon as they finish the new lion exhibit!

Family Car

2009-07-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

This is what is responsible for almost half of our vacation budget being swollowed up this month. The transfer case on the Volvo went out. It was a very expensive part. The dealership wanted $2,000 just for the part. They told us to expect $4000-$6000 after shop time. Jason searched high and low for some other alternative. He was in Volvo forums all over the internet figuring out exactly what part he needed, and the best place to source it from. After five days of searching he finally found the part. Used with 30'000 miles on it he was able to get the part for around $600.00. He installed it himself, and the car is working fine. Thank goodness my husband can do anything. On a sadder note, our long awaited trip to Disneyland is postponed. We are going to shoot for Feburary to take the family to Disneyland. It will be the first time for all of us, but Parker. We will be going on a smaller family vacation in August. A little closer to home. I'm so thankful that we were able to get the car fixed, and for a fourth of what the dealership wanted to charge! Here's to my handy hubby!

2009-07-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

She's not afraid of frogs. Eww...

Best Cake Ever!

2009-07-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

For Jason's birthday this year I made this cake. It was the very first "from scratch" cake I've ever made. I've always been intimidated by baking. This cake was A-MAZING. The inspiration for it was a "Reese's Peanutbutter Cup".

It was 3 layers, and so rich we couldn't even finish one thin slice. Umm...divine.

Here's the recipe from

"Smitten Kitchen.com ". Enjoy.

Sour Cream-Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze

Sky High: Irresistable Triple-Layer Cakes
This cake is INTENSE. Serve it in the thinnest slices possible, and keep a glass of milk handy.
Makes an 8-inch triple-layer cake; serves 12 to 16 (the book says, I say a heck of a lot more)
2 cups all-purpose flour2 1/2 cups sugar3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process2 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 cup neutral vegetable oil, such as canola, soybean or vegetable blend1 cup sour cream1 1/2 cups water2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle (I skipped this)
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cakepans. Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.
2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine them well. Add the oil and sour cream and whisk to blend. Gradually beat in the water. Blend in the vinegar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs and beat until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed. Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely. (Deb note: These cakes are very, very soft. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They’ll defrost quickly once assembled. You’ll be glad you did this, trust me.)
4. To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup cup of the Peanut Butter Frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. (Deb note 1: Making a crumb coat of frosting–a thin layer that binds the dark crumbs to the cake so they don’t show up in the final outer frosting layer–is a great idea for this cake, or any with a dark cake and lighter-colored frosting. Once you “mask” your cake, let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating. Deb note 2: Once the cake is fully frosting, it helps to chill it again and let it firm up. The cooler and more set the peanut butter frosting is, the better drip effect you’ll get from the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze.)
5. To decorate with the Chocolate–Peanut Butter Glaze, put the cake plate on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Simply pour the glaze over the top of the cake, and using an offset spatula, spread it evenly over the top just to the edges so that it runs down the sides of the cake in long drips. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze and frosting to set completely. Remove about 1 hour before serving. Decorate the top with chopped peanut brittle.
Peanut Butter FrostingMakes about 5 cups
10 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted2/3 cup smooth peanut butter, preferably a commercial brand (because oil doesn’t separate out)
1. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl often. Continue to beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the peanut butter and beat until thoroughly blended.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter GlazeMakes about 1 1/2 cups
8 ounces seimsweet chocolate, coarsely chopped3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter2 tablespoons light corn syrup1/2 cup half-and-half
1. In the top of d double boiler or in a bowl set over simmering water, combine the chocolate, peanut butter, and corn syrup. Cook, whisking often, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove from the heat and whisk in the half-and-half, beating until smooth. Use while still warm.

Fourth of July 2009

2009-07-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

This year for the Fourth of July we had a pretty busy day. We started off at the pancake breakfast and flag raising down at the church. Joann Hobbs did a wonderful reading. My Mom and sister Bonnie came down for two days because Nicky was baptized on the Fourth.
After the baptism in the afternoon everyone rested. We met back at the Garcia's house with the Hewlett family to have bar-b-que and watch the fireworks.
We were able to set off our own fireworks in the street, since they live on a dead end. Jason had all the kids dancing, and being goofy. They all had a great time!
Here they are doing toe touches now. Almost looks like an aerobics class.
After the fireworks, we got out the sparklers. Jason takes these pictures because they are his favorite. They have some pretty neat effects.

Phoebe & Paxton

Bekah and Ryeleigh showing off their sparkling talent!
This one is fun, because there is about 4 kids in there. You have to look hard for them.

