Hej Hej

March 2011

2011-07-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

Cutie Pies

What a fun day this was we got to spend the day with Tonya and then Rik's little brother Simon's friend from his mission that served in Sweden that was friends with Rik was visiting and we got to meet her cute little boy and kind husband and adorable guest from Sweden.
It was one of those days where we were with our little family and friends that we aren't always blessed to see. It was a nice time and I hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

I know my mom would be disgusted butt come on this is funny. I think Rik was resting on his elbows or something to push his shoulder blades back..I know i'm immature

This guy found his awesome princess!!! We were blessed to get to go to the family dinner and the wedding and the ring ceremony and briefly to the reception. I served my mission with him and Rik lived with him....in fact I asked Jamar "who's the cute roommate? oh that's rik he's kind of seeing someone right now" So Jamar is "Uncle Jamar" to our boys they love him, he spoils them with cool clothes , a back to horse ride on and most importantly with energy to play with them.

This little mission collage just makes me laugh it'll probably only make a handful of other people laugh too...I will start with the top left and go clockwise. We got to eat at "Oma's" house she was 93 at the time and only had a flushable toilet...her kitchen was still the kind where you had a hutch with some bowls in it...she would entertain us and her nicknames were priceless. The guy standing on the left was Elder Norris aka Der Kleine Gartner "the small gardner" He had told her he would like to do landscaping and that was it from that point on he was the little gardner. But after we left that appointment as we were walking out she walked us to her gate at the end of her sidewalk....Jamar and I were up front she was holding Jamar's hand and then pulled him down and kissed his cheek then she said "Endlich, habe ich eine Nega gekuesst!" Pulled him down again and kissed him again. His face was priceless he was stunned, shocked, caught off gaurd and then he couldn't stop laughing it was one of those random life moments that will make me giggle anytime I reflect on it.

The rat brownie is courtesy of him chasing kids and scaring them saying "i'm satan!!" and then the kid tripped over my foot and the kid called me a nagetier aka rodent...I thought that wouldn't last long unfortunatly thats one of those life moments that makes him laugh...turd he scares the kid and i get the punishment..so for his birthday we made him a brownie

They got married in the Salt Lake Temple and Rik was blessed to be his witness. The man who married him talked about strengthening the relationship between husband and wife even after children come that both work on making time for each other still. Rik and I really enjoyed that. For those that weren't able to attend the wedding they had a ring ceremony and both bore their testimonies and then the same guy that married them spoke again on the same topic. We had fun trying to buy them a good gift we ended up getting them a honeymoon basket and filling it with random crap. All in all it was a good day and I was glad that i got to spend time with Rik.

I am a cool dude and sometimes I get into things I shouldn't!

February 2011

2011-07-18T12:21:00.000-06:00

even Super Hero's eat junk food and get sleepy sometimes

went to Vegas everyone excluding Rik & I got/were already sick with yucky flu. Nonetheless, I got to see BUTCHIE and Abby and her little darlings. Did I mention Vegas is so gross and dirty? My heart truly ached for the two girls doing the walk of shame the morning I went to get breakfast. They don't know that they are daughters of God and it made me sad. If only they knew that they were worth so much more.

Oh yes I also go to see Sara!! and her two little toots!! We ate some good lunch with them!! That was a fun pit stop it needs to happen again!

the hotel was fun for the boys too

some tough guys

some sledding guys

some handsome guys

Rik's birthday was fun we did his tray we went to Boondocks and played and then Farmor and Farfar came and spoiled us. I always like it when she makes the cake!!! Speaking of cake mom if you are reading this then you will know that you need to make me some crumbcake..Thank you.

Danke Shön!!

2011-07-18T10:11:00.001-06:00

January 2011

2011-07-18T10:08:00.000-06:00

Occasionally we steal a neighbor kid to come with us...his cool dude is our neighbor but he's more like a cousin...in fact you will notice he's having birthday cake with us too.

Sleeping Beauties!

Who needs mom when I can go get food myself and make forts and just plain do whatever I want?!!

Happy Birthday 2 you!!! Rome is two!!! I love you you little ball of spunk!! You have been such a wonderful boy and you are so strong and brave with all of those silly allergies! You puke almost everyday and you don't let it stop you!! When you know you are going to you are so good at running to a toilet or trash can!! You have the best facial expressions and they make everyone smile! Thank you for being so dog on wonderful! We hope you always feel our love. Dad with the birthday tray!

Birthday cake!! We had a little impromptu get together and ate some cake!! Here's my attempt at a under the sea cake....it went along with his giant fish balloon that didn't last the whole day.

The following collages are just some of the basic "day in the life" of the boys photos

We did get to see Bro and Sis Wilson! She was my Young Women's president when I was in Young women's and I was their "rent-a-kid". They spoiled me then and even now when I get to see them they still do. Since then they've adopted a brother and sister from Russia and then a few years later their cousins 2 boys and a girl! They went from "rent-a-kids" to a family of 7!! They are amazing people who overcome challenges trials and rise above the crazy twists and turns their lives have had.

Is this considered normal?

December 2010

2011-07-18T08:52:00.000-06:00

It looks like I've been robbed....nay just 2 boys with 2 extra minutes on their hands

SANTA"S HERE!!!! Where did Farfar go???? In fact Rome said to Santa as he was leaving "BYE FARFAR"

Growing up we would go look at lights and Santa would come Christmas Eve while we were gone...he is so magical.
So we had spaghetti dinner and this was the pre-drive flexing!

Guess what!! Santa came here too!! Did I mention this was the 16th? How did he know to come to us early?

Kinder Hippos the hazelnut ones are the best but the chocolate ones will satisfy even my almost 2 year old. Please note who is playing the new DS...and look how tired all 3 of my boys look!

Thank you Santa for the nice DS...it's so entertaining!

This little guy talked to his Farfar for 15 minutes as we were driving around the metroplex

BOY TIME!! You can figure out the order it started with them relaxing then Banner joining in on the boy time to some monkey business and then back to the little dudes posing with their coordinating big dude

Who wants to give the dogs a bath?!! Lala's dog is Banner but they were babysitting a dog named Luke for a friend so there were two dogs needing a bath. Look how helpful the kids are with banner and then one by one they leave to drink out of the bathtub...and leave Lala to bathe Luke all by herself..

