SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT

Mary Oka Lower Maughan

2010-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Cadillac
Curling Irons
Democrat
Perms
Dentyne cinnamon gum
Basketball
Disneyland
Lizards
All colors of roses
The beach
Perfectly manicured nails
Milking cows
Beautiful satin wedding gown
The BX
Lompoc
Rosie's spaghetti sauce
Wellsville Labor Day
Sham Battle
Quails

I love you and miss you and thank you for all you taught me.

Kristan & Joel

2010-02-01T20:09:00.001-08:00

Pollution Soup

2010-01-18T09:22:00.001-08:00

This is what we have been living with for the last few weeks. I think it is settling into my lungs, we all have a funk. The air purifiers have been running constantly. Yukky! Please, bring on the snow!

Before & After

2010-01-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

My friend and I took on a "design challenge" Friday night. Started at 4pm and finished at 10. Needed to revamp my house, and Cort would be home around then. Here are some pics of one wall.

This was the after picture. We painted a wooden hutch a funky green/yellow color to match my new pillows, courtesy of Michele Dunker Interiors.

The towel under the piece shows just how "fresh" the paint job is....oh, and Cort loves it!

Pretty

2010-01-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Posts

2010-01-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am going to try and gather my thoughts and post more often. I find myself having so much to say that I don't say anything at all. Here are some pics from the talented Alisha Ekstrom, Oakstream Photography. The florals were done by Vicki Yonker and her daughter, Hailey. They used my lounge furniture and feathers and containers, so I wanted to share. Don't they do good work?

Photo shoot for Michele

2010-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

I helped Michele out with a photo shoot one year ago and thought I would post a pic. Isn't this great?

Uh-mazing Wedding

2009-09-02T16:30:00.001-07:00

This was an amazing wedding up Millcreek Canyon in SLC. Adrienne Emmett and Nick Palmer were married there. There are great pictures with more detail at http://oakstreamphotography.com/blog/.

2009-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

No More Monkeys...

2009-06-19T21:48:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted about Kate lately, Jess. Here is why....the little monster broke her arm.

After about a gazillion times of telling her to knock it off, I heard the crash. She was jumping on the furniture and fell. At first I didn't think it was broken, but then she went into shock. So I hauled her to the swine-flu infested InstaCare and had it looked at. Broke her upper humerus near the shoulder.

Then we were investigated by DCFS for abuse...broken arm, serious road rash (from a previous bike accident), & a tooth that is missing (because she was playing with a bracelet in between her teeth and pulled it out)....

What a week!

Any Strong Opinions?

2009-05-18T20:57:00.001-07:00

I am looking at this for my living room. It won't be white (duh!), more of a charcoal color....let me have it, good or bad!

Rug of Fleurs....

2009-05-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

These shots are from Rand & Kath...amazing!

USU Robins Awards 2009

2009-05-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Another USU event. I thought it was perfect for the upcoming Spring weather. Marcie Taylor did linens & Noel Allen did photos. Thanks!

Mallory

2009-05-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Bridals for an upcoming wedding. She is stunning and the images from Kellee Smith are so pretty!

Wedding Showcase 2009

2009-03-23T18:29:00.001-07:00

The wedding showcase was this past weekend. Kellee Smith from Moments by Kellee was kind enough to shoot my booth for me. I was grateful she did...her shots made my booth look so great!

Thanks to Ali too, who provided the pillows!

VALENTINE'S DAY!

2009-02-09T14:35:00.001-08:00

VALENTINE'S DAY!

2009-02-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

Hurry and order your box of blooms today (for yourself or for someone special). Small (half dozen) and Large (dozen) sizes available. Email me or call at 435.512.4349...

Aimee Wedding

2009-02-03T16:26:00.001-08:00

Wedding Shoes

2009-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Casey McFarland (www.iamcasey.com) for shooting this wedding. It was beautiful!

This Is A Good One Too....

2009-01-28T13:00:00.001-08:00

Makes me long for the summer riding....it's snowing, not going to be happening in the near future, unless my studded snow tires ever show up.

Make Up Artist

2009-01-28T12:48:00.001-08:00

BEFORE SCHOOL

AFTER SCHOOL

ALI OOP

2009-01-27T20:14:00.001-08:00

Ali only posts lame photos of me, so I am choosing a great one of US...aw! Isn't that nice? From our DC trip last April.

Wedding Give-A-Way

2009-01-27T10:54:00.003-08:00

The Wedding Showcase is coming up March 21, 2009. If you are engaged and want a free wedding....you better be at this Showcase. Go to www.weddingshowcase.blogspot.com for more details.

GO UTAH STATE!

2009-01-24T18:03:00.001-08:00

Is this the funniest thing you have EVER seen? It's quite a gem....love it!

Little Red Goes Pink

2009-01-13T17:43:00.001-08:00

I registered...I am there...all 104 miles!

