Co-Chillin' with the Roths

BANGS!

2009-06-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

20 years ago (I must have been 3 at the time) I grew my bangs out. For the past 5 years I've toyed with the idea of cutting them...that is until the scissors are firmly grasped in the hands of my hair stylist. Contrary to what most believe...I'm low maintenance - bangs are more work than I was willing to give. But this time I did it...and I love it. Yes, more work but worth it...my husband thinks he's sleeping with a new woman.

Vegas Girl's Trip...don't let the title fool you.

2009-06-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

The beach area at the Tahitian Village Resort was amazing.

shopping and girls go hand in hand.

Krispy Kreme dreams...no other donut compares.

Jana, Tricia & Tarilee

Ireland, Ellie, Sheridan, Olivia.

This spring the girls and I went with 3 of my girlfriends and their kids to Las Vegas. Not exactly the kind of 'girls trip' I look forward to. Surprisingly, we had a great time. We did a lot of shopping, eating out and pool time. And that's about all it takes to make me a happy vacationing girl.

The trip downer was that while there the most famous Las Vegas comedian, Danny Ganz, passed away in his sleep. Very tragic.

Our brush with fame was seeing Flava-Flav (high as a kite) with his signature 10" clock around his neck. We attempted but in the end missed this photo opp.

Last day of school...brought tears.

2009-06-11T18:31:00.001-07:00

My girls were BLESSED with the best teachers this year. I cried when the school year ended. We may never be that lucky again.

Sheridan with Mrs. Michelle Roundy

Ireland with Mrs. Jennifer Asay

Ducks in our very small pond.

2009-06-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Can't believe they found the water feature in the backyard. By the time I had the camera they were climbing out. Hard to see them on top of the rock wall.

WICKED!

2009-05-05T18:25:00.001-07:00

Part of our Christmas was tickets to WICKED. We had to wait 4 very long months for the actual show. SO worth it... BEYOND amazing. And Ga-linda was the bomb! We wish we could do it all over again...all except Sheridan...who, when everyone laughed, said 'I don't get it'. And that pretty much ruined the show for her.

Ms. Roth

2009-04-25T17:22:00.001-07:00

Sheridan is an aspiring school teacher. Almost every day she conducts class in her bedroom. This weeks lesson focused on cinanims (synonyms).

Easter 2009

2009-04-25T11:14:00.001-07:00

Sheridan doesn't care what the bunny brings as long as it includes a sufficient supply of candy.

Ireland is a Twilight fan but an even BIGGER Mama Mia fan.

We had family Easter dinner at Aunt Debi's. Aunt Debi was so kind enough to throw together an egg hunt for the girls at the last minute.

More candy...that's what it's all about.

Once the girls found all the eggs they emptied their loot and re-hide the empty eggs for their older brothers and cousins to find. The boys were good to take the pink and blue baskets along on their hunt.

The Mayercraft Carrier II

2009-04-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

John Mayer - he's my favorite (besides Chris, of course!)

John in his 'Welcome on Board' captain suit.

On the Lido deck watching band after band play all afternoon.

On the Cabo beach at Tabasco's - Lover's Beach in the background.

Safety Drill!

Last year I was on the Mayercraft with John. It was so much fun I could not miss another year. Last year I sailed with girlfriends, this year I took Chris and a bunch of other couples. We had such an amazing time they are all game for next year. I'm already counting down the days.

Southern Cal with the Carters

2009-04-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

At Seal Beach

We stayed at the Welk Resort, as in Lawrence Welk. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it was a really great resort especially for the kids. The kids said the water slide was better than any other place we've stayed.

With Jessica & Kris Carter at Coronado.

Chelsea Kartchner, Hannah, Jessica, Aubrey Carter, Ireland, Keaton & Sheridan

One night at the Welk Resort we saw a comedian & magic show. ( This is the magicians assistant teaching the girls magic tricks.) The comedian was hilarious. He did a great show and kept it very clean. However, Sheridan didn't get ANY of the jokes. She was bored and would duck over to tell me so. In the process she became part of the comedians show and she had no clue that he was talking about her.

Seaworld 2009

2009-04-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Shamu or one of his/her off-spring.

Soaking wet after coming down the Atlantis Ride. We vacationed with some family friends, the Carters. We took their youngest, Keaton, with us to Seaworld.

Sheridan playing in the Star Fish pond.

Ireland petting the the stingrays. This was amazing and my personal favorite.

In the Shark World exhibit. Sharks were swimming overhead.