After the sparklers we went down to the end of their street to the edge of the baseball fields to watch the city fireworks. It was the perfect place! After the show we were walking back to the house facing the hill that we live on. All of a sudden we saw a huge fire start burning. We all stopped and realized that that fire was right where our house is. Jason hopped in the car and raced up the hill towards the house while I dialed 911. Jason got up to the house, and luckily the fire was one house away in some juniper trees on the street. No property damage, except some trees and brush. The fire department got the fire out very quick. It was a little scary, it looked so huge. I even had someone who was out at the Wal-Mart parking lot watching the fireworks see the fire. She said it was huge from there, and could even tell it was near our house. The house was really smokey, but cleared out overnight. There was ash all over the cars. Pretty exciting day. We were very blessed to have everything be okay. I am thankful for the blessing to have been born in this great country. I am grateful for the privilege to raise my children, especially my daughters in this country. I appreciate my freedoms, and I am indebted to those who have secured it. God bless America.

Ballet 2009

2009-07-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite pictures from ballet this year.

I thought that Phoebe's back looked gorgeous in this picture, she has the most beautiful posture.

Lindsey and Emmy are sister's and I thought this was so sweet.

The lighting in this room was so dark, and I hate to use a flash.

It ended up making the Phoebe pictures look almost like paintings. They're very artsy and I love them.

This is Taylor and Bekah, I like the angles of this picture.

Payton and Eva have been best little friends since they were in kinder garden together. Their birthdays are only two days apart.
This is Eva's "Stinker Face"! Still beautiful!

Payton couldn't be outdone, her "Stinker face"! They're so fun!

Beautiful Payt.

The ballet class. Nicky is in there too. Some of these kids have been in the same class for four years.
The tap class. These costumes were not my favorite, but they still look cute. Jane and Nicky are also in this class.

My girls love dancing with Ms Rachel. Payton has danced for four years, and Phoebe has danced for two. They can't wait to start again in the fall.

Oregon Coast Vacation

2009-06-23T12:02:00.001-07:00

For Father's Day weekend we headed over to the Oregon Coast. We stayed at the Harris Beach state park campsite.

After setting up camp we headed down to the beach. This was the kids first time to the beach and they loved it! It was great weather, and beautiful light.

Phoebe is such a little water bug. She was great about wading in and jumping back, but by the end of the evening to no one's suprise she ended up completely soaked!

What a great start to our long weekend.

The next day we ran into a bunch of different people. Our young single adults branch was participating in a regional activity. It's always fun to see people that you know when your away from home. The Budden boys were there with their parents and helped us bury Payton and Phoebe in the sand.

The finished product...two very cute heads.

Those brave little girls attempted to rinse off in the ocean afterwards. Bad idea, I think they nearly froze to death.

After showers and a nap we went for a hike around the trails in the state park. They have some really beautiful hikes, it was a great way to spend the evening. Paxton was a real pill this weekend. He wouldn't let me get any pictures of him. I have about twenty of him walking away from me though.

The 3 kids...of course Paxton would not join them for a picture.

At the lookout point, makeout spot as we like to tease the kids.

We went to a differnt part of the shore, where it is really rocky. It provides a very different landscape and is so beautiful. Jason and the kids were trying to skip rocks into the ocean. I'm not sure that this works, Jason insits it does.

This V shaped notch in the huge coastal rocks was really cool so Parker wanted his picture infront of it.

I noticed that I have tons of pictures of Phoebe from this trip. I think it's because of her age, little kids tend to be really unihibited when the camera's around.

Back at camp the girls counted up and sorted out all their precious finds from the beach. Rocks and shells...we left the crab legs and kelp behind.

Later this evening we headed down to the campground park and ran into some old friends from first ward. Ryan and Rebecca Larson were there for a family reunion. It was a fun suprise to catch up with them and their cute family. Rebecca's nephew Mason (who Payton had a crush on when she was four) entertained us with his amazing dancing skills.

Our last campfire before heading home the next morning. We made smores and roasted hotdogs. What a fun time we had.
We plan on making this an annual tradition for our family. Can't wait until next year.

2009-05-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

How do you spell summer?

2009-05-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Warm summer days are upon us. We spent the day at the park with friends and I caught some pictures of these beautiful babies. Brent's first wartermelon....yum!

Nothing says summer more than being outside in a diaper. Such a pretty girl Macie is.

Manly Men

2009-05-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Jason and Chad got to work on our new fence. It has become a neccesity since Paxton has decided that he would rather be anywhere but our house or yard. He's quite the escape artist.They worked most of the day with this huge ogger to put in the posts for the fence. It was a workout. You can even see thier muscles flexing!

Jason was a little bit out of breath after this one. Tyler and Parker helped out with some of the hard labor as well.Penny was tuckered out after watching all of that work happening.

Hoses, and Mud Pies

2009-05-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Every year it seems we have a freakishly hot day in April. This last month we had two days of 80'weather. It was a great excuse to get the swim suits out and play in the yard! Paxton got to man the hose and isn't scared to get himself and everyone else wet!

That is pure joy on my little man's face.

Bekah is just beautiful, even with mud all over her.

Phoebe and Bekah are such good little friends, they have so much fun together.

Porter just observed all of the water/mudd/jumping crazieness. Cutie Pie.Christoper is a silly boy.

