Preschool Field Trip


I was able to go with Gibson on his preschool field trip yesterday.
(Thank you Jessica for watching E for me).

Last week in class Gibson wrote a letter to his cousin Katie and then for his field trip we went to the post office where he purchased a stamp and mailed it. We then went to a local pizza parlor and we made our own personal pan pizza's.

Can you imagine the reunion these two had today???

Our prayers are with the family members of our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. What an exceptional man. We miss his smile already......Love you always President Hinckley.

(photo taken by Becky Higgins, Kirtland Ohio, May 2003)

Miss America.....tomorrow night

I remember as a young girl watching Miss America with my mom and being completely wowed and impressed. Maybe it's what brought me to compete in my town's local preliminary when I was a senior in HS.....hhmm.

Well, I was watching Miss America Reality last night (catching up on some DVR) and had NO idea that Miss America is on tomorrow night!!!

Now, to some of you this may bore you so please skip down a few paragraphs and for others you'll wonder why I know this and I admit, I've done my homework. Now several years ago Miss America was not picked up by any network. The ratings had been falling and the pageant was feared that it would be gone forever! CMT picked it up for 2 years and honestly, the past two years I haven't even known it's been on. Well this year, TLC picked it up, turned it into a reality show in the hopes to completely overhaul the image of Miss America.

The reality show had the girls live together for one month where they were completely stripped of everything they had been trained to do (sequins, big hair, loads of makeup, rehearsed answers, walk, etc.) and now the Miss America Organization is looking for a completely different girl than in the years past. They want someone "all American" who appeals to all different people.

So to find out if they accomplished this and if they actually pick a girl who is a little more "non-pageant" like, you'll want to watch Miss America tomorrow night.

So, as a "Friday Flashback" in honor of Miss America, I found this lovely picture of me (and a fellow blogger) at our local pageant 12 years ago. This pageant was for the most part fun and a rewarding experience. The pageant I did after this one was one of the worst experiences of my life and anyone who wants to pay for my therapy session can know why!

So, whatever you think or don't think of The Miss America organization is up to you. For me, it's some good TV watching every year and I'm sure this year will be no exception.

Gibson's BFF

It all started in August 2006. One month before Gibson turned 2. He discovered Buzz Lightyear at some friends house and has never let go of his love for Buzz. (He called him "Beyond" for about a year)

He had never even seen the movie Toy Story, I ended up buying it for him since we were moving from Colorado and about to enjoy a 9 hour car ride with just the two of us, I thought it would entertain him. It did.

The love continues....

We went to Wal-mart the other day to do some shopping and from the opposite end of the store, Gibson saw this new ride! He was SO SO SO happy! It was the best .50 I have spent all week! I happened to have my camera since we took Flat Sean to Wal-mart (project we're helping with for our nephew) and I was so glad I was able to capture this happy moment. We may have just found ourselves a new weekly activity! (even if it does include going to Wal-mart)

I thought I'd share some pictures of the dynamic duo and introduce everyone to Gibson's BFF.

Gibson and I went into the "city" shopping last Saturday. I promised Gibson that I would take him to the Buzz Lightyear Store a.k.a. The Disney Store if we was good. Well, he was very good all day and when we got to the Disney Store I couldn't help but buy him these pajamas. They were on clearance and such a deal!

I don't do characters on clothes. It's just not me. But pajamas, okay, you got me. Gibson also scored with a new pair of Buzz sunglasses and flip flops. He also found a nerf foam blaster that was on clearance too. He was such a happy kid!

He sleeps with Buzz and Woody EVERY night.

For his 3rd birthday he was spoiled with all new Buzz toys!
Making sure Buzz stays hydrated

The first Buzz, may he R.I.P.

Bear hold on Buzz.

Sharing his "soft" buzz with baby Easton. We had just brought Easton home from the hospital and Gibson wanted to introduce the two.

How many of these Styrofoam peanuts fit in Buzz's helmet?


Jared and Gibson playing with Buzz.
As I was searching my pictures I found numerous other pictures of Gibson and Buzz. Many days we're really tired of Buzz having to get strapped in to the car or Buzz having to be in the bathroom when Gibson takes a bath or the over protective nature Gibson has with Buzz when other people are around.

Buzz is seriously Gibson's Best Friend. He quotes the movies, they solve problems together and they are always on an adventure (Buzz sometimes slips into Gibson's Buzz backpack and goes to school with him)- I'm thinking this friendship isn't going to end anytime soon and I think we need to start saving to take him to Disneyland. Now, that's something I'd love to see!!

Easton Walking

Look Who's Finally Walking!!

The Nanny Wars- Jason you WIN.

So my little sister Erin is self proclaimed gravel. She's not as flighty as sand but she's carefree but has a little grounding to her. So she's gravel. (her words, not mine)

She always looks for random, not paid very well things to do in the summertime and so I made the suggestion to her that since I will be having a busy summer (moving, hubby joining a dental practice, etc) that I would pay her a little more than her not paid very well job and she could come and be my nanny this summer.

