From the Kitchen Counter

the paper airplane

2010-10-28T22:40:00.000-05:00

Scar Face

2010-09-01T20:54:00.003-05:00

(this is something Cole wrote today about his summer, I liked it and wanted to share)

I'm so glad I got my face ripped up on the day before the last day of school. "How?!", you ask. "Why?!", you ask. "What the heck is wrong with you?!!", you ask. All those questions and more shall be answered.

Jeff and I were where no one else dare go; the back of the new house. Tons of kids had gone up to the front of the house and rode down the driveway. But, no, we were going to the back of the house. Jeff got the key from it's hiding place and put it in the backdoor's key hole. Don't worry, we weren't breaking in. This was Jeff's relative's soon to be house and he was allowed to visit whenever. But, unfortuneatly the key wouldn't fit. Instead of checking out the house we rode on scooters in the back. Instead of just doing ollies and wheelies, I followed a path that lead to a steep hill. Instead of ignoring the hill, I challenged it and shot down that hill. It felt so great! Like flying, like soaring through the air on a scooter. It was the best feeling ever. No...literally! I had never felt so free. But enough poetry. When I was about to make a smooth turn into the cul-d-sac I flew off my scooter. Each second felt like an hour. I had a dream before I hit the ground. Something about a dark room, a purple man and a green man laughing at me, "stupid kid." I laughed too for some reason. Then, a flash of light, the return of my sight and hearing. The two colorful men faded away, their laughter fading with them. "Oh my gosh, what did I just do?" I felt weird. I tried to yell but I couldn't. I couldn't even speak. I walked up to the nearest house, where some kids I knew were playing basketball. I walked closer wanting to speak more than ever, but they didn't notice. At this point I wanted to cry but I couldn't. But now, now they noticed me, standing there. "Who is this bloody, dirty faced kid?" and also "What the heck?" and a few "poor guy" faces.

That's when I realized that the purple guy and the green guy were right, I had been stupid because tomorrow was the day I'd been waiting for all school year, the last day of school! But when I tuned back into what was going on, one of the kid's Mom came up to me and saw that it was "Cole Huntsman". Then everyone else realized the bloody faced kid was Cole. The Mom got her son to get the first-aid kit. Then boring part came. She wiped, sanitized, rubbed and bandaged. I know it seems pretty short but trust me, if you were there then you would know. Then the Mom sent my little sister home to tell my Mom I was hurt. But instead of my Mom rushing to the rescue, she guessed it wasn't that bad. Let me tell you something now. Mom's should never guess. In the end I came home in my sister's friend's car, and when my Mom saw the results she was shocked and regretted guessing.

I woke up in the morning with my face numb and bumpy with half scab half wound. My mouth was all numb. I couldn't even smile right. That was fine with me because I would not be doing that much smiling with such a freakish wound. When I got on the bus it was even louder and more energetic than usual. Everone was ecited about the last day of school, the day of games, the day of pizza, the day of jumping around the class like a maniac. Not for me, at least that's waht I thougt. When Ben got on he begged me to sing "Let's go to Idaho." (oh, you're probably wondering what "let's go to Idaho" is. It's a song Ben, Scott and I made up from scratch. No, it's not based on "Pokerface" or "Just Dance". You'll have to ask Ben and I to sing it because Scott won't sing it no matter what.) So, of course I sang Let's go to Idaho. Then when I got to class, a weird thing happened. I was so glad that I went flying off my scooter and ripped up my face...I did what everyone else did. I ate pizza, played games, everything. But, as everyone counted down for the bell to ring. I had to return my library book. So that kinda stunk. Oh well, one the bus, it would be awesome. We sang "let's go to Idaho" and everyone went crazy. It was great. Plus, my scratched up face was a great prop for videos. And that's why I'm glad I got my face ripped up! But next time I'll think twice about scooters and hills.

anybody want a kitten in about 9 weeks?

2010-09-01T20:29:00.004-05:00

Lucy's had her babies! It was the second day of school, breakfast time, and she started rolling around on the ground...so I put her up in the playroom inside her birthing box, thinking she'd like the quiet dark room. I packed the kids off to school and headed out for my morning errands, half expecting a kitten or two when we got back. We get back, I check on her, nada. I go to leave she follows me...hmm... Ok. I had a feeling she didn't want to be alone. We put her box under the sofa table, and I went back upstairs to straighten up. A few minutes later Lily starts yelling...."kitten! kitten!". I almost fall down the stairs in my rush. As though instinct needs my assistance. Anyhow, there she was, laying on her side cleaning a wet white kitten. 4 more followed, 2 more white, and 2 orange tabby. They all survived, and have been happily nursing ever since. More pictures here.