Now Santa came and visited again at Lala's house and this time he brought Mrs. Claus. I got teary eyed when I saw how cute and excited my little boy was...He was telling Santa thank you for his DS and just wanting Santa all to himself...Rome just sat on Santa he avoided eye contact with everyone else so he could sit there longer...in fact I'm pretty sure he is in every other cousin's photo. It was a sweet night...we got to drive around and see some crazy lit houses and then meet Santa. It was a fun time!! We then headed down to my parents and Butchie's house. Where we had Christmas dinner and more presents!!! It's such a fun time. And when I say fun I mean that chaotic memorable crazy fun time...where I'm not sure I can even remember what happened due to the fact that it was that crazy. I recall blurps here and there of snuggling with a niece or a nephew, screams of joy and pain, opening presents, having all ALL ALL of my siblings together. It was nice that way. The kids loved Opa's tractor, we went for a hay ride and we headed back on the long drive home from the Children's Museum. As crazy and chaotic family can be, it truly is a blessing and I'm so happy we all made the sacrifices to be all together.

Our last stop at Braum's (THE BEST LIMEADES PERIOD) and then Björn took over the camera so here is a little taste of a 20 hour drive from his perspective.

November 2010

2011-07-13T12:20:00.000-06:00

There are either monkeys in my house or two talented boys

Farmor is 60!

please note Christel made her own birthday cake and note below that B grabbed a fork and ate up straight from the fridge

I hear happy children playing, I hear crying and then see a bleeding child say "Did I do it again mom?" "Yes yes you did, but this time worse"
20 calls to any dentist that is open or available on a Saturday later....and x-rays, retainers, follow-ups etc...
= $750

Yeah! Jamar found his princess!!! He spent 3 hours asking permission to marry Sheena...compared to the 3 minutes it took Rik to get my dad's permission...he seemed to be pumped enough to entertain my boys and "Sister Carter"'s boy

Aunt Lala mailed us some sticky toys...they lasted 10 minutes max. and then the sweet moment of checking on my boys and seeing R laying down on B...melted my heart

all I had to contribute to Thanksgiving

B built this with no help from his papa what a stud it's taller than he is!

I may be small but I could still "kick your butt"

October 2010

2011-07-13T09:29:00.000-06:00

September 2010

2011-07-12T13:40:00.000-06:00

"Whatever you do boys, don't play with the Styrofoam while I clean up this other mess." Coated in Styrofoam balls B denied that they were playing with it....really? when R pukes up little balls, Really? you really want me to believe you? The top photo happened during the vacuuming and steam cleaning of the mess...he was asleep through all that noise.

The month of September brought the 1st day of school, 1st haircut ever which ended in me holding him, babysitting a cute little princess while a friend was at a wedding and hanging out with my pretty little niece!!!

Trying to exercise I would pull the boys in the trailer...here is their perspective...someone usually fell asleep if not both of them.

Happy Birthday to ME!! & Aug 25th Mirror Lake Mushroom Hunt

2011-07-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

My favorite Shrimp Sandwiches for my birthday!! A few days later we hunted mushrooms can you believe how big those mushrooms are? they looked like loaves of bread. My MIL is pretty schooled in the way of mushroom hunting she knew which ones were safe to eat and which were not but most of all she knew which ones she liked and which ones she could care less about...it was pretty fun to see her in her element...she would go of into the mountian side with her brisk little walk and find tons. Rik and B went off and quietly found a motherload of them...I was tickled when I found one and there they found 30 plus....

It was fun and the food was good both on my birthday and on the picnic.

Testing take 5 now I'm frustrated

2011-03-31T16:30:00.001-06:00

Take 3 on this post...each time it get less creative.

2011-03-31T16:28:00.001-06:00

The real kings of the house. Independent and handsome. I love my blue-eyed boy and my brown-eyed boy. the Ikea shirt is a 30 year old german Ikea shirt. I believe I wore this along with my 4 siblings...it's a little misshapen so it's a "PJ" shirt. Happy 40th LaLa.

Girls Camp 2010

2011-03-28T10:55:00.002-06:00

Heber Valley Camp is a special place. Driving up the road and seeing the young women value flags hanging hit me for some reason. I guess it was because I grew up sleeping in tents and sharing one shower for all of the women to gradually getting to sleep in a cabin by the end of my Young Womens era... but this place is special it is dedicated just for girls camp. One of the sister's there let us know that the budget for Heber Valley Camp comes from the Temple budget. Of course! It is a holy place. And if you let it touch you it will. This week was the first time I was away from my kids overnight. Björn's shingles came back...so this next round we will make sure he's not as much out of his element as he was this time. Don't get me wrong my Mother in law and Father in law are saints they took them without too much complaint! Rik was working out of state so it was nice to know that they were safe and in good hands by people who love them. With all that said I got to spend a week not worried about my kids, just serving and loving these girls. I was blessed with the Spirit constantly and even though I was there to serve these beauties I was the one that came back a better person because of them.

Who keeps taking over my bed?

2011-03-25T21:24:00.000-06:00

The rest of July 2010

2011-03-25T21:13:00.000-06:00

The neighbors which are like cousins came and played on the slip and slide and we practiced downward dog and stepped on a dutch oven resulting in a sweet blister that required crawling for the first few days....my house was much cleaner that week he was afraid to walk....I'm glad it wasn't serious and I love everyone in these photos!

LaLa & Co. Roadtrip July 2010

2011-03-25T21:02:00.001-06:00

I created this post from a file of 449 photos. Please enjoy.

This collage is titled "SETTLING INTO 120 DEGREES"

Colorado River...que the gaggle of rock climbers who had cut bodies including the 6 pack on the mother of a 6 month old...enter shame and embarassment...needless to say it was hot and Rik and I did hang out in the water slouched down...I just had a panic attack wondering where my second born was then I remembered he stayed with my in laws...

Boys being Boys They loved the water too.

PROUD YOUNG MEN

The caves please note Rome's face in the lower right corner. Say good-bye to the infant nalgene bottle on the second switchback.

A tradition Lala started when it was just Brandon, was to go down in the canyon and throw rocks. It's a fun time and cheap entertainment.

MEET ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD Angela captured such a great photo so I had to include this. I love you Big B.

Katherine's Pass!! Yes again!! And once again it was Heaven on Earth. The beauty and the wild flowers alone paired with family (Jenny and London I 'm so glad you came!) But once again I ran into family up there my in laws were parking when we were!! They didn't know we were headed up there and there they were!...The boys were in heaven being babysat by Andrea..she knows how to love and spoil them to where they don't even notice how long I was gone.
I forgot this was also the first time I went all the way to the look out point I thought I was making it before and then a whole new vista was discovered! I love it. I love it I love it.

Here is a collage of the beauty of the moutain. The flowers were in perfect bloom!