PS. Ali, you promised!

JOIN US!

2009-01-13T17:02:00.001-08:00

Hey, if any of you are interested in participating in a great bike ride (not to mention GREAT CAUSE!) head on over and sign up! We would love to have you (all levels)...

Team Name: Raymond Construction/Leslie Wood

www.curemsutah.org

Dinner

2009-01-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Dinner tonight was a breeze...pretty good too. I'm not a big fan of gnocchi (it reminds me of play-doh), but this was good. Kate devoured it! Served with steamed beets.

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & White Beans

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 16 oz package shelf stable gnocchi
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
6 cups chopped chard leaves (1 bunch) or spinach
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
1 15 oz can white beans, rinsed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Add remaining teaspoon oil and onion to the pan and cook, stirring, over medium heat, for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and water. Cover and cook until the onion is soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chard (or spinach) and cook, stirring, until starting to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans and pepper and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the gnocchi and sprinkle with mozzarella a Parmesan. Cover and cook until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.

325 calories per serving, 7 g fat, 14 g protein, 6 g fiber

(Recipe from Eating Well, February 2009)

Dear Mr. Speedypants,

2009-01-07T15:12:00.001-08:00

Seriously? Where is the fire? Everyday it's the same old thing back and forth to work you have to rally race your car down the street. That big Lexus barrels by at mock speed sending dust, debris and small children flying. Can you PUH-LEASE slow down? Someone will get hurt.

A Few More Shots....

2009-01-06T19:04:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Marcie at www.dreamweddingsandevents.blogspot.com for the shots. She provides all linens and chairs for my events. You can also find her at www.dwande.com.

New Years Eve & Wedding Makes 7

2009-01-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

I really think I can submit my application to top design now. This week's design challenge? Plan a wedding in a week (with most suppliers off for the holidays), please my mother & sister (eeek!), and show up to the wedding in good spirits. How did it go? Well, thanks to Ali, Haley, Patty, Jess, Barb, Michele, & Leslie we did it! And a very special "thank you" to Natalie, who I accidentally left out. She was the life of the party anyway...

Kate Wrecks....

2008-12-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

Ali thinks I should start a blog of Kate all on her own, titled "Kate Wrecks"...I think she is right. Here are some more....Thanks Jess!

Seriously? She has that "red carpet" pose down....ahhhhhhhhh!

All I Want For Christmas

2008-12-10T20:33:00.001-08:00

Now...you will notice that Kate writes her name backwards (actually mirror-image). My mom keeps telling me that Michelangelo did this too. How is that for justification? "No...she doesn't have dyslexia, she is a genius!"

So if you aren't a genius and can't figure out what she told Santa she wanted, here it is.

1. Piggy bank
2. Barbie
3. Hair ties
4. Doll
5. Moto (yes that is short for motorcycle, a REAL motorcycle and in case you forgot, go here.... http://saxtonsblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/want-to-see-something-scary.html

Tis The Season!

2008-12-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is usually spent working at clients homes decorating them and making their homes pretty. My house usually takes a backseat. Only because I get so sick of Christmas before December even gets here. This year though, I was inspired and I decided to do a mantle to match the tree. I do a fresh tree in the family room and did fresh garland on the mantle. Tucked in lime green berries and graphite colored balls to update my usual green (all shades) theme.

Oh and I hung glitter (yea for glitter!) snowflakes from my ceiling with pretty satin ribbons.

Close up of my crazy all green tree....

I totally heart poinsettias especially in white (which look green-ish)....

This is my other crazy Charlie Brown tree which holds all things sentimental. I was married in December so for one of my showers all my friends and family brought ornaments for our tree. I have vintage glass ornament balls from my great-grandmother (kate & ellee's great-great grandmother), first Christmas ornaments for my girls (both pleasantly plump babies), the green pickle from Aunt Zoe, ornaments from our travels, and you get the idea....

My Christmas Helper

2008-12-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

So Kate was totally into decorating this year, that is mainly why I decided to do Christmas this year (I swore it off around Nov 15). As we were setting up the Christmas tree she excused herself for a minute to go get something for the "pokies" that were bothering her. Moments later she showed up with her ski helmet and goggles on so she could water the tree without them getting in the way. Ha!

Notice the new tights?

I'm the worst....

2008-12-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

So because I am the WORST at taking photographs of my children & family, I often rely on others. Leslie forwarded these to me to add to Kate's wardrobe malfunctions. By the looks at some of the photos, she has been doing this for quite sometime.

Daddy & Ellee

2008-12-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Ellee Girl....

2008-12-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some updated photos of Ellee. She was headed to her friend's bat mitzvah. Is she the prettiest thing in the world or what?

Fashionista!

2008-12-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

One of the arguments I am just NOT going to have with my 4 year old is what she is going to wear. I have tried and tried to buy her cute jeans and vests (my daily attire) and she won't have it. My sisters think what she wears is complete comedy and have asked me to post the best outfits...here it is.