We had a great time taking advantage of the hot day.

Easter Fun

2009-05-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Easter 2009 was a good weekend. We went over to the Hewlett's house for an egg hunt with a bunch of our friends.Paxton was not the most competitive egg hunter. He only got about seven eggs. He then went over to the fence and pushed all seven of his eggs into the neighbors yard. Don't really think he got the idea this year.He did get the idea of the trampoline though, him and Phoebe bounced all over the place.Then I fed Porter his very first "spring oreo". This kid is a huge eater, and he likes the oreo!

Bring it on!

2009-04-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the forcast for the next 10 days?

Monday April 13th Sunny High 52'

Tuesday April 14th Rain/Snow High 41'

Wednesday April 15th Partly Cloudy High 49'

Thursday April 16th Mostly Cloudy High 60'

Friay April 17th Partly Cloudy High 64' (Hold on it's about to get a whole lot better!)

Saturday April 18th Partly Cloudy High 68'

Sunday April 19th Mostly Sunny High 67' (wait for it, wait for it..hear it comes!)

Monday April 20th SUNNY High 70'! We hit 70, whoo hoo! With a nice steady build up through the 60's it's feeling like spring! I have a great feeling about next week.

My List

2009-04-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of years I have been making a little "to do someday list". Because my days are packed I have felt overwhelmed at the idea of starting an optional hobby or learning something new. With my birthday looming it feels like the perfect opportunity to evaluate my goals and put them to paper. Paxton is almost 3 years old and I can sense that my time is near. I will soon have a few minutes to myself everyday. This is a list of things that I hope to explore with that time.

1. Learn to read music
2. Learn to play piano
3. Learn to play guitar
4. Learn Spanish
5. Learn French
6. Learn to knit
7. Learn to read a pattern/improve my sewing
8. Learn to ski (my husband would love it if I weren't scared to death)
9. Learn to garden
10. Learn how to french braid. I know everyone says its easy, but for the life of me I can't do it!
11. Take a writing class.
12. Learn the ins and outs of the computer, it is so foriegn to me.
13. Become more knowledgeable of the scriptures.
14. Become more knowledgeable of our government. Local, state, federal...how are they
running these things??? What changes/or difference can we make?
15. Take swimming lessons. I can swim, but I'm not any good at it.
16. Take a photography class.
17. Learn how to cut hair, for real. Not just hoping it goes well;).
18. Serve a mission.
19. Learn about the economy on the larger scale. Understand how our retirement savings
are working. I honestly haven't a clue, I'm just trusting that Jason has a good grasp on that.
20. Run a distance race.

I'm sure that my list will change or evolve over time. I may end up hating the guitar, or find the world economy frustrating, boring, or hopeless. Does China really own us?? But, if I try these things and love them, what a gift that would be!

Weekend Wedding

2009-03-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

My younger sister Bonnie got married this last Saturday. Rachel and I went up to Salem for the weekend. We had a really nice time, even though we were very busy with the setting up, decorating, and cooking of the food. We also got to meet and visit with my dad's half brother and sister. Bill and Tona are both in their seventies. I have never met them before, and really enjoyed spending some time with them. They brought a lot of pictures of my dad as a kid, and his mother who I have only ever seen one picture of. It was really great to meet them, and I hope to be able to spend more time with them in the future. I am happy to be home with my husband and kiddos.

Spring is here, spring is here, it's the best time of the year!

2009-03-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

We jumped ahead an hour today, and it is my favorite day of the year! It didn't get dark tonight until 7:30pm! I don't enjoy the winter very much, and every daylight savings day I feel like I just survived another winter, nothing but good times to look forward to now! I'm thrilled with the possibilities that lie ahead to use up the extra hour of daylight. Hopefully something worthwile to write about soon. Happy Day!

2009-03-02T20:14:00.001-08:00

This is a post from my super awesome friend Tiffany. She's a creative genius, so I couldn't resist this givaway. As for any of you who want me to do this for you...my disclaimer is to enter at your own risk. Who knows what scary thing I'll come up with.

On to the details of the giveaway...
The first THREE people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice.
For you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be a joke book, autographed picture of myself, handmade bag, or a little invention of my own! I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows?
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me... it may blow your mind.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog.
The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!
Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play!

Good Friends

2009-02-22T19:50:00.001-08:00

On Saturday we had a visit from our good friends the Jensen's. We just had a real low key visit. Kids and puppies played, then we went out to Dynasty for lunch. It was really yummy, and just right! The weather on Saturday was just amazing (we have been so spoiled this winter!) so we spent a good amount of time outside in the backyard with the kids and the dogs.

The just moved over to Medford in July and we see them about once a month, but the kids have just grown so much latley. Addie is really beginning to be less "cute", and more beautiful. Her look and personality are maturing so much! Lily is a real sweet little bug, and too funny! She turns 3 next month and is no longer a baby at all! Her pigtails are so long, and she is always singing, or saying something so funny. Harrison and Parker are such good buds. They have been best little friends since they were five years old. They'll both turn eleven this summer, almost six years. Unbelievable! It's so good for them to get to spend some time together.