What a fun trip and I hope we get to be graced again by your energy and presence in 2011...I know you all do too!

July 17th 2010 Happy Anniversary Bubba and Jenny!

2011-03-25T18:42:00.001-06:00

On July 17th we headed to Moab and met Angela and co. it was hotter than what I imagine hell to feel like. We camped on the Colorado River.....pictures to come. Angela got a new camera I will need to pare down her 500 photos...The first or top left photo was taken when we were about to leave B had his camelback all ready to go. You will see his basketball shorts in all of these photos, the photos were taken over the course of a week he just happened to love those at the time. The 3 photo on the top is a sweet concoction of hat shades hoodie bball shorts and church shoes. The top right showcases my boys independence. They wanted a nectarine so they took out all the utensils until they found the melon baller B is using it as a fork. One of the nights Jhett and Zack hung out with us while Lala and Joe went on a date. My boys loved it and were happy the whole time and one of the highlights was getting to play war games with the big boys! You boys don't realize how much these little guys look up to you! Thank you for being a great example.

yes i see the misspelled word Cousin not cosuin too much effort to fix it. Let it go down in history that I am indeed not perfect.

Lea, a tiny toot and a maid

2011-03-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

Toy Story Figurine Playset

2011-03-25T16:24:00.000-06:00

My sister in law told me to go to the Disney store to check out some of the stuff that was on sale there. I headed her counsel and got some playsets for cheap. This was what the package looked like after B took out the toys he wanted. Notice which toy he said he didn't care if R played with. He didn't even want to waste his time taking the girl toy out of the packaging!

Potpourri of Summertime

2011-03-25T16:20:00.000-06:00

My mom found out that she has half siblings that are still alive in Germany. Lea is her niece!! So Lea came to visit the USA for a month. My parents babsysat so I could take her hiking. We hiked Stuart Falls and Katherine's Pass (I got a speeding ticket...$90 dollars flushed). Rome was sick and puked the whole time she was visiting, which means that cute boy eating te strawberry puked a moment later. In May we had a Cinco de Mayo party at my brother's house and we were to bring Churros. My mom was able to buy a giant box from the Costco snack bar...we didn't eat them all so sometime in June we baked them all and went around the neighborhood selling them. Björn earned enough to buy the slip and slide and two Zhu Zhu pets. The slip and slide is fun on the hill behind our house we will buy another one for 2011. Back to the Churros my house smelled like churros for days and I can honestly say I don't ever want to eat one of those things ever again!! Now if I could figure out how to make candy repulse me.... These photos remind me of the beautiful place I live in sad that I can't afford the gas to drive to these places on a regular basis.

Katherine's Pass with the Kinch and a special guest!!!

2011-03-25T15:24:00.000-06:00

So Kincher was coming to town and we only had one day to play. I got back and she was busy with festivities of her own so July 1, 2010 was the day. We knew it had to be hiking so why not the beautiful Katherine's Pass...if you haevn't you should the only way I can describe it is pretty enough that my mil would have us sprinkle her ashes there if she could...back to July 1st...we headed up there and of course the gate was locked to get to the parking lot. We decided lets walk the mile to the hike and then go as far as we want....that was silly of us to think we would get that far. We did have one adult to each child but that didn't mean we went fast. As you can see we stopped to pee, to pick up sticks, sit on rocks, rest, pose etc. We still had a little stretch before we would make it to the trailhead and in true Kincher fashion I look up to see her chatting it up with a couple that was hiking....wait I know that pretty lady MIA AUNT MIA!! Uncle KIM!! we stopped to talk to them and while we did that the boys and Rachel climbed up rocks wore themselves out and luckly it was MIA and KIM she had a giant bag of grapes and Kim gave Kinch the giant caramel corn on the cob that only became funnier after Mia was getting Rome to drink water out of the camelback...that will be what Heaven is like. Hiking with friends having happy conversation and then bam running into great relatives. Relatives that make anyone feel special. Mia and Kim thank you!!

Seriously, look how pretty this is.

Please enjoy a photo collage photographed by Björn

Attack of the Alligator and the pretty pretty princess

2011-03-25T14:14:00.000-06:00

So after my couple days in Dallas we went back down to Waco and I had to get me my Limeade from Braum's. I had to. Since I was driving Jhett and I looked it up in the Garmin even though we could have called my sister and she would have known the mile marker number of the top of her head. I was a little nervous Jhett would be bored out of his mind riding in a car with an old lady like me for almost 2 hours but we had fun. My favorite was when I got my large Limeade and then stopped to get gas I hop back in the car and Jhett says "I like the limeade" 2 things made me happy one he liked the limeade and 2 he was comfortable enough to drink out of my drink and tell me! It was funny I love that kid. We ate at Buzzard Billy's where his favorite aunt in the whole wide world ;-) bought him the croc or allig head. it had a name too..I can't remember but I know that is why we chose it.... after that we navigated our way through Waco and picked up a little Pretty. So for a wed, thurs and fri DAY it was the 3 of us...we did okay. We even found the Waco Water Park...I use the term loosely it was better than a pool but my sister was right...with all my extra LBs i still didn't need to be self conscious. That said, should I be proud of the obese kids for not caring and going to the swimming pool or should I make them go swim laps and judge the parents that are in the same condition?

Patrick's park and Cavino's

2011-03-25T11:45:00.000-06:00

Ate at one of Lala and Joe's favorite restaurants and Patrick and Magan met us...Jhett and I were doing logic puzzles on each other...he got me on one...Patrcik at his park working...he work's hard very hard but plays with the same intensity.

Bonding with Tiny Phia

2011-03-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

June 2010 I got to spend 10 days in Texas. My purpose was to bond with my neice and to help my sister get all the little crap done before her second baby came. So I cleaned bedding hung up tiny clothes played with Sophia and while she watched TV I did her hair. She was a trooper. It was fun to have her one on one. We normally have to share her with all of our extended family but it was special to get to play with her one on one. We swam, shopped, ate, and played. I can't remember everything we did....I'm drawing a blank. It was also fun to see my parents new house and to say good-bye to the house I lived in...sadly that house when I went had no emotional impact on me whatsoever...I thought for sure I would be sad, but no no I wasn't. It wasn't their house anymore. Their new house is. So the next few post will be of my trip.

Sister Social 2010

2011-03-25T11:21:00.001-06:00

So my trainer on my mission is someone special. She is one the best hosts in the world. She thinks of everything a kids tabel the beautiful table decor. EVERYTHING. Not to mention her amazing backyard. Rik didn't go last year and I tried to give him a heads up but he tried hard not to be jealous. So thank you Emma for making this happen again.