Please note: these are NOT costumes, NOT dress ups. These are outfits she has picked out herself and has worn...in public.

These rainbow hand-me-down tights from Ali are donned about 3 times a week. Luckily I found another striped pair that she can wear.

Love the boots and fluffy cardigan!

Yes that is a one-piece unitard (again, from Ali) and elbow and knee pads. At least she is safe.

Can you say grandma from Scottsdale or Palm Springs? This is at Celia's birthday party last year.

I shouldn't post her in a bikini (I know this) but seriously....the boots?

Striped tights...again!

Sassy!

Never Met Her

2008-11-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

I sure hope she liked her bouquets....I never even saw this bride!

Document...schmocument!

2008-11-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

I NEVER EVER EVER take photos of my work. I am pretty sure that by the time I get the whole thing pulled together I am too anxious to get out of there, doesn't matter if it is the prettiest event in the whole world, I don't photo. Why?

Well, found these from a wedding a few months back. Thought I should share what I really do for a job.

Enjoy!

I NEVER EVER EVER take photos of my work. I am pretty sure that by the time I get the whole thing pulled together I am too anxious to get out of there, doesn't matter if it is the prettiest event in the whole world, I don't photo. Why?

Well, found these from a wedding a few months back. Thought I should share what I really do for a job.

Enjoy!

Someday.....

2008-11-10T10:48:00.001-08:00

Don't you just love his stuff? It really is amazing. Check him out at www.kershisnik.com

2008-11-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

THREE OUT OF FIVE

2008-11-03T17:32:00.001-08:00

THE ORIGINAL

NATALIE (2008)

AMY (2007).... I love the high-waisted bottoms here.....so Linda Carter!

So glad I cant find the photo of me. I certainly look much LARGER than my sisters....Jess needs to send me one of her so that I can post. Then you can all vote on your favorite Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman Costume Makes the Rounds

2008-11-03T17:18:00.001-08:00

Holy Bat Crap Superman..

Natalie, you pulled it off! The funny thing about this dumb costume is that all 5 of us sisters have donned the outfit (we are so NOT creative). Started back years ago with Leslie (of course!) and then I wore it, then Amy, Jessica and now Natalie. I have the original (discriminating) photo of Leslie (and Nolan as a bee), should I share?????

We should post all Wonder Woman photos and see who is the HOTTEST?

This one is pretty steamy!

And The Winner Is....

2008-11-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

Leslie totally rules when it comes to Halloween. She is serious about the holiday. I can barely get Kate a costume and Leslie can outfit the whole family....she MAKES the outfits. (Yes, sews them!)

Callie is the cutest oompa-loompa you have ever seen!

Nolan is in the background, I will have to find a pic of Cam the ghost.

WITCHY WITCH!

2008-11-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

My Little Witch...notice the wig came off halfway throughout the day.

Ellee Girl!

2008-11-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

I found this pic on my phone from when Ellee was here last August. I love this picture of her and her dad. They look so much alike. Had to post because she is so dang cute!

PS....look for her upcoming Halloween pics, she was Sarah Palin!

Watch and Laugh....

2008-11-03T15:14:00.001-08:00

Thumb Sucker No-More

2008-10-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Only a mother with a child who sucks her thumb knows why I am blogging about our latest milestone. Kate stopped sucking her thumb a couple months ago (applause please!) This is a huge deal for me because never did you see that child without her thumb in her mouth. Not to mention I sucked my fingers until I was 10 (not until I broke my wrist did I quit!) Mission accomplished.

How we did it you ask? She was climbing on Cort's motorcycle ladder and got a metal sliver in her finger. It was no big deal (although I made it one) but she came up with the idea that if she kept a bandaid on her finger it would help her to remember not to suck her thumb. I only went through one super-sized box of bandaids, but it was well worth it.

Class of '94

2008-10-31T14:40:00.001-07:00

So at the last minute the other night, dinner was put together from friends of LHS Class of '94. We went to dinner at Maddox to catch up on life, kids, etc. I was saying that no one has changed one bit. This is proof....well, maybe we are all older, but everyone looks so good and seems so happy. I can't believe it's been almost 15 years! Oh....we are so old!

Back row (L to R) Kristen Koerner Bear, Katie Curtis Wuthrich, Angie Christensen Thompson, Mandy Leishman Saunders, Amy Sellick, Jennifer Pond

Front row (L to R) Melissa Spencer, Andi Watts Saxton, Kari Soderquist Johnsen, Amanda Nyman Gibson, Michelle Peterson Gibson,

Mom, You Said It's Your Birthday?

2008-10-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad recently purchased a condo in St. George. Since then, we never see her anymore. She is gone every week/weekend. That is what I am blaming this late birthday post on. Seriously, its her fault...I forgot I even had a mother! Wonder how my dad feels....anyway, happy birthday mom, I do love you.