Later we had dinner. Wings done 3 different ways, oven potatoes, and veggies with ranch. It was good. It was such a nice easy day, with good conversation and fun stories. We have been so grateful for the friendship we share with this wonderful family. I am happy that we can still get together and be a part of eachother's lives. This is Phoebe and Addie last year in thier ballet recietle costumes. Phoebe was a butterfly and Addie was a mouse! Too Cute.

Valentine's Dinner

2009-02-15T01:03:00.000-08:00

This last Friday night we had our ward Valentine's dinner. It was adults only, and we ate off of people's personal place settings. The entire cultural hall was set up like a Chinese restaurant. It was just beautiful! We ( Suzanne, Tiffany, and I) spent about 5 hours the night before setting everything up. Rachel had to work so was limited to what she could help with. We had paper lanterns floating through the air on fishing line. We had white lights strung through the room as well. The lantern's were so pretty. We also had little kaboda's and Chinese lettering on the glass doors of the gym. It looked so great! We kept the harsh fluorescent lights off and had only lamps, and soft electric candle light. It was a transformed space. It totally reminded me of Top Chef restaurant wars! We would have totally won! The young women offered childcare, and the young men were our kitchen staff. They looked so handsome, and behaved amazingly. We have such great youth! The menu was egg drop soup, and a schezwan wrap (by Suzanne and Tiffany). Then main course was set out in chafing dishes. It was house fried rice-Suzanne, chicken chow mien and broccoli beef-by me. Then we were treated with an amazing performance by Suzanne's quartet. They are Chuck Hamilton, Suzanne Stewart, Christina Wehr, and Mr Lemiuex. They are so fun and enjoyable to watch. They have a blast, and make you smile uncontrollably. They sang a total of six songs, I wish they could have sang all night. After the performance dessert was served. They had a choice of Key-lime pie, or Angel food cake with lemon cream topping. Both were amazing- thanks Jodi and Tiffany- and homemade! It was such a great time. We had a wonderful turnout, and the atmosphere was just perfect. I loved the feeling of being in a wonderful, cozy, relaxed restaurant with my entire ward family. I wish we could do every weekend!

Chad and Tiff getting cozy;)

Me, crafty?

2009-02-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Michael's craft store opened this week, and I am so happy. I have never really considered myself a crafty or creative person. Due largely in part to my bad break up with scrap booking a few years ago. It just made me feel inadequate. But, I may have to re-evalute my relationship with crafting in general. We could have a future.

I didn't have a spring decoration for my front door and had been looking for one that I liked for the last couple of years. I could never find anything that I liked in a price range I would go for (I'm super cheap...no I'm thrifty;).
Anyhow thanks to Michael's I made my very own spring wreath for about five dollars! It's so me, and I love it! Michael's moving to town could very well be the beginning of a beautiful relationship for me and crafting.

What I really think about Jason

2009-02-06T23:53:00.001-08:00

My husband is the best husband in the entire universe. He is so smart. He can do anything and everything. He builds car engines and computers. He can do anything in a house from electrical and plumbing, framing and drywall, installing windows or underground sprinklers, to cleaning and cooking. He is the hardest worker I have ever known. He is a one man juggling act. He works full time, doing the work of two people. He has been going to school forever and has two degrees, and is continuing on working on his masters. He serves his friends and neighbors. He is an awesome Dad to four children who adore him. He takes amazing care of his wife, always putting my needs first. Jason is the best person I know. He comes from a very difficult upbringing, and he has defied the odds. He is a most choice person and I am incredibly blessed to have been married to him for the past eleven years. It has by far been the best time of my life. Jason, you are my best friend, my confidant, my place of comfort. Thank you for always loving me, even through my worst moments you have never wavered. Being married to you is my favorite thing in the world. You are everything I need in a companion. I want to be with you forever. Happy anniversary.

A perfect, perfect Christmas eve

2008-12-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we had a wonderful Christmas eve. It was the most beautiful snowy day, just inspiring. Our friends the Hewlett's came over for sledding. We went to the empty lot just up the street from our house. It's a good hill, and close so the little one's can go inside while the big kids can keep having fun. Phoebe and her friend Becka didn't enjoy the sledding so much. It's not a suprise for the kids to start crying after getting cold, or crashing. But I took this picture of Phoebe literally one minute after we got out there. I couln't figure out what her problem was.So DRAMATIC! Christoper was a great sledder! He and Jason getting ready to race!

I went down with Payton, racing against Parker. We caught some serious air, wo-hoo!

After sledding we had hot chocolate, and a fondue dinner! Later in the evening we opened pajamas with kids, and watched Mr Krugger's Christmas. It was a perfect day!

Where's the ice cream?