We love Southern Cal. Took the girls on our first trip to Seaworld. Touching the stingrays and star fish were the greatest. The kids loved the seal show. They were hoping for more rides. I had to remind them 'It's Seaworld! They don't have roller coasters at the bottom of the ocean!'

Wow!

2009-03-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

This years Reflections theme (a statewide elementary arts program) was Wow!

Ireland (literally, last minute) entered her first pottery project - an Owl tea light candle holder- and called her entry: 'Wow it's an Owl'. She ended up winning 3 levels of awards and was the only student from Draper Elementary that went on to State Reflections. We have yet to hear from the State level.

A Brief Buttenhoff Invasion

2009-03-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Shirley & Uncle Darryl Buttenhoff stopped by for a night on their way to Tucson, AZ - via Washington, Idaho, Montana & Wyoming. Might be time for a new GPS. =o) We loved having them even though is was a very short stay.

Just as our visitors were leaving... Ireland sported a goatee in honor of her Great Uncle.

Dana Point 2009

2009-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Chris & I on a beach walk.

Nanete & I spotted a VERY LONG line at the 'Sprinkles' cupcake store in Newport. We asked a security guard if it was really worth it. Another patron in line with ties to Utah told us he was taking 85 of the little cakes back to San Diego for friends. By the time we were inside we had upped our order from sharing 1 to a box of 6 ($20.00 total - holy crap....what was a thinking) They were okay. 'Nothing Bundt Cake' is still king.

The Smith's (closest to the camera) invited us along with Gordon & Nanete Daw & Koni & Doug Smart to stay at their Dana Point Beach House.

Occasionally, Chris struggled to find wireless internet. But on the patio behind a chair always worked.

Taken from the beach house that looks out over the Pacific and Catalina Island in the background. Obviously, I spent the weekend without much make-up! YIKES - a little too relaxed.

Things we only dream about this time of year....

2009-02-18T05:24:00.000-08:00

Ireland would be behind the boat all day long if we gave her the option.

Sheridan - the beach bum.

Chris loves clearing a wake.

Tarilee's newest love...surfing.

Chillin' in a secret canyon.

Ireland found new boyfriends...

2009-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ireland spent her weekend with the world champion wakeboarders. She was the official 'rope girl'. Check it all out at:

www.alliancewake.com/article_gallery.php?id=4458

My baby turns 7

2009-01-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Since she could say the word, her favorite color has always been blue.

After 20 minutes of shear panic she finally took the 15' plunge.

She would love to have a furry animal in the house, but, like peanut butter, she's allergic.

WILL EAT... even at 40 mph

Spent days searching for bugs this summer. What a nerd.

This morning Sheridan woke up and said "Mom, I really feel like I'm 7 now" I said, 'hold up, not until 11:45 a.m. will you be officially 7.'

I have 2 neighborhood girlfriends, Corrine & Nanete. 2 years ago, Sheridan, in her infinite wisdom, realized that they were not necessarily 'her friends' and so it would be okay to play with them on Sunday. Each Sunday she'd end up at either house - often both. She got very comfortable with them and by last Christmas she was asking them what they would be giving her for Christmas. 1 month later when she turned 6 again she asked about her present. We were horrified and embarrassed when we got word of it and explained to her that it was very inappropriate to ask people for gifts.

It's been months since she's spent time with either Corrine or Nanete. Yesterday, 'birthday eve', she made her way to both houses armed with a more politically correct statement, 'Did you know that tomorrow is my birthday?"

As a mother I am...

2009-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

a really cool one or a terrible one... for removing my daughter from school on 2 different occasions so that she could go snowboarding.

More of us....

2009-01-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

I think this is the best picture of Chris & his boys!

I can finally re-live the Christmas Season

2009-01-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

Each year we attend 'Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus' at the country club.

Sheridan is getting REALLY good at this stuff which means mom can cut back on micro-managing.

This was taken the day we saw Santa. By Christmas they'd trade dresses.

She's been hired! Chris generally pays my niece, Emily, to wrap gifts for him. The job is now Irelands. Chris must be on NET 30 because she asn't seen payment yet.

For some odd reason Dec. '08 was an exhausting month for me. I didn't sleep well and felt overwhelmed almost every day. By the 25th I had a cold and just wanted to sleep! Now that it's over I am SO relieved. My goal for '09 (in addition to eating more fruits & veggies) is to do what it takes to enjoy the month of December.

wait a minute.... there's my problem.... I failed to eat fruit & veggies in December '08.