1. Bathtub on Ambien (SO NOT A GOOD IDEA!)
2. Lava Flows and yellow umbrellas
3. Delicious granola with fresh berries and of course, a diet coke.
4. Good ice (and a diet coke)
5. "I need you to make a gorgeous salad with a beautiful avocado"
6. Fettucini supreme! (and a diet coke)
7. Breaking a spoon over my butt!
8. The Sew & Sews
9. Bobbi & John
10. Troyka
11. Trading in the minivan for the 300....good call!
12. Alumni House
13. Wiping your lipstick all over Marlowe's tie (that was awesome!)
14. Being so intimidating to others, they think you are "PERFECT!"
15. Reading a million books a week
16. Your bath time (and a diet coke)
17. Always taking care of people in need (this is awesome...)
18. Getting slapped by your sister one Thanksgiving (this was so funny!)
19. Logan's own Martha Stewart
20. AC Women's Club (yes, they meet TWICE a month)
21. Quilting
22. Scrapbooking
23. Knitting
24. Sewing
25. Cooking
26. Obsession with bees
27. Amazing grandma
28. Is there anything this woman ISN'T good at?

I only wish to be half of what my mother is. She is amazing in so many ways. Thanks mom!

My Four Year Old Is Moving Out: Part 2

2008-10-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

So Kate comes out of the bedroom and comes to stand by me. She doesn't say anything but she has her blanket wrapped around a few clothes and a stuffed animal. The only thing missing was the stick to tie the blanket to and throw over her shoulder to mope out of the house.

Me: "Kate, it's way cold outside, you will need a warmer coat if you are running away."

Cort: "We don't mess around with stuff like that in this house Andi."

Me: "Are you kidding? She won't make it out the garage door without a full blown panic attack!"

No one was amused.

My Four Year Old Is Moving Out

2008-10-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

So we get home tonight and as we are getting ready for bed, Kate decides she doesn't like the way I am doing things and she wants to "live with a new family." I ignore her.

Five minutes later (after sniffling and drawer-slamming) she comes out with a bag and says she "used to have a nice family."

Cort says, "before you leave, let's talk."

They are talking right now....I will keep you posted.

Mikey Mikey Mikey!

2008-10-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Mike is twenty-something today, I love you!

1. Tying the CPR dummy to the tree out back to watch you wet your pants with fear (classic!)
2. Three amigos impersonations
3. Grey cowboy boots you loved so much you slept in them
4. Zorro (sword swipes and all)
5. Wrecking the Mini (I've never seen you so pissed!)
6. Being with Dad that one day
7. Beautiful Jessica
8. Having the largest head EVER on a baby body
9. Mexican Independence Day celebrations
10. Near felony charges
11. Sharing a bathroom with 4 older sisters
12. Spoiled rotten (still)
13. Box truck episode
14. Mom dressing you in those ridiculous suits (don't forget the red tie either!)
15. Your A in Nutrition
16. Being a wonderful uncle
17. Trying to eat a cheesecake for $100 (you only ate 1 slice!)
18. You fight like a girl
19. Your spelling
20. Slip n Slide in the backyard of your house
21. You & Jess and the Target gift card issue, so funny!
22. Teaching you every four letter word in the book when you were two
23. Your salsa (delish!)
24. Your Halloween costumes (they get better every year)

Want to See Something Scary?

2008-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I must warn you...this is what happens when you leave your four year old with her dad.

Cort: "Where are you?"

Me: "Wedding Showcase...."

Cort: (laughing hysterically) "You have to drop whatever you are doing and get up here...FAST!"

So, are you ready for it?

This is the scary part...are you sure?

Thanks SaReale!

2008-10-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Again, at the risk of being disowned by my family, I'm not talking about politics. But I had to post this.

Kindred Spirits

2008-09-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Blogosphere...meet Jess, my new sister. She married my brother on August 16, have yet to post about their wedding (I ruined their wedding too!) Kate and Jess might just be on the same wavelength. I went to pick Kate up from playing at Jess' house and they were "shopping" in the bumblebee car (Jess car is bright yeller!) They are so cute and I had to post this photo.

*PS...I say "too" because I ruined my sister Natalie's wedding by wetting my dress during the hokey-pokey. I know, don't ask...

Skiing Anyone?

2008-09-30T17:49:00.001-07:00

I just loved this photo...it's 80 plus degrees outside and she wanted to practice skiing. What a girl....

What's For Dinner

2008-09-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

After a day of nature hikes, mountain bike rides, pool party for the neighborhood, house cleaning, laundry, car washing, flower processing, etc....I am BEYOND grateful for this recipe. Thanks to the magazine Real Simple, dinner was ready in less than 10 minutes prep time and 40 minutes cooking time and it was made with one roasting pan. Oh, and it's pretty to look at too!