2008-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

I came home late from shopping the other night. I opened the freezer to put away some groceries and asked Jason

" Did you guys eat all the ice cream while I was gone?"

"No, I had a big bowl, but there was still come left."

"Well it's not in here."

We spent the next ten minutes looking for the melting ice cream. Jason very often puts things in odd places while his attention is focused elsewhere. He constantly looses his keys and wallet. It would not suprise me at all if we found the ice cream in the cubord where he got the bowl out, or in the bathroom where he had to go and help a kid out. So we searched all over the whole house. It was driving me nuts to not know where this mess was melting. I went to recheck the boys room, I pulled back the covers on Paxton's bed, and found this. He was covered in chocolate peanut butter ice cream. I also found an apple between his bed and the wall. Evidently he likes to dine in bed

Penny the Killer

2008-12-20T22:56:00.001-08:00

Penny killed a quail today. Our funny little baby girl puppy is a hunter. She suprises us everyday.

Fifth ward Christmas Party

2008-12-20T22:43:00.001-08:00

Last night we had our ward Christmas party. It was so much fun. We did a skit of the Twelve Days of Christmas with some other couples in our ward. Suzanne put it together, it was hillarious! We had all sorts of fun activities, singing, and good food. It was a great turnout, and everyone had a wonderful time.

I like how excited Scott and Tiffany are during the "Eight maids a milking"!

I think Tiffany really got into this:-).

We were "Six geese a layin".

The young women dressed up as Elves, they are all so cute, and they were so helpful!

We only got Phoebe on Santa's lap. Ken and Judy Coffman were our Santa's. They're so great! Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Phoebe had her class party today. There were two very important things that she was looking forward to about it. One was getting to finally ride the bus. The other was that she would get to see Santa Clause. She was pretty mesmerized by him and told him what she would like for Christmas. He had a gift for all the kids there, which was very cool. Phoebe liked the bubbles in the gift bag most of all I think.

When we got home from the party she grabbed her bubbles and went outside to blow them "Bubbles and Snowflakes are just beautiful" is what she said. It was very pretty. We had a wonderful day!

Paxton

2008-12-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

Phoebe's class party was Thursday the 18th at the fairgrounds arena. It was so neat. There were these two clydesdales wearing jinglebells pulling a big wagon giving rides for the kids. Paxton loved the horses. He looks like a little cowboy in these pictures, I love them. Finally some decent pics of my little guy.

2008-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Payton's Christmas concert was on Wednesday December 17th. It was a great concert with really great music. I really love going to these, it's so much fun! We took some pictures with her and her friends. This little boy Andrew kept jumping in all the pictures, pretty sure he has a little crush on her. So funny.

House For Sale!!!

2008-12-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

We've been in this house for 3 1/2 years. It's a wonderful house and we are so happy here. But we've decided to put it up for sale. We found a house down off of Pacific Terrace just blocks from the school that is for sale. It is a forclosure, and if all went as planned we could get an amazing deal on it. It is in horrible disrepair, so we would need to redo the entire house. We are in a situation where we are perfectly happy with where we are at so were not in any particular need to sell our house. We just want to explore the options of a potentially interesting opportunity. So we have decided to put our house up for sale at the worst time ever. During Christmas, snow (on our hill it's an issue), and a horrible seller's market. With all of these things stacked against us, it would take a miracle on Laguna St for anything to happen. So if anyone you know has $199,999.00 and needs a great family home, send them our way! Paxton's little room.

Playroom upstairs.

Payton's room.

2008-12-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

Phoebe's room. Butterflies.

Downstairs/Master bathroom. Jason built this whole thing. He's amazing!

It's a really pretty bathroom, with lovely heated floors.

Our bedroom.

My dining room.

House pics part 2

2008-12-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

Love this kitchen!

Living room, with wonderful wood stove.

Parker's room.

Main floor bathroom.

Eight is Great!

2008-12-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

Payton Glee was baptised on December 6th. We had a really wonderful couple of days. My parents came down with my sister Bonnie from Salem for the weekend. Payton's baptism was really nice. There were lots of friends and family there to support her. I gave a talk on baptisim, and Camille Duckworth gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am so proud of Payton. She is an amazing strong, and beautiful girl. She was so ready to be baptized. I am grateful for her decision to do this. She is an incredible example to her family. She is growing up so incredibly fast. It's really a pleasure to to parent her.

We all went out to dinner afterwards to Sizzler, which was really fun. We were able to spend some time together with all the extended family on my mom's side and have an early Christmas dinner celebration. My Grandparents, Aunt Becky, and the Garcia's joined us at our house. My Anut Becky is a hoot, she shared with us her recipe for rice-a-roni, and bar-b-que cornuts stuffing. She's too funny. All in all it was a really great weekend. What an incredible blessing to have two of my children baptized into the Lords church. It brings me such peace, comfort, and joy.