"the talk"

2010-08-11T17:37:00.002-05:00

This cracked me up...with a pregnant cat and two kids 8 or older, this all sounded very familiar.

Papa don't preach

2010-08-07T21:19:00.003-05:00

It seems Ms. Kitty Lucy got herself into a little trouble. About a week ago I noticed her increasing girth, but was in denial about the possible pregnancy. But then today I could deny it no longer, ref pic:

What should I expect when I still hadn't taken her to be spayed...and she snuck out while in heat.....and a huge orange tabby was hanging around (I like to picture him in a leather jacket). yikes...now I need to figure out when to expect kittens and what I need to do. And...what to do with them once they're old enough to need homes.

playing dress up

2010-08-04T22:41:00.003-05:00

Amazing photographer and supremely loveable person--Nichole Van Valkenburgh is also my neighbor and fellow foyer sitter at church. She mentioned how busy she's been this summer with her business and the workshops she runs to teach other photographers new skills. How cool--I was feeling a little jealous about her career--and then she looked at me sideways and mentioned something about needing more people to take pictures of. "Pick me pick me!" It was so much fun to dress up in things I would never wear and look pretty for a few hours. Thanks Nichole for the amazing pictures---I look so pretty and very unlike my usual t-shirted self. :)

www.nicholevan.com

and my favorite pictures

Desert Trip

2010-08-04T22:16:00.006-05:00

This has been the summer of many road trips /slash/ weekend vacations. Travis has been so busy with work, he's needed these mini breaks to recharge. (as have I with kids home 24/7 fighting over which Harry Potter to watch) Our friends Scott and Nicea suggested St George, and that was all we needed for a weekend of complete slothfulness. So lovely. The kids pooled and ate bbq and then went back to the pool. We "hiked" to a cave in the desert, experienced flash flood warnings each night, T & S won us some cash in Mesquite, and all the girls had their nails painted. The only drama was when I lost the house key...oops...and we thought we'd have to pay much money to have the whole house re-keyed. oops oops But, thankfully, it was in the bag right where I put it...heh. Thanks guys for the weekend! Let's do Vegas next time sans little people.
More pictures here.

this is how T rolls yo

2010-07-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

foiled again

2010-07-13T16:05:00.002-05:00

Do you remember the sunday nap? It seems like it's left and gone somewhere far away since having kids. We're very good at pretending to take them, but really, it's not possible to fall into a deep sleep with four short people on the other side of the door. But! With the set up of the tent (see wilhelm post), it seemed hope had returned. It was possible a mom could actually enjoy the rarely tasted pleasure of the sunday nap. So, out she snuck. No kids were told to keep away, it was 100% covert. Up went the zipper, down went the me and sleep happened!!!! Until, the one thing I hadn't thought of......

....thanks a lot Tiger!

The Wilhelm's came, they brought tri-tip

2010-07-13T15:15:00.004-05:00

and they left a pair of socks and a camera somewhere in my house. Ha, what can I say, it was wonderful having Dad, Dil and Amy here. If only we lived closer. Seriously people, let's make this happen. We had a week of playing, a few adventures, a few misadventures. Dad has thought of a new book....he calls it: Living Behind the Rail, adventures in playing it safe. He was inspired after a harrowing trip up the mountain via ski lift (thus the rail part of the title). Needless to say, I had no idea he was deathly afraid of heights. Luckily our week was front loaded with "adventures", so we stayed earthbound the last 6 days.

The best part about Dil and Amy playing with our kids is the age difference (or lack thereof). Uncle Dil, at the ripe age of 13, taught Cole the ways of the Japanese through anime books, "they're backwards!". Amy and Paige had many moments with nail painting, and girl talk. Lily and Grace squeezed themselves in where ever and however they could. Lily tagged along with the big girls and Grace fell in love with Dillon. Bless his heart. Besides Sundance, we hit Seven Peaks, set up a tent, went to Park city and hung at home. After a week of very late bedtimes, the kids are a little on the grumpy side. (or...uh, Mom is a little on the grumpy side) But after seeing the Dil & Amy off to the airport yesterday, we were feeling blue. Dad decided to continue his quest for adventure by heading to Taos & Sante Fe in search of adventure and Ms. O'Keefe. May the road rise up to meet you....in a very flat way. Love you guys!