Happy Sushi Year Eve!

2009-01-04T13:17:00.001-08:00

This year we had 65 friends for New Years Eve Sushi. 64 indulged while I opted for a "Pizza Bender" from Italian Village. Unfortunately, my camera didn't leave this table so I have pictures of the 12 wing nuts in the corner. It was an attempt to keep the other 53 safe.

She doesn't get out much....

Hard to tell but Adam's belt buckle (the one in pink) reads 'Happy New Year - meet me in the elevator' in scrolling lights. We'll leave the 366th night of '08 at that.

Santa Caved....

2008-12-29T15:17:00.001-08:00

Daddy did his best to clear the White Christmas
Now we're doing all we can to avoid the EMERGENCY ROOM or bloodshed in general.

Us...

2008-12-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

We LOVE torture so we took family photos twice. These are actually the 2nd sitting. Our 'photographer' is trying to locate the first set on his computer. And now he is requesting we take a THIRD set. I am picky but very content with what we have. Apparently the photographer thinks we can do better and is asking us to take them AGAIN at a new location. I think he loves seeing me suffer. Good thing he's cheap... I don't pay full price for ANYTHING.

Award & Reward

2008-12-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

Ireland received an award for her entry (pottery) into the state wide Reflections Program

Because we're so proud of her accomplishments we bought her a new set of ...

And 1 week after this fabulous reward we received a call from Principal Baker. We are not a violent family, however, Chris and I do carry Swiss Army knives. (The knife contains the best set of tweezers a girl could ever have.) Well....Ireland took her knife (a gift from daddy) to school and had it in her desk, showed enough kids to draw attention to her desk and the teacher had no choice but send her to the office. Possession of a weapon carries a 10 day school suspension along with a few days at some 'special school'. Thankfully, Ireland didn't pull the knife on anyone and the Principal let her walk. Although, she did say, she's keeping the knife in her office until the end of the year as 'EVIDENCE'!

On this day we gave Thanks...

2008-12-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Roth girls at Grandma Betty's house

With my sister, Mailee and my mom, JoAnn, at her house

The cousin's at Grandma Jo's

Keeper of Pie

Fast forward 10 minutes... completely SICK of pie

Chris and his 'EX'

2008-12-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Last spring Chris pulls up on a Harley and says, “it’s this or a girlfriend”.

mmm…..I gave it a 15 second thought. He must realize a Harley is far cheaper than any girlfriend could possibly be. I knew it was a rhetorical question so I shook my head, rolled my eyes & refused to ride on the back until he took the Harley “motorcycle course”.

Then a couple week ago he throws an ad on KSL.com and sells the Harley! Money ahead. I was puzzled. Our Harley friends & fellow neighbor ‘riders’ were in shock. One thing about Chris....he's always thinking... the ride time in a Utah winter is slim to none - the economic crisis isn’t going away soon - there will be some desperate Harley seller in spring.

I was just relieved he wasn’t opting for the his 'alternative' suggestion.

A VERY Late Night b-day party.

2008-11-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

Pulling poppers on the front porch.

With Savi Price - a best friend since birth.

In her new snowboard jacket and hat co-chillin' with the posse.

aka Lauryn Judd & Jessa Davies.

Couch potatoes: Bree Meyer, Kambria Killpack, McKall Dunford and in the chair a very ill Anna Bench who spent the next 5 days in bed.

A dead president - the gift from daddy.

Snuggling with pops.

....so November is all about Ireland

2008-11-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

We had a 'Roth family' party to celebrate November birthdays. Ireland shares the month with cousin's Janee (beautiful girl in the gray and Christopher, hot guy in the sweater)

Chris' dad, Larry, was determined to be in every picture (haha) and Sheridan never strays far from any cake. Cute Riley (far left) is a family friend.

What we once referred to as Ireland's 9th birthday is now Ireland's birthweek. It just keeps going and going. In fact, almost 2 weeks later she got a gift from her Aunt Mailee. Each year I say 'this is your off year, no birthday party this year.' And then I cave....convincing myself with only 2 daughters what is wrong with a birthday party each year. They're all I have and one day I will wish I was still creating a cake or at least ordering one from Harmon's.

Viva Frida!

2008-11-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Ireland receiving the Principal's Pride Award

I took Ireland to the Library to find a Biography for an oral book report. I was reading off the possibilities: Abe Lincoln, Ben Franklin, Anne Frank, Helen Keller, Frida (she questioned this one and I explained she was a famous painter from Mexico and continued on) Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Mother Theresa, etc. She stopped me and said “the painter lady from Mexico”. I figured no other student in Mrs. Asay’s 3rd grade classes had ever done a report on Frida Kahlo.