Roasted Chicken, Apples, & Leeks

8 small chicken thighs and drumsticks (2 1/2 pounds)
4 small crisp apples (Braeburn or Empire), quartered
2 leeks, halved crosswise & lengthwise
6 small sprigs fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt & black pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet toss the everything together & turn chicken skin side up.

Roast chicken until cooked through and apples & leeks are tender, 40 to 45 minutes.

Enjoy!

PS. Wondering what I had for dinner (not into chicken...it's foul), Moroccan cous cous & avocado, yummy!

Third in Line

2008-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

I had to post these of Sam and Cort. Seriously, do we need a boy in this house or what? Cort is surrounded by female energy and it's wearing on him! Especially all the extra hormones we are in the throes of....poor Cort.

So Cort would chip onto the green as Sam counted for him and then Sam would "fetch" all the balls and return them to Cort. How cute is that?

Dear Chocolate Zucchini Cake

2008-09-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to have found you...I can't believe you are my last slice. I ate an entire pan of you in less than 24 hours. Mmmmmmmm...I even fooled Elli into eating you. Delish!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups flour
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher, of course!)
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream butter, oil and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, baking soda, buttermilk & blend well. Sift flour and other dry ingredients, blend into wet mixture and add zucchini. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13x2 inch pan. Sprinkle with chips & nuts. Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Seriously? It Can't Be

2008-09-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

I usually don't blog about politics....but I can't help myself. What the....

The Genes

2008-09-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was looking back at my past posts only to come across a statement on my dad's birthday that insinuated that I was hopeful to inherit some of my dads genes. How I wish I could take that back....the one gene I was so lucky to get from the significant X chromosome donor was the anxiety gene. As if it wasn't bad enough to suffer through grade-school anxiety (everyone remember me being locked in the bathroom because I refused to go to school?) now I passed to my little one. And let me say just a few words about that....

IT SUCKS! I swear as the generations go on, it grows exponentially.

I have to give poor Kate a play by play of EXACTLY where I am going in the house. Room to room. "Kate, I'm just going to the bathroom," "Kate, I'm folding laundry in the laundry room," "I'm taking the garbage out!" Seriously. If I don't answer her right away or she doesn't hear me answer her, MELTDOWN!

Poor Jess (Mike's wife) was putting her in the car and was going around to get in on the driver's side...Kate FREAKED out and made her crawl across the passenger seat to the driver's seat. It's true. Imagine little Jess crawling across the seats to get into her car...funny, but kinda sad too.

Advise please?

You'll have to work harder....

2008-07-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Kate: "Mom, I think we should put a swimming pool in our backyard."

Me: "Don't think so Kate, we don't have enough money for that."

Kate: "Well, you will just have to work harder then."

Things I Love About Dad

2008-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,

Thanks for always being there for me whenever I needed you. You are 60 years young today.

You amaze me in so many ways: your work ethic, your kindness, your funny quirks, your love of others. I can only hope the genes are in my favor...Happy 60th. I love you.

1. Always for the fans
2. Never comes out of his room when we are over
3. The Harley obsession
4. The model truck obsession
5. The model airplane obsession
6. Duluth Trading Company
7. #1 buyer at Franklin Mint
8. His love affair with Scott W
9. The knuckle rap on the head
10. The thigh squeeze during church (as if we would be quiet after that!)
11. Nose dive off a forklift
12. Quakies
13. RRRRRRRaymonds
14. Clifford, the big red truck
15. His torn garments (*in front of MY friends)
16. The green sweats (thank goodness they are missing)
17. Riding in the back of his truck (what would DCFS say now?)
18. "Good Grief!"
19. "Ya think?"
20. Sperry Top Siders
21. The chester the molester moustache from your wedding photo
22. Knowing the meaning of ANWR
23. Nacho Libra
24. 5am scripture morning study (as if!)
25. Crawling under the steering wheel to get in the truck (can't believe we fit!)
26. Lava Hot Springs
27. Softball
28. Grapefruit with brown sugar and cherry on top
29. Weeding the garden
30. The damned cowboy boots (worst punishment thus far)
31. The Migi (remember the parade when I fell backwards?)
32. Cayman Island
33. Aggie basketball
34. Toe picker
35. 4 WONDERFUL daughters
36. 1 punk-ass son
37. Spitting image of grandpa Loy (thank goodness you aren't sporting a blue leisure suit...yet)
38. Driving me home from St. George in our TWICE re-built Jeep engine. What an expensive summer.
39. Mini cooper
40. Brass rubbings
41. Country music
42. Pancake breakfasts
43. Greatest grandpa in the world to 7 (almost 10) grandchildren
44. Fishing trips to Quake lake
45. Having a good time on the Glenn's Electric building
46. Picking grapes for grape juice
47. Lunches at Logan Regional Hospital
48. The cleanest garage on the street (my how times have changed)
49. Washing basement windows every Saturday
50. Bonnie Raitt
51. Getting busted by grandma & grandpa in England (ew!)
52. Skittles
53. Granola every morning
54. The Phantoms
55. Lack of filter
56. "At Ease!"
57. What was it with the PERM anyway? Jeeez
58. Tinker master
59. Never being able to remember any of your children's birthday or names
60. Republican....oooooh!
61. Singing in the church choir (didn't anyone tell you you CANT sing)

8:15 am

2008-07-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Me: (in a really soft "good morning" kind of voice) "Kate honey, time to get up, you're going to be late for school"

Kate: (scratchy morning voice shout) "GET OUTTA HERE OR I AM GOING TO START SCREAMING" as she pulls the covers over her head

She got that from her dad.