Kid Tree -V/S- Mommy Tree

2008-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

For Family Home Evening we decorated a kid tree. This is the first year I've done this. It was really fun to do together, and the kids get to have a tree upstairs for their playroom. My whole plan was so that I could finally have a "Mommy Tree". I put my tree together a few days later, and it looks just the way I wanted it to. It's really pretty, and fancy. Then this last Monday Payton came home from school with an ornament with her picture on it. It was so darn cute that I had to break my own rule of "what ornaments go where". I put it on my fancy pretty mommy tree. I don't know if I'm cut out for a fancy tree, I really miss all the kitchy, homemade, ornaments. It's funny how I finally got what I've been wanting for years, and now I'm not so sure I want it.

2008-12-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

Parker had his Christmas Program on December 8th. It was in the evening this year, which was new to our school. Parker is in his first year of band, he plays the trombone. The fifth grade band sounded pretty good! Can't wait to hear them again in the spring. It's so fun to see how much the kids improve.

His class also sang "Jingle Bell Rock". Parker was one of the kids who came down off the risers, and danced throughout the song. He was right in front of the microphone, and it was like he had a solo. He was so loud, it was funny! They also did a song with the bells. I just love the bells, they are so beautiful. It was a really lovely program.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

My family had a nice low key Thanksgiving day. We went out to Jason's parents cabin and had a nice dinner with just our family and his parents. No other siblings could make it this year so it was really quiet around the house. The weather was beautiful, and Penny and Chya (their 170 lb Samoyed) had fun playing together. We left after dinner for our friends the Jensen's in Medford to stay the night there. It was great to see them, and the kids were so happy to visit. Phoebe had been talking about her sleepover with Addie for a couple of weeks!

As I sit and reflect on the blessings in my life many things come to mind. I am thankful for the privileged life that I live. I am thankful for the rights that are afforded me in this great nation. The freedom of religion, equal rights, safety, the ability to better myself with education, and information. I am grateful for those who have sacrificed so much to see that I enjoy this life. I am thankful for a God that knows and loves me. That knows and loves my husband and children. I am so grateful for the fullness of the gospel, the knowledge that I have and the faith that I am able to exercise. I am grateful for a husband who is an amazing partner, who loves me unconditionally. I am thankful for four amazing, beautiful children. I am thankful for wonderful friends who inspire and surprise me. I am thankful for our parents, and for the love and guidance they extend to us. I know that I am very blessed, and am thankful that my heart is full.

Siblings

2008-11-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

For about ten days this last month we had Penny's litter-mate brother Tucker stay with us. Our friends Eric and Holly Jensen were going to adopt him, so we fostered him until he could be placed with them. It was a very interesting journey for me in particular. Tucker was the reason we got Penny in the first place. We met him, and Phoebe went nuts for that puppy. He had such an awesome disposition, and was so cute that we all loved the idea of having a puppy just like him. We have had Penny for about 3 months now, and love her to pieces. Taking in Tucker for a while, didn't seem like it would be a big deal so we were happy to do it. It ended up being a big adjustment for him. He was not used to sleeping by himself, so the first few nights were pretty rocky. Two not completely house broken puppies was some work also. All in all though it was a really great experience. The first three days were low key, the middle four days were..."would you please hurry up and come get your dog", and the last three days were, "maybe they'll change their mind and we can just keep him".

I have never been a big animal person, but that little guy had a big impact on me. He is such a love bug, and really melted my heart. He and Penny had so much fun together, I was terribly worried for her when he left. She was a little depressed for a couple of days, but we spoiled her back into happiness. They came over and took him home on Monday. I was so sad, I had to call Monday evening and see how he was doing. On Thursday (Thanksgiving) we got to go over to the Jensen's. The puppies were reunited, and so happy. They are so cute and funny together. Tucker has completely settled in, and is even allowed on the couch. He's a lucky dog. We miss him, but it's nice to have things back to normal and know he's with a family who loves him.

My sick birthday girl.

2008-11-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

Payton had her eighth birthday on the twenty first. We had alot of things planned for this momentous event, including her first sleepover birthday party. The morning of her party she woke up at 5am, and threw up. A few days before the rest of the kids, and I had a stomach virus. I was pretty sure that's what she had. She really wanted to try to go to school and continue with the day. I took them all to school at 8:30, and was back down there to get her at 9:30. She had thrown up in the office. So we had to call all her friends and cancel her party. Poor girl was so sick on her birthday that she couldn't even have cake:(. I rented her four movies, and bought lots of apple juice and sprite. We told her no big deal, in four days her best friend Eva would have her sleepover birthday party with the exact same friends. It would be just like hers would have been. That consoled her through the weekend. Come Tuesday and we were all ready for her to go to Eva's birthday. Tuesday she came downstairs around 4am complaining of a sore throat, and an ear ache. She was running a fever, so we gave her some Motrin and sent her back to sleep. Around 2pm the school secretary calls me again,I swear I talk to her twice a day. She says Payton is running a fever of 103', and really in sad shape. I pick her up from school, and take her right to the Dr's office. Sure enough she has strep throat. This little gal just can't catch a break. She misses the party, and is in pain for the next 24 hours. Yucky medicine, headache, chills, fever. I felt so sorry for her. Such a sad birthday week. Good news is she is doing much better, and had her health to be thankful for on thanksgiving.