Ireland enjoyed learning about Frida’s tumultuous life but I became obsessed. I got the ‘adult’ version Biography. I rented to movie “Frida” staring the ‘una-browed’ Selma Hayak. And then I spent 2 days reading the background regarding each of her almost 200 paintings – most of which are self-portraits.

At the age of 7 Frida was struck with polio making her right leg small & frail. At 18 she was in a horrific bus accident that should have taken her life. A metal railing went thru her spine and exited out her pelvis leaving her childless. She spent much of her life in bed often in a cast corset. When she felt good enough to move about she used a cane, walker or wheel chair. The majority of her self portraits express her pain not only from the accident but also from an unfaithful husband, Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, whom she loved deeply. As she grew older and deeper in pain the paintings became more abstract and bizarre. Frida’a paintings are now worth millions of dollars.

Not only is Mrs. Asay Ireland’s teacher she also teaches Ireland & Sheridan Spanish. She loved it. And Ireland then received the ‘Principle’s Pride’ award for the project.

3,288 days ago at this very hour....

2008-11-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

I was in full labor attempting to remove this sweet little angel from my body. Chris & the O.B. spent my delivery watching the Jazz Game. My mother was FREAKING OUT frantically video taping not only my delivery but also my Baby Shower being held at the very moment Ireland decided to enter this world....2 weeks early. And that was the LAST time she did anything remotely early.

What fuels my fire?

2008-11-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

6 months ago I drove out of the gas station absolutely ANGRY at the ridiculous cost of fuel. To keep my blood pressure down I avoided checking on current gas prices. These oil companies are living mighty fine thanks to each of us.

I just don't get it....

And then today I was reduced to tears when my fuel nozzle stopped at $30.00. I stared at the pump, tried pumping more, fixated on the digital readout. I wanted to scream "YEAAA my nightmare is OVER!" I refrained from celebrating my shear delight for fear of freaking out the man at the next pump. In a split second my fellow Fuel man was saying out loud to himself "this can't be?" and a HUGE smile flashed across his entire face.

Body Worlds 3

2008-11-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

With Ireland's insistents upon seeing Body World - we took her along with our friend, Tiffany, and her daughter, McKenna. Let me clarify that the following pictures are not Tiffany or McKenna. Ireland was fascinated - actually we all were. She was all about taking notes in the little pocket book they provided.

A great educational experience. So worth it.

And if you're a smoker you'll kick the habit after a trip thru this museum.

The Day After

2008-11-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

It blew in on Wednesday (1 day after elections) and didn't stop until 6 inches covered the our front yard. Snowbird & Alta received almost 4' (slopes open today). So you out of state skiers can start showing up - we've got beds ready for your stay! The weather was beautiful on Tuesday, November 4th - election day. In reality Tuesday was the calm before the storm ON SO MANY LEVELS.

A Day at the Spa

2008-11-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Dayton recently stopped by for Sunday Dinner (yes, occasionally I cook) and a treatment at our Day Spa.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T08:07:00.001-08:00

Gone are the days of Disney Princesses, Lady Bugs & Care Bear Costumes.
Skela-Rocker Girl & the Vampire Princess

With Robyn & Savvy Price

Witches Brew & Vampire Juice with worms

Each Halloween after the kids have filled their bags with neighborhood candy we hit the Price Party. 13 years ago I brought a pot of my homemade chicken noodle soup (noodles from scratch). And every year we are invited back as long as a pot of this soup accompanies our family. This year I lost my mind and decided to make homemade cinnamon rolls as well. Although they both tasted great, both are VERY time consuming. Yes, I am an idiot. And no, I will not bring cinnamon rolls next year.

We lost....AGAIN!

2008-10-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sarah with pregnant daughter, Bristol & baby, Trigg

2007 Costume

2008 winner's 'Blades of Glory' included an amazing routine - haha.

KISS arrived 30 minutes late with 2 pregnant members.

Each year we pull out all stops to win "Best Costume" at the Martinson's party. Last year I was the 'Brick House Girl' and Chris was, of course, the brick layer (get it?).

This year the obvious choice - Sarah Palin & her pregnant 17 year old daughter, Bristol (carrying Sarah's 7 month old son, Trigg). Sarah needs all the votes she can get but she didn't get enough to win 'best costume'! It went to Randy & Nicki Gates as 'Blades of Glory'. Hope to post the group picture as soon as I get it.