Photo Album

The Tie Dye turned out!

2010-07-06T00:16:00.004-05:00

A very exciting day, we finally got to wear the tie dye. Actually, the kids got to wear their shirts twice.

(If you are interested in how to make them, here's a video:)

Provo Balloon Fest

2010-07-06T00:11:00.001-05:00

Too windy to fly, but at least we saw them inflate.

strange summer sleep

2010-07-05T23:56:00.007-05:00

cinnamon roll coma

living room, with Lucy

floor

patio

anywhere but their beds...

Sunday Walk and Talks

2010-07-05T23:27:00.006-05:00

Is it just me or is there something about church that makes a person really hungry? And after getting home and eating, and maybe napping, it seems like Sundays aren't complete without a walk to walk off all the sitting in church and then the eating and the napping....thus the walk and talk. Ours usually mean a short drive, some kind of food to use as bribery and an easy walk (hike). our latest have been:
Bridal Veil

Squaw Peak
Payson Canyon Grotto

Paige's 8th Bday Backyard Party

2010-07-05T23:12:00.003-05:00

Paige is 8!! It's so hard to believe, but since she's getting older, we let her pick the theme. And lucky for us, she wanted an old fashioned party. They played games, ate hot dogs, drank lemonade and played water games. Very easy, very fun, very cheap. And Paige said it was her favorite birthday party ever.

Paige's Baptism

2010-07-05T23:01:00.003-05:00

It was a beautiful morning for her baptism. Family came down from Idaho and other parts of the valley. The stake had us in and out in an hour, very impressive scheduling. And Paige was so sweet. Very excited and anxious, worried about doing everything correctly. Grandma LaRee made her dress, which was pristine and even had pearls on it from her wedding gown. So special. The pictures tell the story best.

blitzing

2010-07-05T22:54:00.002-05:00

Needing to catch up, I just accidently posted this on the wrong blog...ooops. Anyhow, here it is again, ta-da:
T working the mean streets of vegas. He jokes that he should have his own show. The accent is stellar...croawkie!

hopefully not purple

2010-06-28T17:43:00.007-05:00

4th of July is quick approaching, and we made our shirts for the parade yesterday. Sort of a tradition, we've made them 4 different years. This time was an experiment....and I'll post the result once they come out of the washer today. We went with the spiral for all 6, since Mom was in a hurry. Paige was the only one willing to help...T was napping, Grace and Lily were playing with the neighbor's kittens and Cole was supervising us while eating Kix.

should be painting the ceiling downstairs

2010-06-28T17:35:00.003-05:00

but am online instead post. :)

Here's my beautiful laundry room (with the mountain of dirty laundry so expertly cropped out of the shot) The paint is from Lowe's Valspar line--Meadow Breeze. It's very nice, and I'll use it in the next house.

choirs of angels!

2010-06-26T16:14:00.003-05:00

the internet is back up and running at our house

Cole's 10th Bday (this has been sitting in to-be edited pile)

2010-05-23T15:05:00.006-05:00

Time for Cole's big movie party. He's been making his movie Galaxy Fight for about a year. Off and on when friends would come play they'd make short scenes. It's just the beginning of many years of film making. We used the film as the theme of his 10th birthday party. I wish I was a kid again. They were welcomed in our "theater" by Lily and Paige, who gave them their money for the night. They then bought treats at our concession stand and a ticket for the show. Three screenings later, we played games, opened gifts and ate cupcakes. It was a good one. T and I had another birthday party that evening, guess it was a double feature weekend.

6 am - May 22 - Utah

2010-05-23T15:01:00.003-05:00

rolled over to this lovely springtime view....what's wrong with this picture? I think the conversation went something like this: a very defeated "you've got to be kidding" (N) and "I'm going back to bed" (T)

do not try at home

2010-05-23T14:58:00.002-05:00

Going to back out of the drive and, "yo!" seeing Cole staring back. I wish I had this on video, he had a sort of monologue going.

Did I say 44 days?

