White House Easter

L and C after the fun!


Luke hunting for eggs!
Easter Egg Roll

Our group of rollers!
In front of the White House
On the way in... it was freezing!



We were fortunate enough to be invited to attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Thank you!!!! It was such a fun experience. There were so many fun things for the kids to do and yes, there is an actual egg roll! We met a bunch of friends there and really enjoyed hanging out and watching the kids. There were kid concerts (Disney playhouse, imagination movers, Jonas Brothers) and PBS Characters (Curious George, Miguel, Clifford, etc) that you could take pictures with (although Luke thought they were much cooler from a distance). Luke's favorite part was the concerts since he recognized them from TV. He also really loved the Easter Egg Roll. Carys tried to join in the egg hunt, but was not too sure what she was looking for. It was a great day all in all! I really had no idea what a big event this was. Some people camp out for tickets and dress up in the Easter/Sunday best. I was really missing out! Anyway, I will be scouting out someone for tickets next year since it was a big hit with our family!

Creative or Crazy?!

So, I hosted card club at my house tonight...which is an excuse to get together and chat with the girls while exchanging homemade cards. Usually, I just go to hang out and eat treats, but I thought I would try making cards since it was at my house this month. I must have been crazy to attempt this feat. It took me a long time to brainstorm ideas and I never had enough paper to replicate the one card so I made each one different. While I am extremely proud of my creations, I won't be making them regularly. They just took too long for me to commit to. This month the theme was thank yous and just because cards. I am going to post my cards since this is the only journal I have and it will document that, "I made homemade cards....ONCE!" It was a lot of fun tonight though and I enjoy the monthly get together. I did pass the test of creativity though. The girls seemed to approve or else they are much too nice and well-mannered to give me the brutal truth. :) Hey, I tried another creative activity and I succeeded even though I was going cross eyed by the eleventh card! :)

Happy Easter!

Hi! I hope your Easter was great! Ours was uneventful. We were sick all week and weekend with strep throats. It was pretty miserable there for a bit, but the drugs they gave us worked great! Maybe in another post I will share my horrible doctor experience which did come full circle with a hug, an apology, and a follow-up call that promised to treat me, "profilactively" in the future...(uh, not sure I know what the real meaning of that word is, but my mind thinks of condoms! ) So, I suppose they meant they will treat me preventatively when my kids get strep next?! Who knows?! Anyway, back to Easter...

We were drugged enough to make sacrament, but then we rolled home to get back into PJs and do nothing. I mean, I did pay money for these outfits for the kids and we never got around to taking their pictures so I was going to make them wear them come hell or high water! It was a miracle we managed to get a few good pictures since neither kid and none of the adults were too thrilled to be there. They did enjoy their Easter baskets (luckily I purchased all the goodies over a week ago) and they got to pig out on candy to make up for the treacherously boring week they endured! All in all, Luke got the meaning of the holiday and that was one thing I wanted to accomplish this year. It is neat when your kids start to see the importance of a holiday instead of how commercialized they are. As always, we miss family during the holidays. We were sad we had to cancel our family plans with Mike, Courtney, Addie and Grady since we were germ infested, but we are looking forward to another weekend to hang out. I cannot wait until the weather is warmer so we can stop getting sick and we can go outside to play!!!!

Jesus, Kids, and Movies

What is the connection you ask...don't ask me; ask Luke because only a three year old makes certain connections.

As you read earlier, Captain was rushed to the ER on Friday. My sister Coursey, who just moved here from Utah, had to drive Luke to swimming because I was with the dog. This was the conversation in her car.

L- "I like watching movies."
C- "Me too."
L- "Why don't you have movies to watch?"
C- "Well, I don't have any kids yet to watch movies in the back."
L- "Well, you should ask Jesus to give you a kid."
C- "Maybe, I will one day."
L- "You should pray to Jesus to give you a kid."
C- "I should pray?"
L- "Yes, pray to Jesus for a kid."
C- "OK maybe he will give me one someday."

All of this is because in his three year old mind he believes if Jesus gives Coursey a kid then she will get a movie player so HE can watch movies in her car! It was funny to see how they think through things. I told Coursey to be prepared for many more Luke conversations. :)

Hooked on Phonics Worked for ME!