AMERS 32 + 3

2008-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have so much to catch up on with blogging. It is in dire need of pimping, but no time. However, I have to make time to acknowledge Amy's birthday (July 1). She threatened me not to post ANYTHING incriminating but how can I resist? I mean out of all my sisters....she has something to talk about! So, for my annual why I love you...

1. "It has a rad stereo, woo hoo! woo hoo!" "It has rad speakers, woo hoo! woo hoo!"
2. Braces, headgear, etc. for what? 10 + years?
3. Wrecking that Toyota with the rad stereo & rad speakers
4. Vomiting all over Hab's car (probably more than once)
5. Hiding nasties in the downstairs bathroom drawers and blaming it on me
6. Nick & Sadie
7. Paying top dollar to come visit and spent the weekend doing laundry
8. Trying to make fondue (the red kidney...remember?)
9. Mr Colston calling you to the principal's office (probably the only time YOU weren't in trouble)
10. Walking me (tear streaked face and all) home to mom
11. Hiding nasties in jam jars? Seriously.
12. Riding the MS 150 with us for Leslie. Loving it so much you did it the next morning...crazy!
13. Your closet: color coordinated & all
14. The intimate relationship you had with Sonic in Arizona. Route 44!
15. Neither one of us being able to make it through the first page of "I Loved You Before You Were Born"
16. Wetting your pants on DJC (ah...you broke my *%#%)
17. Wetting your pants in other various places
18. Getting punched in the back
19. Grand Theft Auto, age 15
20. "They won't leave me, I am a cheerleader!"
21. $700 hair extensions
22. The smullet...short on one side, long on the other

I'm still thinking, so you can check back...love you sis!

PS. Congrats on the awesome hot air balloon ride!

MS 150 CONTINUED

2008-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Team Raymond Construction! What an awesome ride and all for a great cause! Our team raised over $5000! I can't believe how strong Leslie was...good work! Amy loved it so much she and Charles and Jenna did it again on Sunday (and Amy hasn't ever been on a road bike before!) Still can't figure out how Lacy did it on a cross bike...good job everyone!

To Prove It....

2008-06-11T14:30:00.001-07:00

I'm the one in blue with the white stripe on the jacket. Huffing and puffing and puking her guts out! This was about 80 miles into the ride. Coming in on the old Mendon road.

Star Struck

2008-06-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Nick sent this to me...need I say more?

YOU GET WHAT YOU GET

2008-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

As we are trying to go to bed last night....

Kate: "You sleep on daddy's side"

Me: "No, I want to sleep on my side"

Kate: "No, you always sleep on this side, it is my turn"

Me: "No Kate, you will have to go to your own bed if you won't move"

Kate: "MOM...YOU GET WHAT YOU GET AND YOU DON'T THROW A FIT"

Me: "......"

Little Red Riding Hood 2008

2008-06-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful ride through scenic Cache Valley. All 104 miles. I can't believe we did it....WOW!

THE THINGS I HAVE LEARNED...

1. Love butt butter (don't ask, just trust me) I might consider using it DAILY!
2. Decided that gu and gel shots are good enough to replace food all together
3. People should really be careful where they choose to blow snot rockets...seriously? EW!
4. Red tires on a red bike are so hot!
5. Double high five for the double pace line

PIMP MY RIDE

2008-06-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

So out with Dora The Explorer and in with orange avitar bike. It is even fit with a hand break. How sweet is that? We passed Dora off on Cam (shhh! Don't tell him, he thinks she's (Dora) cool) and took the new ride up the Riverside trail. I can't believe she petaled her little guts out. Made it all the way to the single track. She even took a good digger into Ali's tree...it left a mark on her neck that resembles a hickie. No tears though!

MS 150

2008-06-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

I just recently decided to participate in the MS Bike Tour and I'm inviting you to join my team. My sister Leslie was diagnosed with MS a few years ago and I am putting a team together in her behalf. Please visit

http://bikeutu.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_UTU_homepage

to join our team, RAYMOND CONSTRUCTION/LESLIE WOOD and come and ride with us, or visit the same link above and donate in Leslie's name.

Riding a bike - a skill that many of us learned ages ago - can seem like such a simple thing, but it can have such a profound effect, especially when you ride for those who may not have the strength to pedal themselves.