2010-05-18T13:50:00.004-05:00

Ahhhhhhh...we're trapped in the laundry room!
Maybe it should've been 40 years...I've been wandering the laundry wilderness. Last week was a wash because we had a wedding to go to. Which meant a day shopping, a day packing and a couple days of wedding. So, we'll pretend last week didn't count. On the upside, my laundry room is looking nice, it's been painted, and now I just have to climb out from under the piles of clothes from our trip and busy week. On we go.....

Day 3 & 1/2

2010-05-06T18:31:00.002-05:00

I'm blaming today on 5 jaw dropping chapters in the novel I'm reading...there was nothing I could do. Was held captive. And then needed an hour to rest my eyes. Laundry room painting did not happen. A bit of a fail, yes? But there's always tomorrow. And besides we're not going camping this weekend, so that gives a day to catch-up. Now, Cole & I are going to get our hoe-down on at his first dance. I figure it's a good thing I'm well rested. ;)

Day 2--Laundry room

2010-05-05T18:00:00.002-05:00

So, I had a most excellent before picture, but my camera battery died. And the charger is no where to be found. For the moment, you'll have to trust that the before was a disaster area. Clothing everywhere (which means 5 days of laundry) and half effort decorating. All has been removed. Tomorrow on with the painting.

Day 1

2010-05-04T19:04:00.003-05:00

Started with an easy one. Playroom---removed toys, found dried apple cores, fixed tv, hung mirror, wiped dusted, vacuum, cleaned carpets. One down, 43 to go. Can I take a nap yet?

44 days & 44 nights

2010-05-04T18:48:00.004-05:00

So goes the next two months: spring cleaning (/ finishing all the house projects) has arrived. Painting, cleaning, removing, clearing out, storing, etc etc repeat Will I post all of the exciting details, you ask??? Of course. I sat down with the calendar yesterday and it will take 44 days of working 1-6 pm to get this joint finished. 220 hours. And then I plan to spend the rest of the summer at the pool with the kids....sleeping.

lazy update

2010-05-02T19:43:00.003-05:00

It's May something-th, hah, and I haven't posted in a while. Let's see....not too much to catch up on. Right now, we're escaping the snow fog of Utah in the mountains, I'm seriously reconsidering living up here. Waking up on May 1st to snow is not happy making times. Trav has been busy going back and forth from Vegas and home, work is constant. We joke about the hotels he stays in, and Vegas in general, he's tried to talk me into moving there to eliminate the travel, but snow isn't /that/ awful. The kids are busy with school, as usual, as well as piano, soccer, karate, etc. We've finally crossed the huge and wonderful milestone of no-diaper bags-strollers-bottles-diapers-baby crap. Life is no less busy. Thinking back, babies are pretty cake. Anyhow, that's the latest skim of our lives.

Animoto.com

2010-02-08T19:16:00.001-05:00

Face first

2010-01-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

Norm turns 7-0

2010-01-02T20:54:00.003-05:00

Christmas Kitty is Found!

2010-01-02T20:23:00.006-05:00

So, after several days of no-show, we finally heard some strange noises coming out of the kitchen floor. Is it kitty?? Sure enough, Lucy had found the only vent missing a cover and made her way into the heating/cooling ducts. We were able to locate her under the sink and with a mirror could see her tail. Ah! Kitty is close enough to grab....if only the kitchen cabinets weren't in the way.
With the help of a saw, Trav made a hole in the bottom of the cabinets, allowing me better access to the duct. Unfortunately, saws are loud, and kitty didn't like that. I looked into my mirror again, and she'd moved about 10 feet down the tube. We tried pushing her out with a vacuum hose and finally decided to call it a night, convinced she could find her way out. Long story short....a couple days past. No kitty, 6 worried humans. "She's not dying in there." I could picture the dead cat smell carried by the ventilation, wafting through the house. Not quite cinnamon stick. Then the christmas kitty miracle happened. She came out. Paige cracked a can of stinky cat food and sat by the vent calling for her. I guess she was hungry and no more stuck Lucy.

asleep

2010-01-02T20:21:00.002-05:00

Watch me Paint

2009-12-30T21:20:00.004-05:00

www.lifebynumber.tumblr.com

(sort of like this, but not)

Christmas Cat??