Family Pics

2008-11-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

We went out yesterday with Sarah and Matt Teeples to take some pictures. It was a beautiful day. The little one's and I had a stomach virus, and Jason had a "little trailer accident" about ten minutes before we were supposed to be there. I look like a hot mess in these, and Parker is making beaver teeth in almost every picture( I will kill him later). Paxton was not in the mood for sitting and smiling, which is why there are no single shots of him. We were horrible subjects to say the least. Sarah and Matt were really patient, and did a great job. Thanks for spending your time and talents with us.

Happy Halloween 2008

2008-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

This year Halloween was great! Thursday evening we had our ward party at church put on by the primary. It was great! Fun games and yummy food. Friday night we had our friends the Hewlett's over for dinner, and then went trick or treating around the neighborhood. It was wonderful weather, which is rare here in Klamath. We got to see loads of friends out on Pacific Terrace in their costumes. Everyone had a great time. Later when we got home the kiddo's watched the "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", and the adults watched "The Hulk". Tiffany and I agreed not such a great movie. Good times, and good friends, and loads of candy. It was a successful evening. No picture of Paxton, he's not letting me get any latley:(.

Football's over; Basketball begins!

2008-11-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

Football season is over!! The Ducks came in Fourth Place, and their final game was a great one. They lost the game, but as far as all of us parents were concerened they won! Two touchdowns were called off on technicals. It was frustrating, but those kids played awesome! It was a good experience for all of us to support Parker in this. I'm sure he'll wan't to play again next year.
Now onto Basketball! The city schools start basketball for the kids in fifth grade. It's fun to watch the boys in Parker's class work together playing as a team. Parker is enjoying himself, and keeping busy. It's been good for his grades also. I'm so proud of him!

Bricco's Visit

2008-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

I was up to my elbow's in dishes when I hear my front door open at 6pm the other Saturday evening. A familar "Hello?" To our great suprise it was the Bricco's! It's been almost two years since they moved to Wyoming. Their nephew's baptisim was Halloween weekend, and they made a quick trip out to attend. It was so great to sit and catch up. It's awesome to have friends that you can just pick right up with. The kids had a great time getting to see eachother also. I got to meet their new little guy Jetrin, whom I am completly in love with. He is the cutest, funniest little baby. Such a snuggle bug. We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with them, but we were so happy that they came to see us in their busy weekend. It meant so much to all of us Appah's. They are incredible examples to us, and we are happy to see the great blessings that this family is recieving. I feel rejuvinated after spending time with Amy, and am excited for all the amazing things on the horizon! We miss you, and hope to be able to visit!

GO DO IT!!!

2008-10-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

So I just spent the last hour on yearbookyourself.com. It is the funniest thing, I have seen in a long time. I dare you to not do it.

Bare with me here, Ilike to keep this in couples where possible. He goes to a right handed barber, and I go to a left handed barber.

I can't get a date to the sock hop, on account of my right eyelash is freakishly long, and I have combination skin...so sad:(

I just think I look cute in these.

Nice cute 60's do. Very Jackie O.

Hey sistah Soul sistah, let me hear ya flow sistah

I'm lovin the shirt and the feathers.

This is awesome! I think Jason peed his pants. And Chris had this hair cut in his senior pictures...heee.

So are you thinking it too, I should really go blonde.

Hold that thought...these dark curls are looking pretty tight. I really look like my sister Bonnie here.

Don't be hatin on the "Crimmper". I can do your banges too if you like.

I think we've found the perfect couple for our "Breck shampoo add".

Saving the best for last...back off ladies he's ALL mine. Big Pappa;). Now hurry up and go see how your loved ones look, and you have to share because I did!

Applesauce, Apple pie, Apple chips, Apple Juice,...

2008-10-19T14:39:00.001-07:00

What would you do with a million Apples?

My friend Mali has an apple tree that yeilded over 8 boxes of apples. On Tuesday after sweatin it up at volleyball we went over to Cathy Peterson's house and got busy making applesauce. We cut, cooked, and sieved too many apples to count. Thank goodness for Carrissa's Kitchen Aid attachment. I did one batch by hand the old fashioned way-it took way too long.

The kiddo's played dress up, and ate pizza. Cathy is the best about letting all the kids play at her house, she's so relaxed about it.

It was a lot of fun, and I feel like a pretty cool chick now that I've done some canning.

I would never do this by myself. It's way too much work, and would take forever. But standing around a kitchen with good friends makes a great day out of a billion apples. Thanks Ladies!