Each year we're forced to out-do the year before. Bring on 2009!

4th Annual Carmel Apple Night

2008-10-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Adam teaching Randy the Kitchen 'smack that' moves

4 hot chicks in the kitch

'But you say he's just a friend!'

Ireland, McKenna & Jana wrapping pretzels

Sheridan rolling carmel

Great Ways to Spend a Warm Weekend

2008-10-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

A cool plunge

An intense game of croquet

Co-Chillin' with girlfriends

Swimming at the High School Musical II pool

Sugar'd up on 3 hours of Sleep

A hot tubby

(With a little attitude)

This is how it all went down...

2008-10-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

UEA – Utah Education Association. The 5 day school break in Utah when most men pack up their precious hunting gear and head out into the wilderness in search of ‘The Big One”. Chris was once all caught up in it but time has mellowed him and so has golf. So for the last couple years we spent the week in Palm Springs with neighbors. This year the neighbors decided to stay home and watch the crash of the stock market & debates. Frankly, all the kids really want is warm weather, a swimming pool & friends to share it with. Oh wait, maybe that’s what I want. Either way we packed up 4 families and headed south. The first night we left the kids with a sitter and went to Les Miserables. It was a great production…same story, same music, very well done. The next day we left the bread winners at home with the littles and headed to Vegas to spend their hard earned cash. At a favorite place – Lululemon Athletic clothing store the clerk put me thru a series of breathing techniques after he announced my total being billed to my Visa. A series of 4 letter words crossed my mind. My hands were dripping sweat. My girlfriend, Tricia, piped in “you husband doesn’t care!”. I took deep breaths and then realized what had happened just moments before…. We had a mother/daughter shopping team with us. Melissa (age 15), the daughter had just returned to the Lululemon store and announced to her mother, Rosie, that she had purchased and was wearing a $50.00 bra from Victoria Secret. There stood a very speechless Rosie who I am sure has ever raised her voice or expressed an overly strong feeling about anything without doing it with the utmost kindest of words. The look on her face said it all. Rosie, like me, was probably close to throwing up. My thoughts… “HEY! At least when I walk in a room everyone will actually SEE the over-indulgence that I’m wearing.” And throughout the rest of the trip Melissa made certain that EVERYONE was aware she was wearing a $50.00 bra.

Justin Timberlake and Friends. We REALLY liked him and his friends made it that much better. He played a sold out show at Planet Hollywood Resort on the Vegas strip. How cute was he??? He introduced each act and each act was AMAZING.

The Jonas Brothers, Stomp Out Loud, Leona Lewis (‘Keep Bleeding Love’ & winner of the British Idol), Boys to Men (yes, the trio from the late 80’s early 90’ and sounded exactly the same), Esme from Holland (JT has written some songs for her), Rihanna (she is fabulous), then Justin came out and sang a few songs from the last couple albums. He did duets with Will Iam from Black Eyed Peas, Adam Levine from Maroon 5 & Lionel Ritchie (JT’s favorite song of all time is ‘Easy Like Sunday Morning’). After a few songs on his own 50 Cent joined him. 50 did a couple of his own songs and then Justin finished off the show with basically everything on his most resent album and a few from the past. He DID NOT DISAPPOINT! He sang for almost 2 hours everything we wanted to hear. We crawled in bed at 5 a.m. and it was worth it. We will not miss it next year!

Saturday we took the kids to Entrada where they could swim in the same pool where Gabriella & Troy swam in High School Musical 2. Sunday we spent the day at the Russell’s beautiful home. They are long time friends of Jana & Randy. Roger, Jill, Sarah, Michael, & Heath (likes to be referred to as ‘cuteness’) were fun hosts. Our littles were in heaven. We really enjoyed the Russell hospitality. And, who knew, they love to make movies.

Here's the line-up....

2008-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Justin playing golf - his second passion.

My girlfriends & I plan to leave the littles with our husbands as we spend a night with Justin Timberlake & 'Friends' 4 days from now in Las Vegas. Up until yesterday we questioned 'what friends could they be?'.

And when we didn't think it could get much better than JT himself he threw in Rihanna & the Jonas Brothers to start out the night.

I could hardly contain my excitement but unfortunately cannot share this info. with Chris - who really likes Rihanna or the girls - who LOVE the Jonas Brothers. I will not be poplular with any of them when news gets out.

