365 days of us

September 2, 2009

2009-09-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Gearing up for high school football to start this weekend- this is just this evening's work.

September 1, 2009

2009-09-03T06:43:00.001-07:00

Don't mind the red-face and sweat. That is what happens when you play outside when it is 105.

August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like a lot of books for only teaching part-time?

August 30, 2009

2009-08-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't it a requirement to make cookies or some other dessert on Sunday?

August 29, 2009

2009-08-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

A messy craft project.

August 28, 2009

2009-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

On Fridays I go to work early which means the girls are usually still in their pajamas when I leave. This is the outfit Allie was wearing when i came home.

August 27, 2009

2009-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

Finally updating the photo blog.

August 26, 2009

2009-08-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

I wear daddy hat.

August 25, 2009

2009-08-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

First day of school.

August 24, 2009

2009-08-31T20:34:00.001-07:00

Laney and her godfather, Garrett. Both girls enjoyed a short visit by the Stiles boys. And Erich LOVED the nerdfest that ensued for 2 days.

August 21, 2009

2009-08-31T20:32:00.001-07:00

Allie's favorite toy. "I wanna dance, momma."

August 20, 2009

2009-08-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Another project out of our craft box.

August 19, 2009

2009-08-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

Brad had the day off work. And made the mistake of calling the girls to come play with him. I don't think he realized that they were going to be all over him. That is when he invented a new game, "Let's see who can keep their eyes closed for the longest time." As you can see, the girls weren't into that game. Don't worry, I rescued him shortly after.

August 18, 2009

2009-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

Bank teller,

Thank you gor the sucker. It is a lovely hair accessory.

Mandy and Allie

August 17, 2009

2009-08-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

August 16, 2009

2009-08-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of that face.

August 15, 2009

2009-08-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Trying out a new hair do.

August 14, 2009

2009-08-31T20:00:00.001-07:00

August 13, 2009

2009-08-31T19:58:00.001-07:00

Licking the brownie bowl.

(Please don't judge me and think I am a bad mom. But I can't quit the habit myself.)

August 12, 2009

2009-08-31T19:53:00.001-07:00

I think the girls thought John and Stephanie were going to pack them up and take them to Utah. And they must have remembered it was cold in Utah so they put on their warm pajamas for the trip.

August 11, 2009

2009-08-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

DO you think she could get any more food in that mouth?

August 10, 2009

2009-08-31T19:49:00.001-07:00

Like father, like daughter.

August 9, 2009

2009-08-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

Mom's birthday (a big one) is in a few days but she will be out of town. So tonight we had cake and ice cream and presented her with the book Courtney put together full of pictures of her life. She seemed to like it. Happy birthday Mom.

August 8, 2009

2009-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Book of the month or maybe the season.

I don't read as often as I used to but I am trying to change that.

August 6, 2009

2009-08-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to craft. Today was one of those days.

August 5, 2009

2009-08-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2009

2009-08-27T22:16:00.001-07:00

We color every morning. I am becoming quite the artist- I have mastered the monkey and the kitty cat.

August 3, 2009

2009-08-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Allies hangs out in the pack and play for fun. She cries when i make her get out.

August 2, 2009

2009-08-27T22:11:00.001-07:00

Erich has been out of town all week. His side of the bed has been taken over with school work.

August 1, 2009

2009-08-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I worry that she might be a little OCD because 5 minutes before I took this picture, these were in a random pattern.

July 31, 2009

2009-08-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Exhausted.

July 30, 2009

2009-08-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is how a trip to the splash pad always ends up- Allie eating and Laney playing.

July 29, 2009

2009-08-27T22:00:00.001-07:00

I still don't understand the rhyme or reason of why each item was placed on a specific car magnet, but it took Laney a long time to get the items placed just where she wanted them.

And I don't understand why blogger turns this photo. But I am not fighting it.

July 28, 2009

2009-08-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

Her hair is finally long enough that I can pull it up.

July 27, 2009

2009-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Pink yogurt please.

July 26, 2009

2009-08-27T21:54:00.001-07:00

6 years ago today, John was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. We had cupcakes to celebrate that he is alive and healthy.

July 25, 2009

2009-08-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Drove home from CA to see dad for a few hours before he left for UT the next day.

July 24, 2009

2009-08-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Balboa Island, CA with Steph, Liz, and families.

July 23, 2009

2009-08-27T21:50:00.001-07:00

My girls couldn't get enough of Uncle Gay and Aunt Tay in the few days we were in Cali.

July 22, 2009

2009-08-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

The race car received a face lift in preparations for an upcoming trip to Utah.

July 21, 2009

2009-08-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2009

2009-08-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

Don't ask me why Laney is wearing a blanket sleeper. Th low is probably 85 but she pretty much insists on it.

Jully 19, 2009

2009-08-27T21:43:00.001-07:00

This kid prefers no clothes.

