How I plan to survive

Let's face it...January in Michigan can be depressing. The holidays are over and the dark snowy cold days are here to stay for longer than I can even think about right now. So I have found some mini milestones to help me make it thorough these next few months. If you are like me and tend to find yourself a little down this time of year feel free to take any or all of these suggestions to brighten your days!



First, Ameircan Idol start on the 13th. Really, I know it is silly but I love this show. I especially love it now that we have a DVR and can just fast forward through all the boring stuff. Seriously the results show that they stretch out to be an hour long somehow, we watch in about 4 1/2 minutes. It's great!



Second, season 5 of Lost begins on the 21st. This show is amazing. If you are not already hooked you can watch all the past seasons for free on abc's website. It will be well worth your time!

Third....may I have a moment of silence please.....yes, it is true U2 is releasing their 15th album on March 2nd, called "No line on the horizon". Honestly, nothing can get me through a dark day like a good U2 song. I also smell a concert in my future. Ahhhhh the joys I have to look forward to.

Lastly, but not least. We purchased tickets to Utah for spring break to go visit family and friends. I am so excited for my kids to have a chance to be with cousins and Aunts and Uncles and Grandpa and Grandma and Great-Grandparents. I also am thrilled that we will be there shortly after my BFF has her 4th baby. We never get to see each others kids when they are new so this will be a nice treat. We hope to get conference tickets which would be so nice to attend. The funny part is that we got out tickets thanks to a tip from a good friend and we are all on the same flights together.

I hope this is enough fun to get me through these next few months. But please if you have any tricks up your sleeve feel free to share!

Christmas 2008

Christmas has come and gone :( Decorations have been put away and now we are left with fond memories of a great break.
The holiday was filled with lots of crafts and baking and kid sleepovers and Christmas movies and music. But mostly it was just spent being together as a family enjoying each others company.

This was the first year on Christmas morning with just our little family and we really enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong...when I spoke to my family that day knowing they were all together and I was not, that was hard but given the situation we had a great time together.

We spent Christmas at home and then spent a few days in Chicago with all of Charlie's family (minus one brother and his family). It was a great combo of relaxation and fun and Charlie got to watch a Bears game at home with all of his brothers which made his day. We got to partake of Diane's wonderful cooking and hospitality. At many times throughout the days there were 27 people to feed and one dog. That could drive a person crazy...but my in-laws are great at welcoming the madness and just letting everyone have fun!

Grandpa Ross made each of the kids a new special toy. He is an amazing woodworker and I love the little projects that he does with them. Here is Ethan playing with the blocks that Grandpa made. I will have to post the elephant and princess that he made for the girls later.

It was hard to send Charlie off to work today and get the kids back in a routine but I guess all good things must come to an end. I feel very blessed to have had such a great Christmas with my cute kids and husband and that we were all healthy and safe. What a great memory the last 2 weeks will be for us!

Piano Recital

Abby had her piano recital last weekend and it went great. She practiced really hard and I was so proud of her that she memorized a song that at the start she thought she could never play. I love watching her learn. I video taped her song so that all of our family could enjoy her big moment!

Proud Father Moment

Sorry normal readers - I had to jack the blog today.

We all spend so much time trying to teach our kids. We discipline, reward, punish, and praise. Sometimes we wonder if all that work really meant anything. Did we actually make a difference in our kids lives? Are they better for the hard work we did? Then something happens, in the oddest of moments, to validate all of our hard work. Something happens that shows us the evidence that we have shaped our child forever.

That happened to me this morning.

I came home from 5 am basketball and laid in bed with Brook. Ethan woke up at about 7 am and came downstairs to turn on the TV. All the sudden we heard him screaming and yelling in the living room. I ran out to see what was the matter and he yelled, "YES - the Bears beat the Packers 20 to 17". You see he's too little to stay up and watch Monday night football, but the TV was tuned to ESPN. He caught the highlights on ESPN before flipping it to the cartoons and was thrilled to see the Bears still in the hunt for the playoffs.

GO BEARS!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!!

Christmas baking gone wrong

Last night a few of my friends decided to get together and do some holiday baking. We all agreed on trying a new recipe and seeing as how we are all good cooks we were all excited. Well, I don't know if there was a full moon last night or what but something went terribly wrong.

One by one we finished up our dishes and one by one something had gone wrong. Some were more disasterous than others but by the end of the night we were in tears from laughing so hard.

The stars of the night were for sure the "fudge" that looks EXACTLY like mashed potatoes and gravy and the "carmel" that could be used as a lovely belt if your britches were falling down.