Well my brother got wind of my suggestion and thus the nanny wars began. He thinks he needs a nanny because of this post .


Well, my brother has one major advantage over me. He owns a company that can hire my sister to work on the days she's not needed as a nanny. So basically- my offer to pay her pennies is being overshadowed by his ability to offer her a "real" job on the side so she can make money and escape the kids.

Well, the other day I got a text from my brother which stated something about hiring a nanny for one 18 month old and TWO six month olds!!

Read THIS POST for the complete story in their words but all I can say is I'm going to be an aunt again to another little princess and I can hardly wait!

So Jason- you win! You need a nanny more than I do!

Let's Talk TV

You would think for the amount of TV that I watch, I'd realize that the writers are still on strike. I guess I haven't noticed too much since most of the shows I enjoy are reality shows and were recorded months ago and are new each week.

The light bulb went off on Sunday when I tried to record The Golden Globes. All I could find was this one hour Golden Globe Winners Special that was airing. I was getting so annoyed as to why I wasn't getting the full Globes. Finally after several attempts of scrolling through the TV guide, I swallowed my pride and asked Jared if he knew.

"The writers are still on strike, Syd" - like, duh as if I should know that the writer strike has anything to do with the announcement of winners from films and TV shows that were made and produced way before the writers began their strike. Seriously, did everyone know that but me? How's this strike going on so long. I'm guessing that since the shows are being produced, camera guys, makeup artists and set designers are also out of a job. Surely, with that many people being hit this hard, it would come to a resolve.

Anyway, back to the TV talk. So, Jared and I watched the one hour winner announcement special and we have to say. We liked it SO much better than the 4 hour version! Especially with a DVR. We watched the whole thing in a matter of 20 minutes. I would have been so upset if I would have wasted my time on the actual golden globes since 1) I didn't know half the people who were nominated or the majority of the shows that were nominated 2) I had other DVR shows that I needed to watch, like American Gladiators.

Which brings me to my main thought on this post. American Gladiators. Is it wrong that at playgroup a few weeks ago, a few of us moms giggled at the thought of this classic show returning.

I remember many nights sitting around watching it with baited breath. Oh, the rings always made me so nervous and I always wanted to try the one with blasting the guns at the target. I loved that show and I am thrilled that it's returned. All of the episodes are new and it takes me back to my younger, carefree (home on a Saturday night)days. I asked Jared if he thought I could be a gladiator and he answered with a "what? I was chewing, I didn't hear the question."

Hmm, what would my gladiator name be? I'd like to think it would something like Venom or Stealth but I'm guessing I'd get the name Jello or Pixie...

We are mourning new episodes of our favorites but we're hanging in there with shows like Gladiators, Apprentice and Biggest Loser. I wish I knew how long this strike was going to last. I could cancel my cable and save a few bucks and increase my Netflix subscription and catchup on shows I never got into like 24 or 30 Rock. Better yet, I could finish Gone With the Wind so my life could really move on.

What's getting you through these tough times??

All boys do it....right???

Gibson was all smiles when he came up to me and told me he had a piece of corn stuck up his nose. Apparently he thought I would smile too. I did smile (behind my furrowed brow) and yelled for his father to come take care of it. Jared tried unsuccessfully to have him blow it out but Gibson really hasn't learned the art of breathing out his nose so out came the dental tools.

Jared returned from the garage with some very large plier like things and proceeded to dig and a moment later out came a piece of tonights dinner. Corn.



"Where could he possibly learn to stick something up his nose" asked Jared

"Um, remember when you were watching America's Funniest Home Videos and the girl stuck a green bean up her nose and then blew it out and ate it?"- Yeah, rewinding it and watching it over and over wasn't the best idea..... at least I'm just guessing.

YUMMY Breakfast Bars



2 cans crescent rolls
8oz softened cream cheese
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 stick butter

Spread one can of crescent rolls on the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Mix softened cream cheese with one cup sugar and vanilla and spread over rolls. Spread 2nd can of crescent rolls over mixture.

Melt butter and pour over rolls. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Best if you serve warm, not hot.

This recipe comes from Tara she gave it to Kristi and Kristi shared with our playgroup. It's become a weekly favorite!

Getting It Together....


We've been back from Utah for a week and I just can't seem to get it together. I finally got Christmas put away, the suitcases are unpacked but still sitting in the middle of our over packed bedroom. I have a zillion, yes, a zillion, things to do and yet I just can't get it together.

I have a few theories as to why.

I am in the middle of reading Gone With The Wind. Any of you read it? Holy Freakin Long Book. Book club is Friday and I'm only half done and I swear I've been reading for weeks. I'm always thinking "I'll just sit down and read a few pages" and then 20 minutes has past and I'm still reading because I must know if the Yankees come back or if Pork caught a fish for dinner.