This is the best learn to read set ever!!! BUY IT! WALMART Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Kindergarten Set

For Christmas I bought Luke a Hooked on Phonics set to begin reading. Well, I bought the wrong one and returned it. It took me until March to find the correct set for Kindergarten age kids (this is the one that begins actual reading, not just the letter identification and sound awareness). I told myself that I wasn't going to push Luke, just see what he wanted to do. It was his next academic step and I have been putting off the reading and focusing on his interests which have been spelling lately. Let me tell you he comes up with some crazy spelling and then argues with me when I tell him it isn't a word. Yeah, I know, he's 3...not an issue. And it isn't. Well, Luke has been hot and cold with the idea of learning to read. One day it is, "Mom, I want to read by myself. What is this word? I want to learn to read." The next day it is, "I don't want to learn to read. You read!" His best friend Morgan got the set for Christmas too (the right one) and has been very successful with it. So, I was motivated and I bought it. I did not begin the program yet. My mom, the natural born teacher, came into town. I swear, whatever she suggests is gold to Luke. Wouldn't you know it? He wanted to learn to read with Emom! My mom worked the program with the CDs and booklets and Luke read his first two books after about an hour! He loved it! I just hung out downstairs and didn't interfere. (I actually didn't believe it until he reread the books and some random words...I thought it was merely memorization.) He was so proud of himself. He read for Rob today and I realized what an awesome program this is! I just had to share the program with other moms. I am not sure what to do next...he isn't as cooperative with me and my mom just left! Oh well! If he never reads another book until Kindergarten that is OK with me because his first experience was a positive and successful one!

Do dogs get headaches?

NO!!! They give their owners headaches!

Yesterday, Captain got a bottle of migraine pills which contain Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine. He literally reached it among other random things in the middle of our island in the kitchen. He chewed it until the top popped off and he ingested some random amount of pills. I almost didn't call the vet, but instantly felt guilty and called. It must have been a motherly instinct...for my dog/3rd kid...because he had to go to the doggie ER and was hospitalized for 3 days while they do a series of pumping, injecting, and preventing for toxic levels of Acetaminophen. I nearly choked when they told me the deposit amount...$2400!!!! Those of you who know Rob can imagine the reaction he had when I broke the news. It was unavoidable since the toxic levels would've caused liver failure and would be fatal...I mean how would we explain a dead dog to the kids?! I am just kidding...we would have been devastated had I not called and really missed the seriousness of what he ate. POOR CAPTAIN!!!! POOR ROB AND JULIE'S BANK ACCT!!! Life just wouldn't be complete without an emergency trip to the animal hospital!

29

Today I turned 29...although I am not claiming it until I actually look my age. (Please don't tell me if you think I already do!) I got a fabulous facial tonight from a lady in my ward. I felt so relaxed and it was nice to do something for my skin which is the first thing that shows your age. In a way, I felt like I was sticking it to my age by defying it with massage, steam, and product! :) All day, I have been thinking about how I feel and what I have learned in life. I watched a show last night that talked about regrets and thus I was thinking about what I would truly change in my life or repeat if I got the chance to relive some moment. Rather than focusing on the not so pleasant things I'd like to erase and definitely NOT relive, I decided to write about some of the moments I would love to see or experience again (in no particular order).

#1: My wedding day and my reception in Miami- it was just an amazing day. The pictures turned out awesome, my dream dress, my dream man, my dream everything! Not to mention we looked great and we had such a fun courtship! I would love to get remarried to the same man but do the wedding part again.
#2: When I got accepted to BYU, I surprised my mom with flowers and a card. She was very proud at that moment...even though secretly, I wasn't so sure about the whole UT thing. Just another moment that was about to change everything.
#3: When I signed the papers and we bought our first home/condo in VA. It was such an accomplishment for us-one we really didn't think we would be able to do. It literally changed our whole life. Rob was in S. Korea at the time and I signed everything myself. I even toasted to myself and moved by myself...luckily we didn't have much stuff.
#4: My YW Recognition was also my farewell to Miami before college. It was full of people I loved and who loved me, members of the church and not. I will never forget my sister saying in her talk, "You never asked me if you could leave for UT." It was her simple statement of love.
#5: Our girls (mom, Julie, Coursey) road trip across the country when I was 15. What an adventure. My mom said, "let's go!" We were packed and in the car in less than 2 days. We sung to Air Supply and saw all the sights!
#6: Going up to Tina's cabin with her family and our friends was a great memory. It was the first time Rob kissed me. After four wheeling all day, he combed my snarled hair on the porch while the others were playing games and I just knew he was someone special.
#7: Spending endless days swimming at my grandparents house with Coursey. We played every waking moment together and loved every minute! It made my childhood so great and always makes me smile. Now we grew and so did our relationship.
#8: When I found out I was pregnant the first time. I was so excited for the experience I took pictures often and even took some tastefully done photos so I never forget how beautiful I felt during that time in my life. (I didn't feel so pretty with the second one.) The first moment I held Luke and Carys changed my life. When I found our I was having a boy, I literally cried with fear of the unknown. How was I to know the joy and challenge my little man would bring to my life. He amazes me daily and I love him more than life itself. Carys was my wished for girl and she hasn't disappointed me in any way. I love her sweetness and she is beautiful inside and out.
#9: I will never forget all the times my mom caught me skipping school, staying out too late, or not being where I was supposed to be. Although at the time, I was angry and embarrassed by my mom standing outside of the window of the 24 hour gym in her moo-moo because I was out too late and she found out! She taught me the meaning of motherhood...unconditional love and no grey like world will give you...she always made choosing the right easier because I always knew her stand on it.
#10: Last, I would love to go back to the softball games where I hit triples or doubles and just rocked in left field! It made me feel so alive when I had a great game, plus I got the opportunity to play on the same team with Coursey one year! Oh to be young!