Sheridan's equal 'air time'

2008-10-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

Sheridan plays a song for Great-Grandma.

Ireland Play's 'Happy B-day" to Great-Grandma

2008-10-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

We took this video for Great-grandma on her B-day but never had a chance to download until now.

KATE'S BLOG REQUEST

2008-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

The following 'outline' was posted by Kate on her blog with a request that I actually FILL IT IN. I never do these things but I was up for the challenge:

20 years ago I
1. graduated from Highschool.
2. moved away to college
3. endured a summer of Yellowstone fires.

10 years ago I
1. Had finally met the man of my dreams.
2. Quit a great job to work for that man.
3. Built our first house.

5 years ago I

1. was raising 3 year old Ireland & 1 year old Sheridan.
2. Built our Second home next to the first =)
3. was trying to keep Ireland from beating Sheridan.

1 year ago I
1. Took a road trip to Denver to see John Mayer & actually met him!
2. rode a raft on an amazing tidal bore in Nova Scotia.
3. Had a MRI – 2 bulging disks – no more running =(

This year so far I
1. Went on a John Mayer cruise.
2. (I attended 2 different High Schools) had 2 very fun 20 year class reunions.
3. Allowed my husband to bring home a Harley.

Yesterday I
1. Spent 2 hours volunteering at my girls school.
2. Spent 3 hours helping my girlfriend with her business.
3. Sent a special happy b-day to my 93 year old grandmother.

Today I
1. went on a school field trip to the Landfill (very interesting!) & Kennecott Copper Mine (Officially changed it’s name to Rio Tinto this week).
2. One last ride in my convertible before the very cold weather hits tomorrow.
3. Helped my neighbor hang some pictures.

Tomorrow I’m
1. Boot Camp - a 16 week challenge.
2. Going to a movie with friends.
3. Most likely eating some sugar.

Next year I
1. Will do far more surfing at Lake Powell
2. Will be on the next John Mayer cruise March 26th 2009
3. Will enjoy my 30’s one more year.

Happy 93rd Birthday Grandma Streeter!

2008-10-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

For our (Great) Grandma Streeter. We wish you a very happy one. All our love - Ireland, Sheridan, Tarilee & Chris.

Brats & Brew

2008-10-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sunning ourselves on the Snowbird deck & Ireland on the Bungee Trampoline.

Sheridan's favorite position on the Bungee. Ireland with her vacation buddy Keaton.

Sheridan and riding partner, Jessica.

Each September we take a little family vaca to Snowbird. Always during Octoberfest when a beer & a bratwurst set you back $10.00 EACH. Thankfully, neither appeal to us girls (Chris even skipped the brat & brew- Haha) which saves us astronomical amounts of cash. The girls are simply there for one thing….an all-day activity pass. Unlimited rides on the alpine slide, mechanical bull, rock wall, bungee trampoline, inflatables, and all the German chicken dancing you can handle. It’s like Disney at 8000’ with a few drunk Mickey’s & Goofy’s - even a tipsy princess or two. These drunknuts kept the adults entertained while waiting for the littles.

By far the greatest find this Octoberfest (besides an amazingly beautiful ‘Hell Is For Heroes’ zip-up sweater Chris found and bought for me in a ski shop) was the newly added Cotton Candy stand. TWO BUCKS…for cotton candy! Screaming deal. This may seem like the average cotton candy price to some of you…maybe even a bit inflated for 2 tablespoons of heated sugar. However, I failed to mention something from last weeks: “NOT The Greatest Show on Earth”. The Circus price for cotton candy was TWELVE BUCKS…$12.00…..paying that price is like being striped of any dignity. Granted it came with a 50 cent plastic hat. We opted for the $3.00 box of Milk Duds at the concession stand.

Those German folk make some fabulous cotton candy. The girls chose between 5 flavors made fresh while we watched. The candy was HUGE and still warm on the stick. A far superior choice to the bizarre mystery meat served in a bun by lederhosen wearing men.

SAVE THE LETTUCE

2008-10-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

At 4 a.m. I woke up remembering the lettuce in the salad spinner sitting on the kitchen counter. 2 minutes later I knew in order to get back to sleep I would need to take care of the lettuce so I jumped out of bed and headed to the kitchen. BAMMMM! I ran head first into the open hall closet door. I grabbed my eye and forehead repeating ‘oh crap, oh crap, oh crap’ it hurt SO bad. Surprising even myself, not one swear word passed my lips. Heaven forbid if I let that lettuce sit another 3 hours so I took care of it first, grabbed 3 Tylenol (Ibu would have helped the inflammation but not my empty stomach) and headed for bed with an icepack. Feeling the vertical bump rising above my left eye made me nauseous. The ice on my forehead made the pounding almost unbearable.