I haven't written down my New Years Resolutions because I honestly don't need one more thing to feel guilty NOT doing. For example, one of my NY Resolutions is going to be to exercise 5x a week. If I write it down, I'm committed. If I just think it and then not do it, I don't feel as bad.

So, I'm going to start right now trying to get it together. I'm going to open up Jamie's blog because she has a great music selection and I'm just too lazy to download some new tunes and get going. Should I start with the kitchen or the bathrooms?? Maybe I'll read for a few minutes so I know if Scarlett is able to pay the taxes on the house.Once I know that I'll be able to focus a bit more on cleaning.......I'm never going to get it together.

Sledding and New Years Eve Fun

I think we've found a new tradition! We (Condie's, Taylors, Bringhursts) went sledding at Soldier Hollow and we had a GREAT time! The only time slot we were able to get for a Saturday was 4-6 p.m. I was a little nervous because I thought it would be just too cold to enjoy but it was just the opposite. It was perfect! We were bundled up warm, the crowd wasn't as big so we got up the hill faster and the soup and hot chocolate we had in the lodge tasted even better since it was a brisk 22 degrees. The Bringhursts brought 3 dozen Krispy Kream Donuts and I hadn't had one in over 8 years so I ate two! They were Y-UMM-Y!

Jared's dad owns this snow suit and ADMITS it! Jared wiggled and slid his way into it (why, I'm still not sure) and he was our very own "Sulley" on the sledding hill. Yes, you are looking at a matching hat and boots!!

Jared wondered if the suit made his butt look big and YES Jared, it does. But he was warm. After one run down he had to remove the 1 inch foam layer.

Gibson DID have fun! Contrary to what the picture might say. He lasted about 1 hour 15 minutes before he ventured into the lodge with Aunt Rachelle and Kaydan. Thanks to his friend Nate who let him borrow his new snow gear (yeah, we're the parents who's child didn't even own a winter coat) he was snug as a bug. He never had to leave this tube. He got pulled to the tow rope, he rode down and the process started all over again.
Jared, Erin, Chana, Fred and Gibson after riding down the hill.
Jared and Gibson. This is at 1 hour 16 minutes. Gibson's meltdown had begun, we just needed to get him down the hill.
Jared and I snuggling to keep warm!

Jared's parents own a home about 2 minutes from this sledding hill. They were kind enough to hang out there with Easton while we went sledding and then Jared, Gibson and Easton and I stayed the night. We enjoyed watching a movie on the big screen HD Plasma TV! The boys "swam" in the jacuzzi tub and I snuggled into the couch and read a book. Great end to a great sledding trip.

For New Years we invited ourselves over to our friends The Kirbys (well it seemed like we did. I just love offering to get together with someone when we don't have anywhere to go. "Oh sure, you want to do it at your house, that sounds great..."

I didn't take one picture because I would have had to move from holding down the couch or standing in front of the food. It was a great time. Games, Wii, food, fireworks, Scooby Doo. Gibson stayed up until midnight and then crashed a few minutes later. He and Nate didn't stop. We can't wait when they can become best buds and see each other more often...How's that basement coming Todd and Anna, need some renters???

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2007

This was our second year staying home and spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day just as a family. Last year Easton was the reason since he was only 2 weeks old and this year Jared's on-call schedule was crazy so it was just us and we loved it.

Christmas Eve we decided that we wanted the tradition of a large dinner, followed by frosting cookies for Santa and then opening up one present each (always will be PJ's) and then having cookies and hot chocolate while we read the Christmas story from the bible. For now while our kids are young this is what we're going to try and this year, we followed it perfectly.

Here's Jared and the boys in the PJ's right before bed.

Santa's loot he left behind for the boys. Santa doesn't wrap presents at our house and he takes everything out of their boxes so they are ready to play with (we wrote to Santa last year when he didn't do this and we had a crying 2 year old who couldn't play with BUZZ fast enough). Not shown is the bike he left for Gibson.
Probably the reason I didn't put a picture of the bike is because it got totally overshadowed by the return of Blue Man. Blue Man brought friends this time, namely Super Girl. Maybe I should give him the bike for Valentines or Easter.....
Why is it that the toys that were purchased for under $5 are the favorites? Easton received these in his stocking and drove them all around the house. If you look at his lips you can see that he's making the noise that goes along with the cars!
This boy loves cars!
Santa sure was lucky to receive this cookie that was cut out and frosted with love by Gibson.

Christmas Eve we invited the Kluckens to join us for dinner and cookie decorating and we had a great time. Christmas day we were invited to join the William's family for some yummy roast and salmon and the best potatoes and cheesecake I've ever eaten!

We had a great Christmas. We hope you did too.