I am sure there are many many more, but I fear you will lose interest in my reminiscing. There you have it...some special moments from my 29 years of living. To the friends and family who got me this far- Thanks and I love you! (please click on the pics to see them...scanning made them small and I can't fix them.)

Rob and Julie Wedding Day
Julie turns 5 and I think I look like Luke here.
I felt so pretty in this moment, I had to capture it and share it.

Friend or Foe?

I love this picture! They are both eating and just happily holding hands. These are the moments I live for. I love how they really do love each other despite their fights. Lately, my kids have been purposely doing things to annoy one another. I ask myself, "aren't they too young for this?" They are seriously beginning to fight. Carys will scoot over just close enough to casually touch Luke's leg with her foot. Naturally, it drives him bonkers and he pushes her leg away. You can imagine what happens next...she replaces her big toe on his leg and so it goes until one of them is in tears. Where is the line as a mother? Do I intervene? Do I let them figure it out since it truly is the beginning of many more to come? Anyway, such is life with siblings who are both pretty head strong and feisty. I also love this picture because they both look so grown up. We were on our way to church and it is the one day both my kids are dressed nicely and cleaned up for the most part. I will remember this picture in my head forever!

Where oh where have my little friends gone...

Oh where oh where can they be? Poor Captain Hook was Neutered. He has spent the last 10 days wearing this cone so he leaves the incision alone. I snapped this picture when he looked particularly forlorn...poor guy! The saddest part is he doesn't even understand the hugeness of what just happened. He is feeling better and will be back to normal soon. Oh, and in case you haven't noticed...he got a haircut. It has already grown back in. When I went to PA to visit my friend, I came home to a buzzed dog. I barely recognized him. Now, I think he is as cute as ever!





Publish Post

Ride the Wave!

In February we went to the Great Wolf Lodge with some friends. It was one of the best family weekends we've had in a long time. The Lodge was amazing and totally kid friendly. We only spent one night, but we played at the water park two days. We basically ran the kids until the dropped. The best part was that the adults had a blast too! The boys loved the water slides and Nick was really brave begging his parents to hit the bigger slides regularly. WE did manage to peer pressure Luke into a few of those, but he wasn't a repeat rider. However the kids* could wade in shallow water and slide of smaller slides. They played so nicely and independently we were able to switch off a little bit and hit the adults only rides. My proudest moment was actually attempting the Surfing Ride...I even rolled. I felt so young even though it was probably very obvious I was not in the eyes of the teeny boppers watching my fat butt ride the wave! Oh well, I was not alone...Andrea, Rob, and Shawn all did it too! The men were the catalyst to us, the moms, trying it. They taunted us enough we decided we were up for the challenge. Our kids were so proud! Anyway, I highly recommend this place. It is in Williamsburg and has enough to keep the kids entertained, fed, and comfy for a nice little get away!

*Andrea and Shawn's kids: Nick 4, Ryan 2, and baby Gavin!

Thanksgiving 2007

The Utah family came to DC for Thanksgiving! It was so much fun! I realized I never put up a post about it...so sorry it is so out dated. It was a wonderful week. The nieces and nephews played and fought and got to know each other. The siblings and in-laws got up close and personal as we were all under one roof. We went sight-seeing all over Washington DC and then spent a nice Thanksgiving at home. We ate sort of late because our bird didn't cook in the time we planned for. Luckily the natives weren't that restless and we provided enough snacks to keep them semi-happy until the dinner was ready. Everybody pitched in and the dinner was delicious! I wish we could do something like this for more holidays. Anyway, here is a slide show of some of our fun times. The kids are Luke, Carys, Zack, Finley, Addie, and Grady...they are the cutest kids ever!

Julie did a craft!

Most of you know, that I try and try to be crafty, but usually end up starting lots of projects and finishing few. I wanted to do something for my friend Kristi to celebrate her new baby. She, is of course, one of the craftiest people I know. Everything she does, even on her first try, turns out awesome! I decided to try to make a keepsake box in the theme of her baby room...cowboy. I was happy with the final product and despite a few bumps, it didn't take too much time. I would definitely do this again for a friend. Here are some pictures of my first cowboy keepsake box...which she seemed to love by the way!