Björn had the choice of coming with us or playing with cousins as you can tell by this photo he never looked back.

Zindel and I have giant heads because I wanted that photo on this post and frankly Kammie you look prettier in this photo!

This was a fun day we had a family date with Henrik's clan and then went down to this reunion and then next day I was leaving for Texas for ten days!! What a pleasant day!

Summertime!

2011-03-25T11:11:00.000-06:00

Aunt Butchie's birthday 2010

2011-03-25T11:03:00.001-06:00

I drug the boys with me to a dermatologist appointment. They were troopers B read Sports Illustrated and R sat nicely in his car seat. I just realized the blessing with him being a puking peanut I toted him in his car seat for at least 6 months longer than most people and that means I had 6 months less of chasing him.... The lower right photo of B was of him listening to Kids Bop Beatles CD with giant headphones. I won't embarrass him by posting the video but it was awesome loud singing toe tapping...pure joy. The bottom middle photo I should actually post this video. He literally jumps out of his boots. It's pretty impressive.

I like this guy.

2011-03-25T10:33:00.001-06:00

Rome just walked up and yelled Daddy daddy! and then when I went to post it he said "Hey!" like hey you fool what are you doing "Hey" not a "hey" as in hello.

the family Cookbook is done!!

2011-03-25T10:20:00.000-06:00

After gather recipes, translating what people meant by them, organizing typing, lugging kids to office supply stores, multiple trips to the store for more ink cartridges...they are done!!

The only person to point out my mistakes was my mother in law, other than that, I think everyone liked it and I'm glad it's done. It was one of those things where we all loved the food we were eating and wanted to eat them not just at family functions. I'm glad I did it and I'm also glad rik suggested getting some vinyl letter cut for the spine of the book. It added to make them look finished.

May 2010 Preschool Graduation and Last Soccer Game

2011-03-25T10:12:00.001-06:00

Preschool graduation was awesome to say the least. His teachers liZ and Beth are creative and fun and he missed school when he wasn't there. If any of you remember the post about his school bag when she dropped it off for him...
They did the silhouettes of the child's head...and since these women are amazing they had quotes from each child mounted on the silhouette along with a group photo and individual photo. Björn's quote was "or else you'll get chunky like my dad". Priceless and grateful that it wasn't "like my mom"

Due to another awesome neighbor Björn got to play soccer even though he was 3 and our city doesn't allow you to play until you are 4. It was fun to see him laugh and just run as fast as he could pass every kid on the feild and then smile. These boys are at least 18 months older than him and you can see he is in heaven just hanging out with them. Did I mention he got a medal? Yes yes he got a medal!

April 28th and May 2010

2011-03-25T09:56:00.000-06:00

The boys love to play with dad and I got some great video of him with Rome trying to tackle adn Björn succeeding. The laughter is the best part of any moment captured. I'm posting this to the sounds of 2 boys jumping and flipping on the couch downstairs paired with giggles and laughter.

Our bed...our bedroom...gets taken over by two handsome boys constantly throughout the day. But this was one of those moments they were both clean my bed was actually made and they weren't creating another mess....bliss.

The top two photos were taken while there were children running all over our house and this young man managed to fall asleep in it and take a decent nap.

April 2010

2011-03-23T10:47:00.001-06:00

Every so often life offers me a chance bond with my neice and nephews. Björn is in heaven the entire time playing with whichever cousin is nearest, Rome sleeps like a log in the master closet and Rik drinks all of the drinks in the basement oasis. I love these cuties and they remind me that I could do it if I had 6 kids and I have such great helpers like Sof, AJ and Harry Potter ! Usually when I babysit Sof and I go get a craft started so we can have a girlie task to do the entire time. We made felt flowers for our hair this round. It was fun and we didn't burn our fingers!

p.s. the boys enjoy Cafe Rio as much as Rik and I do.

You've had a Birthday Shout Hooray!

2011-03-22T15:08:00.001-06:00

4 years old!! What a treat you are! Björn is 4!! not 6 or 7 like he sometimes acts! I love you Dad loves you all your grandparents love you. Gamle Farmor and Gamle Mormor love you and all of these cute cousins that came to celebrate love you!! Plus those that live in Texas or had soccer practice love you too!! You are loved and you help others feel loved. You are tough and you love superheros you are a nice big brother. Thank you for being ours!! love you

April 12th 2010 Pre Birthday Presents

2011-03-22T14:47:00.000-06:00

Can anyone guess what the birthday theme was for this 4th birthday? Butchie got him a towel with his name on it and an Ironman bobble head. The pj's had to be opened early so he could have them on when he got his birthday tray...at least that was my excuse for letting him open them early. What a happy kid!

I freshened up the kitchen.

2011-03-22T14:43:00.000-06:00

I switched out plates that were hanging on the wall and then I took down all the dust collectors from that area over the pantry and fridge and replaced that crap with one lamp I have it on timers and I still like the effect! I also switched the light fixture out over the dining room table....while I was one the phone with my SIL I assembled and installed...yes I am bragging.

Happy Birthday Gramps! 2010 Princess' First Movie!

2011-03-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

I got lucky my SIL went and had lunch with a friend and I took these beautiful children to see The Princess and the Frog. It was Tayler's first time to go to the movies. They were a treat to be with and they all had to go to the bathroom at different times...I beleive we lost a sippy cup to the depths of the sticky dollar movie floor....but it was so completely worth it!!

April 1-4th 2010

2011-03-22T14:13:00.002-06:00

Björn is sporting a sweater his great grandma made for his dad circa 1978. Thank you Mormor. Colored eggs and then went to a little missionary reunion hosted by Sister J.R.C. Todd I believer at this moment in time we were blessed with Rik having an install job...hence the missing spouse. Don't let me forget the boys with the Easter baskets...that too is in this collage.

Mar 31st 2010 Why do my bathrooms smell like pee? Anyone anyone?

2011-03-22T14:03:00.000-06:00

March 15th 2010 PURE JOY

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March 2010! No No it hasn't been a year since my last post...just almost...

2011-03-22T13:46:00.001-06:00

March was a fun time Shingles came to Björn's forhead, LaLa came to visit, we went to Toaster's and ate great sandwiches and Björn had a Kinder Eier and salad too. Rome fit into the suitcase and both boys were happy and sweet. Bonus fact Rome didn't cry at all when Lala was here.