Let's just say that it was all bad enough that the husband who had offered to be the taste tester when viewing the beautiful plate placed before him....suddenly was not very hungry.

Despite our terrible outcome we had so much fun and I think it made it even more fun because nothing worked. Our next adventure we have decided may be an appetizer night....don't you want to come????

Elf Yourself - Part Duex

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Teacher gifts

Ok all my lady friends I need some advice.

Each year at this time I start to wonder about teacher gifts. I wonder what should I give, how much should I spend, do I give to the teacher helpers as well, if I do get something for the helpers how much do I spend on them?????

In the past a few of my children's teachers have asked that any money that would have been spent on a gift is just collected and then the teacher buys something for the classroom that she has been wanting. I LOVE that idea, but unfortunately not all teachers feel the same.

So....I am wondering what are your thoughts? I want to put my questions to rest and have a firm policy on what I would like to do each year so I am not always questioning myself. I know I have at least 1 teacher friend out there....what gifts did you just love getting?

Anyway, PLEASE send some advice my way...the clock is ticking and I have not left myself with much time.

Today's checklist

Kids up- check

breakfast made- check

children dressed- check

teeth brushed- check

hair done- check

lunches made- check

mommy dressed- check

mommy teeth brushed- check

baby up- check

baby dressed- check

bottle made- check

children bundled and backpacks ready- check

prayers- check

in the car to the bus stop - check

check to see that school was not cancelled- NO CHECK

Yup, I broke the number one mommy rule. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE SCHOOL IS IN SESSION.....ALWAYS!

The only really worth while part of a snow day is the fact that you don't have to get up and run around like a crazy woman for an hour getting everyone ready. When you do get up and run around like a crazy woman only to find out it was for nothing well....let's just say it does not make for a very good start to the day.

So it is 8 A.M. and the kids are already out playing in the snow because darn it I was going to make something positive come out of having them all ready. I am sure that most of you are still in your pj's toasty warm under your covers and all I have to say to that is.....ENJOY!

Every girl needs a friend like this!

Today is my BFF's birthday (at least I think it is). In our 10 years of friendship we have NEVER managed to remember either ones birthday. Well Cher, this year I am raising the bar. You now have 6 months to try and not forget mine. Luckily I will still totally love you even if you never ever remember mine as long as we live!

I could go on and on about this beautiful woman but she knows how I feel. She truly is a gift from God and a blessing in my life.

I love giggling and crying with her.

I miss her each and every day and wish we lived closer.

Thank you for being my friend. You make me a better person. I hope this day is filled with happy children and a peaceful home and maybe even a present or two :)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I was so hoping for a snow day today and look what I got! It is 11:00 and we are still in our p.j.'s. We got a new camera on black Friday and I am enjoying the panorama mode. I love our house and I love this season. I love seeing the beautiful lights twinkle in the snow.



We will get out of our p.j.'s at some point but I assure you it will only be to put on our snow clothes and play outside until we get nice and cold and then we will come in for some yummy peppermint hot chocolate. Is it weird that I look forward to snow days more than the kids?

Back to reality

I have been home from my WONDERFUL trip for quite some time but I was greeted with an instant dose of reality as soon as I got back and so it has taken me some time to make a post. The night I got home Charlie got the stomach flu and it has since been passing through our entire family including me. But enough about the realities of life and on to my exciting trip!

I got to spend the first half of my trip with family. I had a great breakfast with my dad and spent a ton of time with my mom and sister. I also got to see my wonderful grandparents and that was a real treat since I don't see them very often.


I was able to spend a few days at my parents beautiful cabin. It may not look like much here...they are under some major renovations and it will be amazing once it is all finished. I love being up in the mountains that close to the stars. It is truly a spiritual and peaceful experience.

I spent some time with my niece's and nephew. They are so cute and so much fun. I wish we were closer as they are the same age as my children and have so much fun together. Looking at this picture makes me miss them already!


We got to spend the day at my most favorite place in the world...Sego Lily day spa. My mother treated all of us for a day of beauty and it was pure HEAVEN. We had a great day of bonding and relaxation and it is not a day I will soon forget. Thanks mom!!!!


I went to the temple twice in one week, what a treat! It was great to go to the Jordan River temple since that is where we were married and we are coming up on our 10 year anniversary. It was fun to think back to me walking around in my wedding dress there. It seems like forever ago.

The second part of my trip was spent with my BFF. We giggled and had so much fun together. We spent part of our time together in Las Vegas and we ran into so many celebrities!