By joining my team, you will be signing up not just for a great ride, but also for a celebration of the great things we can achieve when working hard for a common cause. Each mile we pedal brings us that much closer to a cure - and closer to a world without multiple sclerosis.

THANK YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 31!

2008-06-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

To my just younger than me sister...happy 31. This is why I love you:

1. Dressing and hanging the CPR dummy up in the backyard to scare our little brother
2. Gambling and LOSING so bad on the apple green carpet
3. Sharing your smelly markers with me that you got as a gift when you had your tonsils out
4. Working girls construction..(not working so hard)
5. Our USU summer class when we went to study wildflowers
6. Trying out for cheerleader and sucking so bad (still can't believe you made it)
7. Nazi Aunt
8. Cam, Callie, & Nolan
7. Even though you are an exact physical replica of mom, you act NOTHING like her
8. Your dirty-ass trash can of a car (my poor pilot)
9. State of UTAH scoring double tax on us (in one day) and you not pitching a fit
10. Being there for dad that one day
11. "wehl come, wehl come, wehl come to my show" (and me flipping you the bird on tape!)
12. Your tough love approach
13. Your cankles...(hey... you said it first) Im glad to see the leg lifts in the shower are making a difference
14. Your contractor's license
15. Telling Kate all about jail (she still cries about it)
16. That awesome cross-stitch (the awesome one that hangs in my house)
17. Wonder Woman underoos
18. June 28 is for you baby!

Mountain Biking....Finally!

2008-06-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

So we are all a little excited about mountain biking season being in full swing....especially Ali cat!

Violets are Blue

2008-05-26T11:12:00.001-07:00

I took this photo in DC. I decided it would be my inspiration photo for my flower beds....I usually despise purple with all my heart, but put with lime green I am loving it. I think I will give purple another chance.

PS. Sorry the photo is such poor quality, I took it with my phone.

Beyond Grilled Cheese

2008-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Go home and try this....it's even better on a rainy day.

2 slices Crumb Brothers multi-grain bread (buttered on one side)
Provolone cheese
Blue Cheese
Fresh pear (or cranberries or apples)
Chopped pecans

Lay one side of bread on pan (medium heat), layer with 1 slice of provolone, blue cheese crumbles, pecans & pears. Top with other slice of bread and flip when side 1 is toasted & cheese is melted.

Yum.

Ballet Recital

2008-05-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Kate's ballet recital photos....quite the day!

Rock Star

2008-05-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

So Kate has this microphone that when you push a button it has a crowd going nuts. Another button is background music. She makes up songs to sing along and stands outside on the milk box as her stage...she watches entirely too much Hannah Montana, but she has been doing this for the past 2 hours, so I am totally cool with it.

She also rides her Dora the Explorer bike around the neighborhood and has demonstrated her multi-tasking by adding a cell phone to the other hand or on her shoulder. The conversations are hilarious...I am waiting for the broken arm.

Yesterday when the lawn guy showed up she rode her bike up to him (cell phone conversation going on) and says, "we are so glad you are here, our lawn is crazy long!" Seriously.

Spring in DC

2008-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Snowbasin

2008-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Took kids to Snowbasin to ski... Nick, Sadie & Jordan played hookie from school. What a blast! I think this might have been one of the better ski days I have had. The older kids took 11 runs off the gondola and Sadie & Kate skied 6 runs off Becker (a fairly long run)...and they did great!

Redneck-y

2008-04-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Ellee came to visit for Spring Break last week and while she was here she wanted to snowboard. We took her skiing at Beaver with Nick on Saturday (the last day). They watched the Big Air Contest and Pond Skim and had a good time. Sunday we went with some friends to ski the mountain after it had closed. They got to the top of the mountain via Jeeps (I know!) and had so much fun boarding with the mountain to themselves.

After a few runs we had lunch, thanks to Tim and Alan and family!

Cort and his motorcycle. He rode the thing to the top of the mountain...

Tim & Kate...

Steve-o and his Jeep at the top of the run and all that testosterone!

Domestic Goddess...I think not!

2008-03-26T15:59:00.001-07:00

So again, Ali convinced me to do something totally out of the ordinary. She sewed an Easter dress for her daughter, Elli, a shirt for her son, Will, and a doll dress for Elli's doll (yes, I am totally serious, this woman DOES exist!). The alpha mom in me decided to give it a go.

After ditching the pattern instructions because they were too hard to understand, sewing the armholes two different ways, having to sew the band on (and unpicking it) three different times because I couldn't figure out how it went on, and inhaling and choking on a half dozen pins ( I forgot I had them in my mouth and started shouting at Kate), it is finished. Applause please!