Photo Tag

2010-03-31T11:56:00.003-06:00

Here are the rules:
1. Open your first photo folder
2. Scroll to the 10th photo.
3. Post the photo & the story behind it.
4. Tag 5 or more people.

Here is my photo-
two pretty neighbors....my dear neighbor finally got knocked up after much trial, tests, prayers, pain, scares, you get the idea... we threw a surprise baby shower for her....her hubby forgot and we had to call him to walk her down the street...it was too funny!

I tag: Mindy of course and then...are there 4 other people tha teven read this?

Mom, I don't need your help

2010-03-31T11:23:00.002-06:00

"Dear Heavenly Father, Thankful for my family please bless daddy at soccer and scouts and work. Please bless that all the doors are locked. Bless Romey that he can sleep good and that I can sleep good. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen" -Björn

Bye Bye BINKIES!! I was going to wean him after we lost the last one...I figure it's better to have him weaned pre-talking....WELL THat's now what happened. He just shoved them away from me last week. Monday the 22nd to be exact. So I just threw them all out! That was it! No crying! No whining! JUST DONE!!!

So these boys are independent. They don't need me. At least they think they don't need me. But who would make choc. milk and cut up meat? Ok ok Björn would....they don't need me.

4 Years Later and Still Grateful.

2010-03-17T20:41:00.002-06:00

4 years ago today Rik was transported from the Hell Hole Jordan Valley Hospital to the U. 4 years ago today I thought I was telling my husband "Bye" from this earthly life...Rik's family gathered, rallied, prayed, and got Rik out of there!! I will never ever forget the wisdom my BIL's had. I love you 3 dearly, you will never know how much it means to me that you took the time to research Strep A and then to ask the doctor why Rik wasn't getting the proper treatment. To be told every single day "You are one sick guy, but you're young and you're healthy" and to vanish for the rest of the day...and then to be transported to the U's BTICU and have Dr Saffle look at me and say "Are you in or are you out, we need to shut the door?" That was the first time I took a deep breath. I love you Östheds. Forever grateful for you.
I love you all my family and friends who prayed for Rik, what a crazy thing to look back on and also what an amazing thing to look back on...it always puts me back into check. God answers prayers, not how we would think, but HE always does. And the outcome from any trial that we survive is a stronger better version of ourself.

No more pukies for me!!! Life is GOOOOOOD!!

2010-03-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

Took Rome to the Doc a month ago and she looked at him and knew it was a milk allergy, 85% of kids allergic to milk are also allergic to soy. Tried the old goat's milk and rash rash rash poop poop poop. We are back on track and no more experimenting. But if you were trying to keep track Rome has been on: Breast Milk, Enfamil, Similac, and then Good Start (life was good during Good Start), Milk, Soy Milk, just Water and Juice for a week, Rice Milk, a stint with Goat's milk, back to Rice Milk.

A Barf bader Thank you

2010-03-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

March Mask Madness!!

2010-03-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Rik's Birthday

2010-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

The day started out all about Rik....then we went to church, came home and the boys fell asleep, I fell asleep and when I woke up the boys had already woke up from their naps, Rik had already bundled them and taken them to the park....sorry that I didn't spoil you more daddy-o....but i am glad that you got to play with the boys! We love you.

2010-03-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

the finished product...
boys at school got dinosaurs
&
girls got flowers for their hair

Hope Your valentine's Day was as Fancy as Björn's Cup

2010-03-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yes those are homemade conversation hearts. Cinnamon and Sour cherry. The Visiting Teaching message for Feb was spending money wisely....this was the antithesis of that. $35 for ingredients....who knew edible markers cost so much...$35 for shipping.....
Basically, if you got one you are super super super loved & if you didn't then you are super super loved.

Love you Uncle Simon.

2010-03-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

January 28, 2010 Who needs a warm sunny beach, when you have Farmor and Farfar's hottub?

2010-03-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Little Mia

2010-03-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Lips

2010-03-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

London & Rome were the only ones to make it past the frosting!
Thank you everyone for the nice phone calls, gifts and messages.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ROMEY!!!!!!

2010-03-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Started the day with his birthday tray. (notice Björn's sad face since it's not his birthday) Farmor and Farfar came for lunch.
Jenny brought Brandon, Tayler and London to have some fun.

Kicked the Year off Happy

2010-03-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Relaxing end of 2009

2010-03-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Life is Good! The big coat on Rome is always a special treat, he knows he is going outside, but once he is in this coat he doesn't move a muscle, he won't even turn his head, just blinks. He layed in the Pram just like that the whole time we played outside.

Beautiful Christmas Morning 2009

2010-03-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve 2009 Magic was in the air!

2010-03-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Rome was in heaven due to the fact that he got to suck on a candy cane. Rik was in heaven due to the sweet rolls Christel made.
Björn was in heaven due to the fact that he got to see Santa. Santa was walking down the street. Björn was barefoot and ran outside with Gunnar. His face lit up! And then he told Santa that he wanted a good guy castle. He told Santa "Santa, Santa, I will leave you milk and cookies in my room ok?" Now if you witnessed this, there is no way you couldn't believe. Rik and I both were teary eyed. It melted me. Santa had a toy for each child and when he unwrapped it he went back to Santa and said "Santa you got me just what I wanted! Thank you Santa!" That sweet innocence, that was heaven for me.

Sidenote, since it's March already...Björn's a little older and a little wiser, he asked me, "mom, does santa get milk and cookies from everyone?" I said yes, he said "maybe we can leave him Beef Jerkey and juice next time". I don't think that's a bad idea at all!!

December Fun

2010-03-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Dec 12, 2009 Christmas Card Photo Shoot at Temple Square

2010-03-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect time and day to go and see the beautiful temple grounds and just be there as a family. I love you boys very much.

Dec 11, 2009 Just a little something Christel Whipped Up! I love this because I get leftovers!!! Sorry that you can't taste the pictures.