2009-12-27T17:59:00.003-05:00

Where are you hiding? Our new kitty, Lucy, is lost somewhere in our house. Not a good sign....we haven't seen her since Christmas morning. Food is being eaten and litter box is being used, but Kitty where are you??

Christmas Kitty!

alien lifeforms

2009-12-26T18:41:00.003-05:00

Another fine video...

Dharma

2009-12-26T18:31:00.002-05:00

"...I did this with my own children. Again and again, I told them there was a reason why they were here, and they had to find out what that reason was for themselves. From the age of four years they heard this. I also taught them to meditate when they were about the same age, and I told them, "I neverm ever want you to worry about making a living. If you're unable to make a living when you grow up, I'll provide for you, so don't worry about that. I don't want you to focus on doing well in school. I don't want you to focus on getting the best grades or going to the best colleges. What I really want you to focus on is asking yourself how you can serve humanity, and asking yourself what your unique talent are. Because you have a unique talent that no one else has, and you have a special way of expressing that talent, and no one else has it." They ended up going to the best schools, getting the best grades, and even in college, they are unique in that they are finacially self-sufficient, because they focused on what they are here to give. This then, is the Law of Dharma." --Deepak Chopra

Cole's Random Video of the Day

2009-12-26T18:25:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve 09

2009-12-25T22:00:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T17:53:00.003-05:00

(Shutterfly)

Trimmed for Christmas

2009-12-20T16:27:00.012-05:00

LaRee gave the kids these great outfits yesterday. She made the jumpers with matching purses. So sweet. (we will not discuss my latest sewing machine debacle) And the family photo is with our timer, which was a nice surprise....only took 2 tries. Which is good since we were late for church. Merry Christmas!!

13 years and zero kids

2009-12-20T16:11:00.004-05:00

"Toffee?"

"Ahhhhhhhh"

We spent our anniversary at home...alone. It was surreal. What should we do?? Watch a movie in peace? Stare at the clean, crumbless floors? Take a world record breaking nap? It went waaaaay too quick. But we managed to squeeze all those things in, as well as several donuts and Magelby's Chocolate Cake...(it was also our free day from dieting, yahoo). We went to bed the next night with stomach aches, and all 4 kids back home. Big thanks to Norm and LaRee who kept them busy while we were doing nothing. :)

One Room at a Time

2009-12-17T20:49:00.016-05:00

Here I sit on the couch to finally brag about all the work I've done the past 6 months.

I spent this summer & fall repainting/decorating the house. It started with a small project in Grace's room. We didn't know if we'd be buying the house or not, so I was a little non-committal with the first one. Testing the waters a little. While painting, I watched all the episodes of Serenity...haha. So the little polka dots remind me of planets and space cowboys.

(Grace's Bedroom After)

Next I tackled the girls bedrooms. These things are tiny and dark. My budget was limited, so I had to be creative, digging things out of storage like old paint. I learned how to remove doors, rewire lights, repaint furniture, unclog a spray paint can and make a valance with a staple gun. I almost was brave enough to use the hack saw. But not quite.

Lily loves to create, so her room theme was easy. Art, scribbles and chalk. Travis helped cut the frames for the chalkboards (not afraid of saw) and Lily picked out the "yo" bright pink. (I've since bought a lighter shade, because this is a little much). Now, if only I'd thought ahead about her using the drapes as swings (they've since fallen down....must fix).

(Lily's Bedroom Before)

(Lily's Bedroom After)

Paige's room was next. It's one of the darkest rooms in the house, so I decided to go yellow. Travis was talked into cutting beadboard and making her a little desk. We used owls and nature for her theme. Sort of a sweet girl version. She usually keeps it very tidy, and has recruited about 5 more pillows/stuffed animals for her bed.

(Paige's Bedroom Before)

(Paige's Bedroom After)

(Cole's room is next on my list...he'll have to wait since he's had his own decorated room before)

Next, I tackled my studio. I love IKEA. White drapes are paintable, and I love the way these turned out. I just need blinds and the other two sets.....(ooops moving onto to the next project before finishing the first....) Let's keep it real with this shot. Always messy in there.

(Studio--Before)

(Studio--After)

(Basement Living Room Before)

(Basement Living Room)

(Theater Room After/ Before was much purpler)

(Playroom--Before)
(Playroom After)

.........ah this post is making me tired. I'll have to finish the text later. Here's the pics for now. Basement living room, basement kitchen, theater room and playroom. I will mention Norm helped Travis make the arch in the wall that we blew out. Thank you! It was plastered and now I just need to touch-up paint. Phew! I'm gonna take a nap now.