July 18, 2009

2009-08-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

Mom, Steph, and I were a little crafty this evening.

July 17, 2009

2009-08-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

French fries and chocolate shake make the perfect afternoon snack.

And yes I realise that 2 days in a row, my phot is of Allie eating. She likes to do it.

July 16, 2009

2009-08-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

John comes here straight from work as Steph is still at work. He usually parks his lunch box on the counter and today was no exception. Allie knew that there was most likely food in there, so she climbed up and opened it. She was pleasantly surprised to find a few Oreos still in the package. I was impressed by her skills so I let her eat them. What I didn't get a picture of, was the package with chocolate wafer with no creme on it put back in the bag and back in the lunch box. I am sure John will enjoy her leftovers tomorrow.

July 14, 2009

2009-08-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we went to the temple with John and Stephanie. John Peterson was there and officiated in our sealing session. It was just what I needed.

And until tonight, I always looked at this bag and though, "It looks so grandma-ish. I really need to update it." But I never have. Tonight though, mom said, "You know whose bag that is don't you?" I had no idea. She reminded me that it once belonged to my Grandma Patty. And that she kept her knitting in it. My mother received it after she passed away 13 years ago. And my mom gave it to me to take to the temple on my wedding day 6 years ago. I love my Grandma. She was the best. And this is now the perfect reminder of the woman I want to become. So I think I will use it until I am a grandma too. Though I am sure I will never live up to her.

July 15, 2009

2009-08-27T21:24:00.001-07:00

Prior to this arrangement, these blocks said, "John is Gay"

July 13, 2009

2009-08-27T21:23:00.001-07:00

Like I said, she LOVES her dad. And he thinks she is pretty great as well.

July 12, 2009

2009-08-27T21:21:00.001-07:00

"We lobe each other." -Laney

July 11, 2009

2009-08-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

This is Laney's attempt at diving off the board.

July 10, 2009

2009-08-27T21:19:00.001-07:00

It's never too early to start getting ready for Halloween- especially in your costume from 2 years ago.

July 9, 2009

2009-08-27T21:16:00.001-07:00

The girls received a plethora of shots today. It left me with lots of reading material.

July 8, 2009

2009-08-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

This kids loves her daddy.

July 7, 2009

2009-08-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

A safe full of treasures from Grandma, what more could you want?

July 5, 2009

2009-08-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

A delicious cookie that Laney made for me from her play kitchen. I get a few of these a day.

July 4, 2009

2009-07-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

I am in that trailer with Stephanie and one of our employees. I am shaving ice for hours on end to satisfy the people in this line.

July 3, 2009

2009-07-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Super Laney to the rescue.

July 2, 2009

2009-07-30T21:21:00.001-07:00

I went to find Allie and on the dining room table found this.

And then found her and found this.

July 1, 2009

2009-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

No words needed.

June 30, 2009

2009-07-30T21:19:00.001-07:00

No picture.

Not sure why not.

I am a slacker.

June 29, 2009

2009-07-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

My dad sat down to eat his dinner. Allie climbed on the chair and helped herself to his food.

June 28, 2009

2009-07-30T21:16:00.001-07:00

The newlyweds are finally home.

June 27, 2009

2009-07-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Allie enjoying her blanket from Grandma Karen.

Pretend that the picture is turned the right way.

June 26, 2009

2009-07-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with Grandma and having a snack.

June 25, 2009

2009-07-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

No picture.

Drove home from St. George.

Made and filled flavors FOREVER.

June 24, 2009

2009-07-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

Laney and Chase enjoying thier party favors from the wedding.

June 23, 2009

2009-07-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

Claire, Laney, Seth, and I jumping off the cliff in my cousin Todd's pool. It was fun enough that we did it lots and lots during the two days we went swimming there.

Thanks Todd and Tracy.

June 22, 2009

2009-07-30T21:04:00.001-07:00

The perfect ending to day of fun with cousins and swimming is ice cream on the grass.

June 21, 2009

2009-07-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's day, Erich.

June 20, 2009

2009-07-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

My girls love their cousins. And we have been looking forward to the wedding day for a long time. It was pretty much a dream come true for them.

And as for their hair, lets just say naps in the car during the ceremony plus 20 mph winds did not equal good hair for Laney and Allie.

June 19, 2009

2009-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Stolen from my sister.

Here is Erich and I in action. He shaves. I flavor. And I love that he i looking at my work- most likely making a snide remark about how I am doing it.

June 18, 2009

2009-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

John and Steph requested shave ice for dessert at the family dinner the night before the wedding. We obliged. Here it is all packed up and ready to travel to Vegas.

June 17, 2009

2009-07-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

When I can't find Allie, the first place I check is Erich's computer. Quite often, she is like this- hoping to get some paper out of the printer.

June 16, 2009

2009-07-18T07:46:00.001-07:00

John brought home doughnuts from the grocery store.