2010-03-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

December 10, 2009 My 1st Haircut! Mommy Clipped my Wings

2010-03-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

December 6, 2009 Creative Juices Flowing Freely

2010-03-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

I got home from church and Rik and Björn were sitting on our bed just hanging out, like nothiing was wrong, I see his hair I instantly look for the clippers, I scan the bathroom there aren't any, odd, what did he use a razor? scan for a razor nope, ahhh scissors, you did that with scissors?!!!
Rik was dozing and then heard this, "Dad do you like my hair? Does it look awesome?" How do you get mad at that?
The next day (the batman pjs) he was styling his hair with gel and said "Mom, people will look and say, hey that kid's hair looks like batman!" His face describing it was so proud, I understand the pride of experimenting as a child....mom I still remember you throwing my cut off jean shorts in the trash because I was putting bleach on them.....they would have been so coool....I think I still think about my mom getting mad that I didn't want to make him feel bad.....keep in mind people I had a bowl of bleach in my bedroom on CARPET...she had every right to get mad!!!
If you ever slip on our bathroom floor it's because B just played with powder and it's like a booby trap. Other creative displays are the pieces of art that get hung up on the walls. For instance these two little slips of paper hung on our bathroom wall for months. He said they were our names. I had to leave it up. This little boy with a heart of gold has so many awesome facial expressions he makes us laugh everyday! Love you - my firstborn!

Björn's Photo Gallery: All photos in this collage were taken by Björn himself, hence me lookin' smokin' with my gunt and bed hair

2010-03-13T06:42:00.001-07:00

Photo Shoot Took Place at Björn's Residence on December 4, 2009

My name's Born and yes I can fit into my baby brother's high chair.

2010-03-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

"Oh HI, my name is Handsome, it's nice to meet you!" is it just me or are those little fingers the sweetest little fingers you've ever seen?

2010-03-13T06:29:00.001-07:00

***there isn't a sheet on his crib because he puked constantly...the sheets were being washed...again.***

Pulling up for the 1st Time: Playing Playing Playing: PJs PJs PJs

2010-03-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Tender Moments: Thanksgiving, till we meet again....

2010-03-13T06:22:00.001-07:00

Sweet Boy and his Gramps.

Why am I tired? Oh because I did a puzzle in the middle of the night so no children could help me....

SISTER DAY!!! OH the fun we had! The bargains we found! We even had an intermission in our shopping to see New Moon with Jenny. Something about a 17 yr old boy shirtless that made me feel dirty. Thank you Bryan and Rik for letting us have a kids free sister day. It was the best!

Snuggling and Sipping AAAHHHH!

Presents!! The Grandkids Photo was a Success: Oma got misty eyed!!!!!

2010-03-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was too Pretty to skip the Park

2010-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

A couple boys, a couple girls, a couple BM's good times good times!! We were the only ones at the park. And when you have 4 kids at the park all to yourself it's rather relaxing. I think this was the cherry on top of my Thanksgiving and we haven't even opened presents yet!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Punkin's tired...

2010-03-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Lot's of love and labor went into this, it doesn't look like much, but something that the McDonald famly is not used to...all the adults sat down at the table and ate together. It was very nice. It wasn't long however, before Björn was ready to fight one of his uncles!! Tayler following suit with the wrestler's uniform...

Sophia's 1st Movie!! Cute, Oma & Opa even showed up! Punkin wants Uncle Bryan to go to the Snack Bar again, he's fun!

2010-03-13T05:47:00.001-07:00

***Uncle Bryan did not shart, he just sat on a Junior Mint***

Oma & Opa's Christmas Present

2010-03-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Proof that miracles do happen! What a sight we must've been. Rome cried the whole time, the kids didn't look at the camera at the same time, Kami plus all 3 moms jumping clapping whistling singing....I know at least the 4 adults slept deep that night...phewww. We deserved Target that day!

Just having fun!

2010-03-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I like to see how fast we can either take down Christmas decorations or put them up, last year we took them down in record time and this year, Rome was down for a nap, Björn was at school... We had 2 hours and Sophia had a little tree....I think we did a fine job!!

Happy Chaos!!

2010-03-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

When family visits you want to spend all the time you can with them, which makes for Happy Chaos. Bubba's house, notice AUnt Jenny's the nice one she lets you play with Play-Doh. I love these kids, and Tayler I want to squeeze and know what little mischievious thing you are concocting!! Butchie relaxing in the Love Sac with two handsome boys.

Sophia came for Thanksgiving!! So did Spiderman and Hulk!

2010-03-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Oma and Opa came for Thanksgiving, but not alone!!! They brought Sophia!! Since we wanted her to feel right at home from the get go...we had a little birthday party for her...little, but with Cousins you don't have to do much. I'm not sure where my camera was but basically, all photos were taken by Jenny Mc or my dad....I'm guessing the ones with the dates were Gramps. The week before family was coming we took the whole family to run errands. We had a family date at Target, Björn saw this Hello Kitty water cooler and lugged that thing into the cart. It was pretty funny and Rik was in a generous mood, so Björn got to get it for Sophia. You see Björn and Sophia associate each other with shopping in some odd way. She is always asking if the second spot in the cart is for Björn and Björn is always finding something he wants to buy for her. It's very cute. Back to Thanksgiving....Sophia warmed up to us, until someone better came along, namely, her Mother. It was fun to have my sister here. Sophia liked the snow and strategically we let them go out in the snow without jackets...we had places to go people and what a faster way to let them play and get cold then without coats!! They were unwinding as they watch a movie in his bed dressed as Spiderman and Hulk. Sophia was a little cutie she actually slept on the mattress on the floor in his room. Björn missed her terribly after she left.

Who needs temporary tattoos when you have a big bro with a bic?

2009-11-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Paired with washable crayons.....at least they're happy???

One of my favorites...

2009-11-16T14:56:00.002-07:00

I like to think that Pres Monson would be proud if I quoted literature...sadly, I fell in love with this quote as I watched the movie...I'm pathetic.

The book: LITTLE WOMEN
The mom Marmee is talking to her daughter Meg

"I only care of what you think of yourself. If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that that's all you really are.

Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot deminish is the wonderful workings of your mind. Your humor, your kindness, your moral courage- these are the things that I cherish so in you.

I so wish I could give my girls a just world. I know you will make it a better place."

Remember how special you are! And forward this to 10 people in the next 10 minutes...or else....
PSYCH!!
p.s. never forward me crap that ends in "forward this to other people" I instantly feel cheap

We've got Patio!! Just no patio furniture...

2009-11-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Danke, Tak, Merci!

