This is for Anna and Kim

Phase 1: Steve cuts my hair.

Phase two: Ona at the Lab re-cuts my hair and I dye it myself.



Blurry picture but I prefer this lighting....I'm having a bad picture day....gross.

Blog Action Day - 50 Quick, Painless Ways You Can Help the Environment Today

I liked this article about what we can do to help the environment. Playing your part to help the environment doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or sweeping. You can help out in little ways, making gradual changes, baby steps. Starting today. Yes, you can do some of these tips today. You can probably do a dozen today, if you put an effort into it. But all you have to do is one of these tips. Just one.

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Chopped my hair

I have a great story about how I got to my current hair length. I let Steve cut my hair two weeks ago during Conference weekend. I was feeling adventurous and Steve has told me a few times that he thinks he could cut my hair - I think he was trying to save some money. So this certain week I decided to let him see. Hair can always grow back right? I told him I wanted it shoulder length with a few layers at the bottom. He went about cutting it and did a pretty good job. I ended up going to the salon to get it layered and styled. The girl I usually see even said he did a pretty good job and that she hardly had to fix it. So now my hair is pretty short. All in all I think I cut off about 9 inches. I was in shock because I wasn't planning for it to be this short but, like I said, hair grows back. I don't regret letting Steve cut it, just let that be known. :)

My Perfect Day

Yesterday we had such a good day, I felt it was perfect. The local firefighters, police and other emergency officers put on a "Emergency Expo" and Steve and I took the boys. Ethan and Luke just loved it! They got to go inside firetrucks and emergency helicopters. We saw presentations from the K9 unit, about fire safety, rescuing a man from a burning building, rescuing a man from a car. Ethan said to us during one presentation. Ethan: Mommy, when I grow bigger and bigger and bigger (his arms raise above his head with each bigger to indicate growing tall) I can put on a jacket and boots and hat and help the firefighers? Me: Sure, Ethan. You have to go learn how to be a firefighter and then you can help them. Ethan: I want to help, Mom. Me: Ok It was so cute! Luke was a little more cautious and frightened but he finally warmed up and would go see things without me. They also had fun getting spiders painted on their faces and taking home their "gifts" that were handed out. So we were already off to a great start.

The second reason it was a perfect day, I got to go be creative and make some cards. I'm really happy with how they turned out.

Third reason, I didn't have to a change a single diaper all day! Steve did all the dirty work without being asked. He's such a marvelous husband.

Fourth reason, I tried two recipes from Deceptively Delicious - the chicken nuggets and mac n cheese - and I thought they were pretty good. The boys even cleaned their plates! They ate broccoli and butternut squash and didn't even know it. Its incredible!

So you may think I'm weird, I probably am, but all those things added up to make a perfect family day for me. I love my family. I wouldn't trade any of them.

Blog Action Day 2007

Its great to think we can actually do some good with our blogs. Come on, join in!

Happy Birthday Dad!

I love my Dad. He's a great man! Today is his birthday, I hope you have a great day Dad. I can still hear your voice reading me stories as I fell asleep. I can remember our grocery shopping trips and eating our "treats" afterward before going home. I remember jogging at the track with you, you got me started! I remember seeing you hold our first baby, Ethan, when we was born wearing your shirt we made for you - Just promoted to Grampa! Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you bunches.

This is for Emily

What I was doing ten years ago: I was in my freshman year at Brigham Young University. I was living in S hall of Deseret Towers. My boyfriend was in the MTC getting ready to leave for his mission to Brazil so I hung a brazilian flag in my window, which faced the MTC, so he could "see" me. I was realizing how hard it was to be away from my family but I was loving being able to set my own schedule. I remember my first halloween while I was at school. Some people brought their kids to trick-or-treat in our building. I can only imagine they were students. I was also just starting to have problems with my roommate....she hated me for some reason. Thankfully I met a group of girls I adored and they got me through the rough spots. I loved my days at BYU. What I was doing five years ago: So I had a brain fart yesterday when I was writing this. This is what I was REALLY doing five years ago. hahaha....Steve and I had just begun our second year of marriage. Even after six years I still love being married to him. We moved to a cute little apartment in Provo and into a student ward. Steve was in his last year at school and working part time at ATL. I was working full time after graduating with my degree in Community Health the previous April. I can't believe how time flies! What I was doing a year ago: We had just celebrated Luke's first birthday. I was still figuring out this whole Mom of two boys only 17 months apart thing. Luke was starting to figure out how to walk, he was adorable wabbling on his feet. Ethan was two and a half and showing his age but oh so cute! Steve had started a new job at the law firm. That was a big change but so nice to have him closer to home. Our kitchen was being remodeled (still not completely done). I had begun my training for my first half marathon, the OC marathon. Five places I'd rather be: 1. Brazil with my family 2. Italy 3. Touring Church History sites 4. New York would be fun to visit again 5. I'm pretty happy in my home too What would I do with 100 million dollars: 1. Retire my parents and my inlaws 2. Buy my dream house and pay off houses of my family members (both sides of the fam) - or move everyone close to each other but I don't know if everyone else would like that 3. Invest the money for my children's educations 4. Travel 5. Involve myself in philanthropy Favorite 5 shows: 1. ANTM 2. Heroes 3. NCIS 4. The Office 5. Grey's Anatomy My 5 favorite snacks: 1. String cheese 2. popcorn 3. Fruit leather 4. fruit 5. whatever I'm craving Five people to tag: 1. Katie Outlaw 2. Katie Naylor 3. Anna 4. Mae 5. Jenn 6. Jessica

So cool

I caught Oprah's show about Jessica Seinfeld's new book Deceptively Delicious and I have to say I am hooked. I wish I could afford to buy all my girlfriends a copy, I think this is a great idea! I am so excited to try the recipes, especially the brownies and cakes. You can learn more here: http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/

Counter climbing

I get out of the shower this morning to hear some rustling in the kitchen. What could be happening? Picture this - Luke has grabbed one of his little kid chairs and used it to climb up on the counter. I catch him standing on the counter with the cabinet door open where we usually keep our "treats" and gum. After getting him down I inspect the damage and find this:

All the pieces of Trident gum have been consumed and there is not a single trace in Luke's mouth. What could be better than a tummy full of gum? I don't know, ask my two year old.

WSA Management Retreat - Four Seasons, Santa Barbara

Whoever decided that management retreats were condusive to good business was a genius! Another management retreat has come and gone all too soon. It was a great time, thanks to WSA! Ethan and Luke had an equally enjoyable weekend with Vovo and Tia Vo Marcia in Oceanside, they didn't even want to come home when we got back...go figure.