June 15, 2009

2009-07-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Allie spends hours and hours pressing these buttons. She loves the songs they sing. When she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, this is where I put her. It always cheers her up.

June 14, 2009

2009-07-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Laney trying to take a Sunday nap with Stephanie.

June 13, 2009

2009-07-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hairclips for all the little girls to wear at the wedding next week.

June 12, 2009

2009-07-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

The girls, my mom, and I ran some errands.

My mom promised the girls if they were good, she would buy them McDonald's.

They were good so we went to McDonald's.

As we are pulling in the parking lot, Laney insists on french fries. We offered ice cream and she refused. She wanted french fries.

We order french fries for the girls and ice cream cones for us.

We start to drive home. We enjoy our ice cream. Allie enjoys her fries. Laney just sits.

I tell the girls they need to thank grandma for their fries. Allie does. Laney sits in silence.

I threaten Laney that if she doesn't say thanks, I am going to take her fries. She continues to sit in silence.

I take her fries.

Finally, at a stop light, I turn to talk to Laney about her behavior. And she mutters out, "I want an ice cream."

We have a little chit chat about what happened.

I stop at another McDonald's and buy her an ice cream.

We take it home and she enjoys it.

I think she really didn't understand that we could order ice cream in a cone at McDonald's. She obviously has been sheltered.

June 11, 2009

2009-07-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Finals are over with. Just need to finish up grades. SUMMER!!!

June 10, 2009

2009-07-17T20:48:00.001-07:00

We hit up kids eat free at Chik-fil-a with Stephanie and kids tonight. Tonight they even had some face painters. While I don't think my kids ate anything, they definitely had fun.

June 9, 2009

2009-07-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

No picture. Erich is in Utah. We are playing. I am trying to finish writing finals.

June 8, 2009

2009-07-17T20:36:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure Allie got more paint on her than on her project. Notice the lovely red streak in her hair!

June 4-7, 2009

2009-07-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

I went to Utah and Idaho all by myself. I saw some of my favorite people and was in the temple when Meg was sealed to Paul. And my camera was in AZ with nobody using it. I did steal this picture from Megan to prove that I was there. Fun, fun trip.

June 3, 2009

2009-07-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Laney loves to jump off the diving board. And I am getting a lot of practice treading water while I catch her.

June 2, 2009

2009-07-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Stephanie is really trying to be the favorite aunt.

June 1, 2009

2009-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Back from an early morning run.

And I don't know why blogger turned this picture.

May 31, 2009

2009-07-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Scrabble Slam is our game of choice right now- except when Erich or mom tries to make up their own words.

May 30, 2009

2009-07-17T06:42:00.001-07:00

Grandma thought that Allie should have some ranch dresing to dip her chips in.

May 29, 2009

2009-05-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is how Allie felt at the end of our visit to the zoo today- hot, tired, and ready to leave. I think we all felt that way. We are glad we got to enjoy the fun, free day at the zoo but have decided that we will not visit again until the winter.

May 28, 2009

2009-05-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Almost everyday after dinner, we go back out to the backyard. Sometimes in clothes, sometimes, in pajamas, and sometimes we go back out in our swimsuits. And we play. mainly because the girls seem to fight less out there than inside. And they entertain themselves better. And there is no tv out there. It is a nice end to our day.

May 26, 2009

2009-05-29T21:27:00.001-07:00

One of my friends organized a craft exchange. Here is my box filled with 12 different crafts for my girls to do this summer. I can't wait to start.

May 27, 2009

2009-05-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

I love this ledge. It is next to the door leading to the garage. When standing on it, Allie fits perfectly on it. She loves to watch people come and go from this place. And is often found there.

May 25, 2009

2009-05-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just playing with the quiet book.

May 24, 2009

2009-05-29T21:17:00.001-07:00

I like to buy clothes at the end of the season for the next year. Laney found the bag where those clothes were stored and decided it was time to start wearing them. Mind you, it is 100 degrees but she insisted. I have moved the bag and this outfit high in the closet until next fall.

May 23, 2009

2009-05-29T21:13:00.001-07:00

Today was the 5th Annual Jaydie Lynn King Foundation block party. As treasurer of the foundation, I spent most of the evening at this table, greeting people and collecting money. I was able to enjoy some good food, watch my girls play a bit, and win a raffle for teeth whitening. Thanks to good planning and generous people, the event was a huge success.

May 22, 2009

2009-05-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 31st Erich!

And that cake was very delicious if I do say so myself.

May 21, 2009

2009-05-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

This is weird weather for Arizona in May but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

May 20, 2009

2009-05-29T21:09:00.001-07:00

Tonight we folded, stuffed, and addressed wedding invites. And we watched Kris Allen win American Idol.

May 19, 2009

2009-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is a glimpse of what Laney calls picnic. She collects some cans in some sort of container, carries them around, finds the perfect location, sits down and serves the "food", collects the food, and finds a new location.