2009-11-03T11:29:00.003-07:00

In preparation for our Primary Teacher appreciation we thought it would be cute to make cookie lollies aka cookies on a stick. We broke it down so we each wouldn't have to do too much. I was in charge of the tags that would go on them...with two little boys it turned out to be an all day affair....it's funny how things go sooo much quicker in my head. It wasn't bad or stressful just took longer. i got them prepped with ribbon and tulle.... My poor partners in crime both have been dealing with sickies at their homes...don't worry everyone if you get a cookie they were baked in a sterile-pet-free kitchen.
It was like my boys knew I was going to have a little project for the evening because Rome took a later nap and Björn watched a movie downstairs...they were both out of my hair! After a few kinks I got the glaze made and all 50 cookie-pops frosted...so far so good. My mind was still okay. Put the boys to bed and started piping the word "thanks" on the cookies...In my head I started out concentrating "T-H-A-N-K-S" then "thanksssss" was repeating in my head, by the time I finished, let them dry, and started packaging them I was hearing "Tanks" the I saw turkeys for a while morphed into the word "SHANKS". Keep in mind I was packaging these 3-4am the house was quiet except for me mumbling "Shanks, shankssss, shankss" over and over and intermittently "fergilicious def - fergilicious definintion make them boys go crazy"

While I was up I started scanning some old letters my favorite lines so far were these:

"p.s. I have 2 earrings in my left ear. Do you think I need one in my right ear?" This letter was from a guy my freshman year in college...same year different guy wrote this nugget of a time capsule:
"if you need anything just page me"

oh the 90's ...pagers, earrings and way way too much ill-fitting floral print rayon

btw- i have no idea where my camera is or else i woul have the pic of the cookies

Some cute little moments...I'm all caught up!!!

2009-10-29T10:52:00.000-06:00

Cousin's Halloween Party!

2009-10-29T10:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my party!!

How are they so peaceful during all this chaos?

I had fun I hope those kids did too!
We had all sorts of stuff planned:
*Decorate Loot Bag
*Photos of each kid...that fell to the wayside but the idea was cool
*Candy Toss..Just when we thought no one was going to get it Joshua sinks it in...we scared him we were so excited, then his little bro and Brandon sunk them in on their 1st shots too!
*Pin the Eyeball on the Monster
*Ghost fishing
*Bowling
*Decorate Cookies
*a little Awards ceremony

Lessons learned:
*Don't do it during potential nap times
*Act more crazy to get the children's attention or do it carnival style where they go to booth to booth
*Buy just as much cheap crap that I did this time. $30 dollars here and $30 dollars there adds up!
*Make sure they get to play downstairs for a while that's what they wanted to do anyway.

18 Oct 2009 Östhed's are Fun

2009-10-29T10:21:00.000-06:00

Farmor with 3 little 3 yr olds and pretty little Brynn. Sofia with a piece of pie the size of her head! Adam ate at least 8 brownies, it was impressive. Gunnar, was a great story teller. He was still 5 in this picture but only for 5 more days!! Boys doing push-ups. Pretty People and one sweet diaper changing competition.

I have a Family Here on Earth

2009-10-29T10:13:00.001-06:00

So we were prepping for a Halloween party and I bought some face paint. I did have some cool Incredibles-like mask on Björn he added to his, only after he painted my face. Rik got home from work and still had to take a shower...so we all were painted...Rome was already out for the night or else he wouldn't have been left unmarked.

That top left photo made us laugh for 10 minutes because it looks like Rik has a tiny little hand. We played with the camera for almost an hour. It was fun.

Gamle-Farmor is visiting from Sweden. We got to have dinner with her and Adam's family, Simon's family and of course Farmor and farfar...(Farfar is like his dad I am told, in that, each grandchild feels like they are his favorite...this starts from birth on...Rome will cry if he can see me and someone is holding him, unless...Farfar is near then he is twisting and reaching for him!) Björn loved Farmor over me, Rik over her and Farfar over anyone. I am certain the other cutie-pies feel the same way.

I will post a few pics of the other families too. They are all so beautiful.

A Round of Peek-A-Boo anyone?

2009-10-29T09:43:00.000-06:00

Shhh, it's a secret.

2009-10-29T09:38:00.000-06:00

Now Gardner village is a fun little place that Sara and I take the little ones each year...why don't I have pictures of that? Instead I have pics of a naughty little secret...BUT when I got the chance to go, GO I WENT!!! When Sara and I went Farmor came and brought little goodie bags that the kids enjoyed. I thought it was a cute idea and also prevents me from having to go into that darn candy store...which I discovered sells the HAZELNUT HIPPOS from Kinder not the boring Choc ones BUT THE FREAKIN HAZELNUT ONES!!!
It was fun even with melt downs it was well worth it.
ps NOTE that there are wet footprints in some of those photos. WARNING the GRASS IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE NEAR THE POND! We are greatful that it was the one person who could recover from it and not go completely in, if it had been any other child who know's what could have happened. I don't want to ever think about it again.

Fall is in the Air....but only to tease us...

2009-10-29T09:24:00.001-06:00

Harvest Fest @ the Zoo with 1 million other little kids

2009-10-29T09:20:00.001-06:00

Lesson Learned, make sure school is in session before ever stepping foot at that place again! Cameron came with us to ring in the month of October. That bottom picture says it all...DRAINING!!! Fun, but draining, if there weren't so many darn kids.
p.s. the train and carousel are still awesome tools to distract from the reptile house and the playground!

Fall colors at Sundance

2009-10-29T09:12:00.000-06:00

It was colder than I thought and I didn't take that many pictures of the COLORS, duh. But we had a fun time anyway. Björn loved the little paths and of course throwing rocks! Rome loved the Gerber Puffs he was eating! I think dad had fun I know I did. Just should've worn a jacket.

9/26/2009 The day Daddy was FUN!

2009-10-29T09:04:00.000-06:00

A few things I learned this day.
#1 Even if I don't go to save money, you will still spend at least another $25 when you get inside.
#2 The store at Thanksgiving Point is pretty adorable. fun. cool. inspiring.
#3 Face Painting Illusions owner Emily Steck is one talented Face Painter.
#4 Just because the weather man says it's supposed to be a cool day, if the wind isn't blowing and the sun's shining I most likely dressed my kids tooo warm for the day.
#5 Björn loves shooting Corn Stalks and Paint Balls and he enjoyed playing in corn!

9/21/09 Please Note that I am getting my Money's Worth with this Costume!!

2009-10-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

Dad had my car so we squeezed into Rik's truck!

2009-10-28T21:54:00.000-06:00

Rik took my car, I can't remmeber why. We needed to run to Smith's so into the little truck we loaded...."hold on, I need to lift up your carseat Rome so I can switch it into Drive". We got what we needed and since I had a few bucks I decide Björn and I could jus tshare a carne asada burrito from Beto's. In the pic you can see that it was as big as his head. He dove in and said, "mmmmm, this is good food mom." Then he continued to eat a third of it...those of you who know know that they are the size of a small child to start off with so he ate a ton! It was a fun little adventure that made me smile. I love those 2 boys.