I HATE BAD MORNINGS!

I interrupt my updates with a message from a ranting mom!!!!

I do not like getting up in the morning, but I would not consider myself a late owl either. I guess I just like my sleep. I have realized I don't ever really sleep soundly. I am an extremely light sleeper and have just become used to it. The only time it gets the best of me, which seems to be a lot lately, is when my kids are crazy kids in the morning. Luke literally had a melt down because, (are you sitting down?) I had the nerve to put an apple in his lunch. You'd think I would be the bigger person and just take it out because he was so adamant about it, but I wasn't. I refused to take the apple out of the lunch. He wouldn't eat breakfast and I was bound and determined to have something healthy in his lunch. He carried on in hysterics for a good long while. His sister decided to join in throwing her milk cup around the house too! Needless to say, it was a long and drawn out war. In the words of my mother, "If you want to have a war, we're gonna have a war! But, I am going to win it!" I can't tell you how many times I heard those words as a teenager. The end of the story is that Luke ate the apple in the car for breakfast and finally calmed down enough for me to get him to school 30 minutes late! Yep...what a ridiculous morning, but it ticked me off more than almost anything else. I am still fuming, although I can laugh about it a bit now. Maybe by the time I get Luke, I will be less annoyed! What a rip!

Playing Catch up!

So, the next few blogs will be catch up posts from some things we have done lately. So bear with me if the stuff seems outdated. This blog serves two purposes...1. to keep family members up to date with pics and the kids and 2. to provide me an opportunity to rant and rave and vent my inner thoughts about my life.

Rob turned 31 on Feb. 27th! He is not a big birthday celebrator, but I try to do what I can to honor him. This year, I let Luke plan the gifts and cake. He did a great job! Luke wanted to give his dad a cup...we morphed that idea into a create-A-mug that you color and design so Rob can remember the kids every day at work. He really liked it. Luke did a nice job on his mug. Next, Luke wanted a Race Car Cake with flames coming out of those two round holes in the back! (I informed him those were the dual exhaust, but he didn't believe his girly mom...the nerve!) Anyway, we went to Michael's and Luke couldn't resist the Lightning McQueen cake pan and that was what we did. We had a fun concert night and then Friday we decorated the cake as a family and Rob blew out the candles. It was nice. Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and father! I love you, ROB!


More updates to be posted!

Tag you're it!

FOUR JOBS I'VE HAD IN MY LIFE:
Julie:
1. Office Assistant for Naranja Nursery (orchid wholesale company)
2. Blimpie, TCBY, Juice Works
3. McKay Studio technician at BYU
4. Second Grade Teacher and home school teacher

Rob:
1. Law Clerk
2. Industry Liaison for Dept. of Labor
3. Legislative Assistant
4. Financial Planning Intern and part time skier


FOUR MOVIES I WOULD (OR HAVE) WATCHED OVER AND OVER:
Julie:
1. Sweet Home Alabama
2. 10 Things I hate about you
3. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
4. 16 Candles or Can't Hardly Wait I also really love all movies so I can watch any good movie twice.
Rob:
1. True Grit
2. Hang Em High
3. Dirty Hairy
4. Terminator or any Arnold movie

FOUR PLACES I'VE LIVED:
Julie:
1. Miami, FL
2. Provo, UT
3. Alexandria, VA
4. Lorton, VA (DC)
Rob:
1. Ogden, UT
2. Philippines
3. Provo, UT
4. Washington DC

FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY:
Julie:
1. Rob
2. Girls from the ward
3. My family
4. My friends Tina and Kristi
Rob:
1. Julie
2. GW and Work
3. Family
4. Todd N.

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
Julie:
1. Chocolate desserts
2. Steaks and Ribs
3. Curry food
4. Crabs or seafood
Rob:
1. Pie
2. Ice cream
3. Steak
4. Chicken and Fish

FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
Julie:
1. At a spa
2. Miami, with my kids-where it is warm
3. At the Beach
4. Disney World or another Amusement Park
Rob:
1. Snow Basin
2. Lake Powell
3. any beach with my wife
4. Jackson Hole

FOUR THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2008:
Julie:
1. Losing 20 lbs and developing a love of running
2. Getting a better routine/schedule in my life and overall improving all aspects of myself
3. Rob being finished with Law School
4. going to Alaska with Rob to celebrate 7 years of schooling being over
Rob:
1. Graduating
2. Passing the BAR
3. Going on Vacation
4. Spending more free time with the family

FRIENDS I WANT TO TAG:
Anyone who reads this