PS. Cort wants me to mention that I made this for Easter 2009! (I finished it the Tuesday AFTER Easter)

Ahhh! Spring

2008-03-25T16:23:00.001-07:00

I have a bunch of bride's who are using these colors so I decided to post some pictures. While Nick was in town, he decided to pull out the creative side of himself and help me with these. He's really good, hopefully some therapy for him too while away from the big city of DC! Thanks Nick!

Boot Camp!

2008-03-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

So after I told Ali I was sick of spinning and needed a change, she signed us up for Boot Camp. Ouch....that's all we need to say about that. Oh, and the guy in the orange is "Brenda" Wallin and the girl in the white jacket is our trainer, Natalie. She rules and puts the hurt on.

Ballet

2008-03-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Kate is taking ballet from the Cache Valley Civic Ballet and loves it. She has a friend, Olivia, that she goes with and she has learned first position.

Visit With Grandpa

2008-03-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

My grandpa told me he would call me every day until I wrote down this story about Kate. She had been sleeping with me for a week while Cort was out of town. He had come home and Kate wanted to sleep in my bed with me. I told her no. She stomped off to brush her teeth and when she came back she fold her arms across her chest and said "I will make you a deal.....IF I change my attitude can I sleep with you?" Cort just looked at me and said "how do you say no to that?" I didn't.

Another favorite that I need to write down happened about 6 months ago. Kate would not sit up to eat dinner and so I told her if she was finished it was time to get ready for bed. She proceeded to have a meltdown about it and I told her she would have to live with the consequences. Her response, "Who am I going to have to live with? I don't want to live with anyone else!"

So, grandpa....I wrote it down. Now I just need to invest in a helmet cam so I can record her at all times!

Bunnies!

2008-03-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Kate and our little neighbor girl found this little bunny for sale at the store. Kate had brought her wallet and I while I was on the phone, the two girls decided to buy the bunny. Try explaining to Kate that she can't have a bunny even though she bought it with her own money. Not an easy task...

Worry Wart Heads to the Dentist

2008-03-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

So it's probably a little strange that I am putting photos of my child's trip to the dentist on my blog...however, if you understood Kate, you would know this is quite a milestone. Truly, this is the child who had a panic attack when I was telling her about St. Patrick's Day! She loved the dentist, Dr. Doug. She talked his ear off during the exam, mostly talking about Sadie to him. When it was time to go, she was actually upset.

And then there was....

2008-03-18T20:51:00.001-07:00

Yes that is Kate and Cameron. These two are something else....

Callie Anne Wood

2008-03-18T20:35:00.001-07:00

What a sweetheart! There is nothing in the world like a new baby....

Cort Needs....

2008-02-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

So I was reading my sister's blog tonight and she had this on it. You google your name with "needs" after it and see what it comes up with. Pretty funny and interesting.

Cort "needs"....

something to crap on
samurai armor
ritalin
a new owner (I thought I was doing a pretty good job)
time to heal (might be true)
to get his head on
stop swearing

Andi "needs".....

to write a description of herself
to see Mardi Gras (I did want to throw a party this year)
Dairy Queen vanilla ice cream
help
a baby (this is true!)

So funny, you should try it.

Dinner At Cheesecake

2008-01-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

We always hit the Cheesecake Factory for dinner at least once while in Arizona...a family favorite! Isaac is in the last photo, doesn't he look just like his uncle Cort?

Taste of Summer

2008-01-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

These photos were just downloaded from December. We spent time down in Arizona with Cort's family. We went swimming at Aunt Tiff's pool and little Taggart didn't sport a suit, but he sure liked the sunshine!

Skiing!

2007-12-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

We spent some of the vacation skiing. The girls did great and had a blast. We went to Snowbasin and Ellee did great on a snowboard (she is also a beautiful skier). Kate would get off the lift and say, "I'm gonna take off!" and off she would go.

Christmas Morning!

2007-12-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

I think all of us at our house would agree that Christmas presents don't even matter just as long as we have Ellee here with us. Kate wasn't real interested in opening presents, she just looked at us and said, "I'm so glad my sister is here!" Truly, it is amazing how our house changes when she is around. She completes us as a family and her sister Kate adores her. She follows Ellee around constantly and it is starting to drive Ellee crazy. She is a good sport though!

Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas eve with the Saxton family at Heather's house (Cort's sister). They built a beautiful home this summer and it was so fun to get together for a delicious meal and a visit from Santa! The girls had a ball and it was so fun to have everyone together.

Birthday Sledding & Brunch

2007-12-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

For Kate's birthday we had her friends Elli, Will & Sam come over for brunch and sledding in the backyard. All of us had a blast...even Ali when she was toppled over by a sled full of kids. Sam loved it and giggled each time he went down the hill and Ollie enjoyed chasing everyone.

Trip to the Children's Museum

2007-12-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Ali & I took our kids to the Discovery Children's Museum at the Gateway in Salt Lake. The kids loved it, loved santa, loved crafts (not as much as me though), and loved sushi. Will even ate a bunch of tofu! So there Jake....