10 Posts in one day, I bid you Adieu!

2009-10-28T16:38:00.001-06:00

I'm almost caught up! Maybe I'll see you tomorrow.

One trip to Target and that too big Batman costume problem SOLVED!! Intoducing reversible Spiderman!!!

2009-10-28T16:37:00.000-06:00

We spent the rest of the month switching back and forth from "good Spiderman to bad guy Spiderman"

Oh, did I buy a 5-7 youth? Well, let's go to Target!!

2009-10-28T15:54:00.000-06:00

Does Rome's smile melt only me?

LaLa Trip!!! Sept '09 Every trip is an Adventure!!!

2009-10-28T15:43:00.002-06:00

A little down time from a ridiculously early flight.

Hey Tayler do you want some Cheetos? Björn and Tayler snuggling with Lala they both had a milk sippy and a water sippy. Pretty babies! Mom bought some masks!!
Let's go throw rocks in the river, Lala!!! B taking a leak...sorry Joe and Teriney he didn't releive himself the proper distance from the water.

Oh yes we did!!! We hiked Timp again!! This time it only took 6 hours to get to the top and I wasn't near as sore as I was the time in August. "Jenny, I don't care anymore it's too scary let's go down" "Jenny, no I don't want to" "Angela you already made it past the saddle you are going to besides you have already done the worst part." "You can do it" This all sounds familiar doesn't Kincher...Aren't you glad you did it!!

:-( dinner before we had to take her to the airport. Chicken I believe it was...

First Day of Preschool!!! Sept 8, 2009

2009-10-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

Just look at that face need I say more? He still asks me everyday if he should wear his school shirt....

Weekend Getaway!! Sept 3-6, 2009

2009-10-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

Thanks to the world's best In-laws we were able to take a trip, 3 nights people!! I had never been away from Björn over night and of course not Rome. So off we went all I wanted to do was hike...all Rik wanted to do was swim and relax. So instead of going straight to Zion's we headed down to Vegas. I couldn't believe how alert I felt that night...not constantly picking up, making chocolate milk all day will do that I guess. It was nice. Vegas was fun not because we loaded up at H&M or that we got to stay a night with Abby! But that it was just Rik & Jenny. It was nice. We even went swimming for a bit so Rik was happy. I did learn that I look exactly like a 40 yr old and not a 31 yr old...That hurt a little. But all in all, I didn't realize how important it is to a marriage to have that time together without an interuption.

We headed north and drove through Zion's which was beautiful of course!! We headed on to Bryce Canyon we wanted to do the "Peek-aBoo Loop" hike. FYI don't think for a second you will find a place to stay there last minute on Labor Day weekend. The Tahoe was surprisingly comfie! Lesson learned. That night we drove through the canyon and listened to the BYU-OU game. That was funny (we love you Birdlie!! Glad you laughed at the T-shirts!)
The next morning we woke up and hiked. It was so pretty the only part that stunk was the horse pooh that was on the trail. After that we continued west and hike Calf Creek.....IF YOU HAVE NOT HIKED THIS YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Just don't forget your camera like we did. You end at this pretty waterfall. It's 3 miles in but it's not a steep incline at all...so it's doable with kids.

After that we were off to head back home...so yes we drove tons, and hiked tons all in one day! We were tired. My In-laws actually met us at our house so we didn't have to drive anymore...bless them. They will never know how much that meant to me.

Splash Pad Again!!! Preschool Orientation and ONE SWEET PEANUT Drinking his Bottle

2009-10-28T14:45:00.000-06:00

I've had a Birthday shout Hooray!!

2009-10-28T14:10:00.000-06:00

31 wasn't too bad. I first received that sweet Make-Up bag that "Tiny 'Phia" made me with puff paint! Then these talented ladies that are in my life not only give thoughtful gifts, but they package them so pretty!! Thank you Abby, I needed that I was in a slump and it was just what I needed, and Kymber the Beer Pitcher is perfect! I am not sure how I lived without one for sooo long. Then the following Saturday, Jenny and Jason made the best dinner for me!! It was all sorts of goodness, Root Beer, Coconut Shrimp, Ribs, Artichokes, King Crab Legs, Homemade Cheesecake....it was heaven to my lips! Just look at my plate!!! Thank you!!! It was straight up Heaven!!!

It made me smile when I heard at 6am "Mom get me juice" and then 6:30 Rome crying...they had no idea it was supposed to be MY DAY!!! Rik came home and we had a fun time...not to mention I got a nice coat and some sassy shoes from The Rack!!

Life is good!! Welcome home daddy!!

We missed Daddy, but we survived!!

2009-10-28T13:35:00.003-06:00

Rik was blessed with work in Rock Springs, WY he was gone for 2 weeks. I was ok, the boys were on a nice little schedule and then we spent lots of money at stores, Chuck E Cheese's etc. etc. etc. So spending money was my coping tool. Not to mention I was a rock star and cleaned out the garage, basement, did loads and loads of yard work, the house stayed pretty picked up until I was giving Björn his tickets he earned (he wants a Spiderman bike and he has to fill up a jar with tickets to earn it) I saw a mouse staring at me...needless to say from that moment on I didn't care how productive I had been I just wanted Rik...the rest of the week I missed my Ricky.

The boys and I had a good time, up until Saturday when Rik said they had 2 hours worth of work left. Like the realistic wife I am I calculated that he would work 5 hours plus the drive home so I didn't even look for him until 4pm. NO RIK, every 30 minutes, NO RIK no to mention the fact that he never once picked up the phone to call and say hey it's taking us 12 hours instead of 2...

while he was up there...we were busy winning tokens, eating pizza, going to "Sister SOcial"...Emma thank you for making that happen you have a beautiful home yard family life!! It was fun. I lost Björn/Rome's sweet little baby shoe though :-(

I was cleaning the house one day. I was doing something in the bedrooms or something because in a short 15 minute time span this is what I witnessed....

We went to Holly's beautiful wedding!!! It was so nice, it even left a good impression on Björn...he kept talking about "Holly's Wedding" even now when we see pictures of wedding stuff out shopping or on TV he reminds me that he went to "Holly's wedding". It was a pretty pretty wedding.

After too many hours of waiting I said to myself, I want a birthday date darn it!!! So a date I shall have. I loaded up the boys and off we went to Paradise Bakery. Our 3 beverages, Björn's sandwich, my cookie, the Tuscan chicken sandwich and that lonely cell phone just waiting and waiting to hear from Rik...no dice...but at least my boys were cute and loveable!!! Björn ate all of his food too...I need to remember that...