On any other night, Chris would have been on his feet yelling “What was that? What’s the problem”. But Chris was fast asleep 2 states away in Portland. The ONLY night he’s away and I would have given anything for a little sympathy. He’ll have an alibi when society starts the domestic violence questioning.

I would have unleashed on my children in the morning for leaving the closet door open but this time it wasn’t their fault. DANG!

6 hours prior to my ‘door ding’ I was watching a T.V. show in my bedroom about 8 OBESE people from Mississippi who were attempting to lose a certain amount of weight in so many weeks. I went to the hall closet for some Pledge and a rag to dust my bed while watching the ridiculous show and failed to shut that closet door.

There is no way on earth any of those 8 people would have gotten themselves out of bed at 4 a.m to save the lettuce.

Opps....She did it again!

2008-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sheridan & neighbor Emma feeding grapes off the vine to Bubba, Baby & Beau

24 hours after Sheridan’s pool party we get a call from the babysitter asking if Sheridan can swim with her friends at Sandlin’s pool. “Are you kidding me?” I just went over this with her the night before. Sheridan was really working the system while we were away for the night. And, of course, the other mothers had given permission.

The Sandlin’s are very generous neighbors that live beside us. They have a huge ice making machine in their pantry. It makes crushed pellet ice like Sonic Drive-ins. When the surrounding neighbor children heard about this fabulous ice they started showing up on a daily basis. The Sandlin’s now provide cups in the pantry for visitors. And, I hate to admit it, one day I suggested “let’s use our snow cone syrup and make them slushees!” I started an epidemic.

The Sandlin’s also have 3 dogs that entertain while you swim. Beau is a beagle (?) with ears that drag across the ground wherever he goes and he howls our direction when he needs attention. Bubba is a blind bulldog that eats sprinkler heads and the newest addition, Baby/Babe, is the smallest, feistiest weiner dog I’ve ever seen. Babe is better taken care of than any of the Sandlin’s 4 teenage children. These 3 additions makes swimming at the Sandlin’s even that more enticing.

I’m positive when Sheridan showed up for her regular cup of ice the pool thru the back windows looked inviting so she threw that question out “can we go swimming”.

We’ve had 80+ degree weather for DAYS and the next 5 look about the same. Sheridan has one thing on her mind: 2 pools down & 4 to go.

Sheridan Throws a Party

2008-09-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Sheridan frequents two homes in our neighborhood. The 'candyman' Jack & the 'candylady' Lisa. While making the candy rounds with girlfriends, Olivia & Kaela, last night Sheridan stepped it up a notch and invited herself & friends to swim at Lisa's pool. (The pool is actually an oversized hot tub w/rockslide, jumping platforms and is heated year around - nice choice, Sher!) I told her no on the swimming and PLEASE do not ask to use other people's pools. 5 minutes later Lisa calls ME at Tricia's house (Olivia's mom). I am M O R T I F I E D....meanwhile, Tricia is yelling in the background "shut up! they did not just invite themselves swimming!"

So I have focused my eyes on Tricia yelling 'shut up' over and over and Lisa (an empty nester) is on the other end of the phone saying "I invited them to swim (ya, right), it is perfectly fine, don't worry about it".

But what Lisa is really saying: "this is PERFECT. I must lifeguard the children swimming in my pool. An excellent excuse to get out of watching the Presidential Debate".

Nanny McPhee has left the building!

2008-09-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Sheridan before (with a frog that lives under a trampoline) and after losing her snaggle tooth.

For over 2 months we've stared at Sheridan's 1 dangling tooth at the front of her mouth. We can hardly focus on anything she says because of that d--- tooth. The dentist was determined to remove it but realized - after 5 minutes of screaming (by the dentist & sheridan) - keeping the patients in the surrounding rooms was far more beneficial.

I told her she must have it out by Sept. 3rd - school picture day or I would return her to the dentist chair. Sept. 2nd she cried for 45 minutes to her dad because she couldn't bare to lose that tooth.

It has been a bloody mess on 2 separate occasions. Both times she came running and screaming to me. I was overjoyed: "YEA!!!! YOU LOST YOUR TOOTH? YEAAAAAA!" Oh no, it was still hanging by a thread.