I decided to try out for American Idol while I was there. Here were my reviews:

Simon said, "That was absolutely dreadful!"
Paula, just clapped like a seal and then put her head on the table next to her Coke cup.
Randy said, "Yo dog, you've got mad skilz!"



We will just have to wait and see if my audition shows up on the next season. Ryan Seacrest is really short just in case you were wondering.

We stayed at the "lovely" Flamingo hotel, Donny and Marie's second home. We never saw them but we thought it was funny.

And as you all know I am such a hot babe that I got invited to the Playboy mansion. We got to hop in bed with Hef. The whole experience actually made my skin crawl a bit, but how many women can say they have actually been in bed with the Hefster....ok so quite a few but still aren't you jealous?

And for my final most glorious moment. I GOT TO KISS BONO! Ahhhhh, I can die happy now.

The trip was quite a treat. I was able to relax and enjoy just being me for a few days. I was able to giggle in my head as I saw all the other mothers dragging strollers and children everywhere I went. I loved seeing family. I cherish each moment I spend with them as I know they are few and far between.

A HUGE thank you to my amazing husband that allowed me to go and took great care of the children while I was away, and yes the house was even clean when I got home. I think it was hysterical that he hijacked my blog while I was away...he really is quite creative.

I am glad to be home with my sweet family and so appreciated my wonderful experience!

BLOGJACKED - Handy Decorating Tips

With Brook away I've had lots of time to make some executive decorating decisions. I've never been quite happy with some of our color schemes and always felt that the "aura" of our rooms was a bit to - aqua, if you know what I mean. Don't even get me started on the fung shui problems we've had from day one.

After struggling for days on how to address this, I called my best friends Rick, Justin, Kevin, and Rich and they came over to give me some moral support. They could clearly see my frustration and even helped dab away my tears when I couldn't hold back the tormoil this was putting me in.

After some good bonding time, we watched Ellen and then they gave me some great ideas that I just had to share for the blogging world.

I know what you're thinking, where did you come up with that fantastic design scheme? I wish I could say that it was all from me, but I have to give a little credit to Oprah of course, then years of watching trading spaces (love that Hildi), my great guy pals I already mentioned and lastly of course, Martha Stewart, without whom I'd be helpless.

Let me point out my 5 FAVORITES with the new room design.

1) Notice the sleek stainless steel desklamp I added to the room. I feel like it adds just a touch of Nate Burkus to the room (Thanks again Oprah).

2) Notice the open floor plan. This was a purposefully stylistic decision not to clutter the room with too much large furniture. I have to admit, I'm much more of a minimalist then most people I know.

3) Notice the use of abundant light to give the room more warmth. The classic polymer blinds relaly let the light in too. I bet you're wondering, where's the valence? I know, it may seem crazy, but I purposefully am evoking a bit of a NYC loft feel.

4) Notice the bookshelf in the corner. This helps invite in people to make themselves at home and really makes this room a safe place for "learning" for the kids.

5) Lastly, I through tons of crap everywhere do give it that kitchy, country home charm.

*********************************************************************************

For the new blogjack fans, tomorrow we will be exploring some other ideas from my unnamed friends. Here are the winning suggestions.

Comment #1

This is great! Nice paintball photo! You could make it into a Bears Fan site. Change the background and add editorials about the Bears.

Just an idea. I will keep thinking of other ideas.

Comment #2

Dude...you're digging your own grave! If you want some ideas, go
opposite all the perfect family photo crap and post photos of you
watching TV in your underwear, your kids crying & a totally trashed
kitchen. That would be funny.

If only she hadn't taken the camera with her - CAC

Comment #3

Did Brook sign off on the paintball girl photo?

She hasn't even seen the blogjacking yet - CAC

Comment #4

Another idea … can you add music as a background to the blog site? If so, you could put the “Super Bowl Shuffle” as background music. I am sure you already have it downloaded.

Comment #5

A few ideas (mostly from {cencored to protect the innocent})…
- share a recipe
- share a deep meaningful thought that only you truly get
- complain about how hectic your day was, point by point, minute by minute
- declare your children's' cuteness as if none could ever compare
- talk about shoes, purses, and girls' nights
- tell about a really great sale/deal you found
The above should get you started...

Bonus points for throughness and comedic Parody foresight. - CAC

Comment #6

One idea is the doing one of those tag blogs where they tag you with a list of personal questions and you answer them. I would also consider changing the background to a bears one if you can find it. If I think of anything else I will let you know.