2008-10-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Penny the Dog

Meet our new little girl. Her name is Penny, and she is 4 months old. She is a Chiweini (part Chihuahua, part Dachshund) and so cute. We got her in early September from a friend who has Penny's brother Tucker. We saw Tucker a few times a week for about a month at Parker's football practices. He is such an awesome dog and Phoebe was just plain psycho for him. He had a wonderful demeanor, and let her carry him all over the place. I even found myself smitten with this little guy, and I don't like dogs. I said over and over, "If we could get a dog exactly like Tucker, then I would get a dog." Well, a few weeks later Kami (she's Tucker's mom) told me that she knew someone who had Tucker's sister and that it wasn't working out. They had a brand new 2 week old baby, and no time to house train. She spoke to them and they were willing to give the dog up. Whooo! I couldn't believe it! She gave us the dog two days later. Anyone who knows me would be very surprised to find out that I got our family a dog. It's something that I have been against for many years, kids keep me busy enough.

It happened to be the right dog at the right time. She is so cute and funny, and everyone loves her to pieces. I enjoy seeing the kids have a dog in their lives. She is spunky, and smart. She is a stinker, and a love bug. We have a good time with her, and are getting better on the house training. She has a different relationship with each of the kids. Her and Paxton are little adventure buddies. They will wander off in the back yard quicker than you can blink. It's funny that she won''t go off by herself, but as soon as Paxton comes outside the two of them are gone. With Pheebs, as well as with the Parker and Payton the two of them will curl up in a blanket and soak up a movie on the couch.

Penny is everything we are, all at the same time: she walks to school a mile and a half (which must seem like 50 to her little dachshund legs), is happy to waste a perfectly good afternoon in front of the TV with the kids, and is always ready and rearing to go for a backyard adventure.

I love that dog....

The perfect food

2008-10-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was great! I decided to make my very own pizza crust, and it turned out pretty good. I loved working with the pizza dough.We had bar-b-que chicken for dinner last night, so to use up the left overs I made a bar-b-que chicken pizza. I also made a chicken and bacon (because if your an Appah you love bacon) pizza with red sauce and fresh basil spinkled on the crust. Here they are all dressed up and ready to cook. Lots of fresh, yummy toppings all found in my fridge. I just love it when I don't have to go to the store!

Cooked to perfection, beautiful! The kids all loved it! Phoebe said "Mom you're a pizza genius!" That's what five years at Pizza Hut earns you;).

Success! Smiles by the mile, leftovers gone! Cutie Pie faces! Yay for Pizza!

Saturday is a special day....

2008-10-12T08:47:00.001-07:00

Oh, how I appreciate a good worthwile, productive Saturday. It was a good long day, and my muscles are sore. Parker had his football game first thing in the morning, only 25' to start the day off. So cold. I stayed home with the little one's and got some house cleaning done. Afterwards Jason and the big kids (plus the two Jarvie boys) came home and had a good hot lunch. Jason left to work on his truck, and I did yard work. I dead headed the entire front yard, and ripped out weed blocker in the back yard. -I want to work on the soil back there in the next couple of weeks so that I can start a garden this spring.- I split wood, alot of wood. I am a bad mamma jamma axe weilding woman; I have big calluses to prove it. Then Jason got out his chainsaw and we went to work on the trees in the back yard. There are a few trees that had branches getting too low.

We cleaned them up a bit, looks so much better. I love fall! Football, wood, yard work, dosen't get more fall than this.

Inspiration comes in a four year old...

2008-10-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to give the blogging another attempt. Phoebe is my main inspiration for this. I find myself thinking several times a day"I need to write this down". She is so completly frustrating, and stubbonly difficult. But so darn funny and cute. She says things that make me look at her in wonder, just amazed at her little personality and brain. I love her and am grateful for her and her little Phoebeisms.

She is very musical, and loves to sing and make up songs. On our walk to school in the mornings she sings the whole way there. She sings in the car, and tonight sang all through dinner. She asks me " Mom, are you enjoying the music?" I say that I am, and I really mean it. I love to hear and watch her sing and dance. Just two words "Momma Mia". She could sing the heck out of that cd. It's just too cute, it makes up for all the "crazy Phoebe" that I have to experience several times a day.

So she has been going to pre school for about a month now. It's is so good for us to have a couple of hours away from eachother. It's fun for her to report to me about what things she did at school, and nice for me to hear about things that she is experiencing without me. She is a really good student and is very good to her teachers and classmates. She has begun to show a real intrest in writing. I bought her a little "Journal" book that she can write in. I was looking in it yesterday and came across a page that interested me. I asked her what it was and she told me. "Oh, those are my poops."

"What do you mean your poops?"

"They're pictures of my poops."

"Phoebe, why are you making pictures of your poops?"

"Just so I know, just in case."

"Just in case of what?"

"Just in case, see this one is fat, and this one is long, this one is really long, that one is skinny."

So, seeing my daughter document her poops inspired me to document my family. Thanks for helping me to see the importance of writing things down Phoebe.