So I was out last night when I got the call it finally fell out in a cookie. (imagine that)

This morning Sheridan said "I thought you would be so happy to see my tooth fell out BUT all you said was 'oh ya, cool'." And she's right...that is exactly what I said with little enthusiasm. Because frankly, school pictures are over, family pictures are over and all I see when I look at those pictures is Nanny McPhee.

1st Trip to the Principals Office

2008-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ireland was very open and honest when she begin to tell me about her day at school. She and 2 girlfriends were playing on goal posts during recess when and aide asked them to stop. It took a minute before Ireland heard her but they all stopped. They started into tumbling and gymnastic moves when the other 2 girls (per Ireland) decided to jump back on the goal posts. The aide immediately yelled at them and told them they had an appointment with the principal. So there they sat staring at Principal Baker. As Ireland explained it: Girl #1 was crying uncontrollably, Girl #2 had a weird voice every time she spoke (I assume she was on the verge of tears) and Ireland said "mom, I had the biggest drops of water in my eyes" As a mother that about KILLS you.

Ireland said when she tried to explain herself she was told to 'quit making excuses'. For a brief moment I was furious. Someone needed to be punched in the nose. Preferably the aide. They were freaking playing on a METAL POLE! Nobody was getting hurt - they were not damaging anything or being mean to anyone.

Ireland's teacher, Mrs. Asay, happened to walk by at this moment and Prin. Baker called her in. Ireland said after Mrs. Asay heard what happened her face turned red. I said "was she mad at you?" No. I said "was she mad at the principal" No. Then Ireland said "Mom, she looked like she was going to cry."

They were instructed to write an apology note to the Aide. Mrs. Asay told the girls "do not tell anyone - if anyone asks what you are doing tell them your working on a special project"

So today Ireland along with #1 & #2 will have lunch detention with Prin. Baker. ABSURD!

I have not heard from either the Principal or Mrs. Asay.

My reply to Ireland....

"Guess what, sweetie??? (This is the absolute truth) When mommy was in 3rd grade I got sent to the principals office for snorting!"

Twilight Update

2008-09-26T11:43:00.001-07:00

All 300 tickets have been sold! It is unfortunate for those FANS that bought the last 20 or 30 tickets. They'll have the additional cost of a chiropractic visit after staring at Edward from the front row.

I've received emails regarding my plan for that midnight show. To clear up the confusion: I will be deep in REM when Edward hits the screen!

Thanks for the offer! I'm going to bed.

2008-09-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

My friend is a wing-nut. I mean that in the nicest way possible. She's spent the last few days texting, emailing, texting, emailing, etc. She has rented out an entire theatre for the midnight showing of "Twilight". Most in Utah are familiar with the book - soon to be released movie. But many of you outside of Utah may be in the dark. Suffice it to say it's BIG in Utah. And she has, as of today, sold all but 30 tickets. They won't last long, folks. Text me if you want some!

I enjoyed reading the the first 3 books (I'm still working my way thru the 4th). But lets be realistic here....I am a mother and wife that thrives on my sleep.

Someone once asked me what my favorite part of the day was. I replied "when I crawl into my bed, surround myself with four pillows, turn on my 'white noise' and throw a 5th pillow over my head!" That and eating my bowl of Cheerios and 8 a.m.

The Greatest Show on Earth

2008-09-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

This was to be my first 'offical' post to include a picture. Then mama went and left the digital camera on the kitchen counter....

Last night we took the girls to 'Ring Bro & Bar Bai" Circus.

While Chris & the girls enjoyed a pre-dining moment I was sweating like no other literally running the streets of SLC looking for a disposable camera. When I finally DO post a picture from the circus it will have cost me approx. $20.00. This "FREE" blog is already reaching deep into my very tight pocket.

At the last moment I asked the ticket office if we could up-grade our tickets. Sure enough, center ring, 8th row became available moments before I arrived. And it didn't cost me a DIME! Maybe I am money ahead at this point.

I thought the circus was great, so did Chris & Ireland. Throughout the show Sheridan asked NO LESS THAN TWELVE TIMES: is it over now? And when it was finally over Sheridan said, "I don't think that was the greatest show on earth".

So Ireland is buggin'...

2008-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

"When are WE going to have a blog? Everyone else has one."

Well, my perfect little princess....your wish is my command. Or should I say: your command is, as usual, all about you. Therefore, I shall (being the dutiful mother that I am) complete your command!

Now all of our close personal peeps can chill with us. Fo' Sho