A second vote for the Bears concept, I may have to expand on that concept. - CAC

See you all tomorrow!!!!

The Blog is Now Mine!!!

Top 5 reasons why Saturday Paintball had to be cancelled.

5) "Honey, it's up to you if you go, but you know we have a lot to get done on Saturday."

4) Some wives can't understand that after basketball, we need another physical activity to "wind down" with.

3) Some wives have been compaining about so called contractions, as if that's a real excuse. . . . pretty convenient timing if you ask me.

2) The Leonhardt's refused to move their move-in date to accomodate Paintball.

1) Kevin won't stop faking this whole "ligament" thing so he can keep his recliner at work.

Seriously, I googled images under "paintball" and this is the first one that came up. Don't blame me, blame Google. I figured it would be perfect for Brook's new blog.

For those who haven't figured it out, I have hi-jacked Brook's blog and changed the password so she can't do anything while she's out of town to fix it. I have 9 nights alone with no wife - what do you expect me to do?

What should I do next?

HIJACKING THE BLOG

IN case you haven't figured it out, Brook is gone and I've taken over the blog!

As many of you know, my beautiful wife is on a luxurious, all expenses paid, whirlwind mama-getaway vacation in Detroit (ok, only the airport), Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. She will be hanging out at expensive spas, staying at a cabin retreat in the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, meditating through spiritual rituals (aka going to the temple), Hanging out with Ellen Degenerous (or at least maybe watching a taping if they get tickets), tearing up Las Vegas, and enjoying front row seats at Cirque del Soliel.

Little does she know that I am having more fun then she is. I am watching the kids and we have been having sleepovers every night, going bowling with friends, taking all four kids to see Madagascar (Samuel watched the movie without blinking for 45 minutes straight), dining at the Burger King Playland, baking pumpkin bread, enjoying potato soup and brownies with old friends, inviting over new friends, and having hot chocolate with colored marshmallows after playing in the first snow of the year.

TO BE HONEST - It's not really a fair test of what Brook does. She pretty much did everything for me before she left. The house was clean, all the laundry was done folded and put away, she got all the needed groceries the day she left, and she even laid out a complete matching outfit for each of the four kids for all 9 days she would be gone.

If you don't believe me, just consult MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17th, in the Manual she left for me. Be careful on your comments - she is not crazy, just highly organized.

How soon is too soon?

Well, I knew it was coming and today it finally happened. While driving my kids home from preschool I flipped on the radio and guess what I heard....CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Glorious Christmas music.

I used to have a strict rule of no "songs of the season" until at least the day after Thanksgiving. Then I moved here and found several stations started to play music before Thanksgiving. At first I found the idea somewhat ridiculous but now I love it. Am I crazy?

I must admit it was a little difficult listening to "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas", when it is 60 degrees outside and I was wearing flip flops yesterday but the song brought a smile to my face.

Am I ready to dig through my Christmas boxes and bring out all of my music...probably not but when I am driving around in my car you can bet that is what I will most likely have my station tuned to.

There is something about this season. I LOVE walking around the stores at this time and seeing all of the beautiful displays. It usually annoys me when in July they are putting out Halloween decorations but for some reason Christmas is different for me. I love the emotions that are stirred within me during these short few weeks. I love that I have the next 7 weeks to listen to music that turns my thoughts to my Savior and my family and the joy of this season.

So laugh if you may, but I for one will be singing my Christmas heart out!

Proud to be an American

What an awesome day for America. I woke up this morning dressed the kids in red, white and blue and headed for my township office. We had a great talk with the kids about how blessed we are to live in this country and how lucky we are to have the many freedoms that we enjoy. My polling place was busy and I could feel the excitment in the air. My kids are always putting stickers on me...this one however I am proud to wear!

Halloween Fun

What a fun Halloween! Dare I say the best ever???? This year we went to an adorable Halloween forest walk that they do here. It was so great I will never miss it as long as we are here. The weather was amazing and the kids decided to use some costumes we already had which was great for me.

Abby wanted to be a witch that she was in kindergarten. I was amazed that it still fit her!

Morgan was Cinderella and loved every second of it!

Ethan was Batman. This is him doing one of his "moves".

Here are our lovely pumpkins that we carved.

I also tried my hand at some fun Halloween treats this year. I think they may become a tradition. The kids loved the mummy dogs and the witch hats. The ghosts were sooooo yummy.

One of the best parts was that Charlie was supposed to have been out of town but he surprised us and decided to come home early. I am glad he was there...it would not have been the same without him. What a great Halloween!