(Me--after a long day of painting/cleaning/sweating)

The End!
(until next week when the guest bedroom begins...)

fungus-feet?

2009-12-16T23:28:00.004-05:00

Ha, another bowling post. We all brought our best game to the BYU game center. I don't think we'll go over scores here, let's just say Cole really, really brought it. Paige was the most careful player, stopping short and rethinking her shots, Lily wins for the most devil-may-care player (overhanding, oops), and Grace was just happy to be there, so long as she got to use the purple ball. Trav had the best form, but.....erm not the best score. I had the worst form (which I blame on my multiple..erm...injuries) but second place score. Bumpers are the best, it's all about banking it off both sides and then getting a spare. Sweet!

Brusha brusha

2009-12-13T13:55:00.005-05:00

The kids have coolest dentist in SF. Paige was the only one with a small cavity. Yay!

Cookie Day

2009-12-13T13:35:00.004-05:00

(Before)

We were going to do our annual Christmas Cookie day yesterday, except we only ended up making two kinds of cookies. I blame this on IKEA. It's not possible to get in and out in under an hour. It's the carts.

Anyhow, we made snowmen cookies and jam swirls. Paige's best friend Savanna came to play. (I call them Oreo)

(after)

Doing the Oreo Cookie Dance

Chicks dig Santa

2009-12-13T13:26:00.004-05:00

We couldn't resist getting our picture snapped last week. The boys were busy looking cool... (and holding our purses)

Gift Requests:
Paige--Pink DS
Lily--Hamster (a real one)
Grace--She was a little starstruck, but squeezed out a "Princess"

oh, and even though he was "too old" to sit on Santa's lap, Cole wants a rat this year. Lovely.

snow

2009-12-04T00:04:00.002-05:00

Yup, it's snowy up here in the Alps...we had our first snow in September. This place is tongue stickin to pole cold.

Prize Winning

2009-12-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

As you can see by this photo, Cole is very enthused about his County Fair project. It was voted Most Creative. (Thank you very much....haha) Cole crafted the little people. errr....that's suppose to be a ski lift they're riding on. It required much hot glue and not a little procrastination.

Lily's Ears

2009-12-03T23:48:00.003-05:00

Goodbye to our Tannenbaum House

2009-10-11T18:23:00.011-05:00

This was the song that my iPod shuffled to as we pulled out of the neighborhood for the last time last October. I cried. Then we got a phone call from Janice this summer when the fire happened. Seems this is the best way to say goodbye to our old neighborhood and home.

So Long, Farewell - Sound of Music OST

The night of the fire. Started at 1:30 am, a drive-by on Brawley saw the flames and called the fire station (which is just around the corner). Our neighbor Karen sent us these photos. I wasn't sure if I wanted to see them. The fire started in the attic over Cole's & the Master bedroom.

The house was destroyed and was knocked down about a month ago. Anybody looking for an empty building lot?? hah, it's got septic/sod/sprinklers....any takers?

On a happier note, we were able to salvage the kids handprints that I traced on the wood floor. It was hidden under the corner cabinets in the kitchen. I had thought maybe one day in the far distant future, someone would be remodeling and would discover them. Maybe track us down and send a photo. I never thought I'd get to keep them.

Italia!

2009-10-04T17:50:00.003-05:00

Can we please go back...tomorrow? Italy was like a dream. Lots of pictures here... if you are so inclined. Much better than me forcing you into a seat to watch a slideshow. haha, you can skip all my commentary and just look at photos or skip the whole thing all together. It was other worldly though. (You know you wanna look ;)

We had 7 days there, and tried to squeeze as many cities as we could into the week. Flew into Rome and stayed at a very colorful hotel, which was a interesting contrast to all the classic ruins outside our windows. Toured the sites, ie Colosseum, St. Peter's, Pantheon etc. The next morning we took the train to Venice and hopped a boat over to our hotel. It was raining, but neither of us seemed to care. The shop windows were sparkling with murano, and our hotel was gorgeous. The next day we got lost in Venice. Really and truly. Being the intrepid guide, I decided to take charge and thought it might be a good idea to simply follow the "Per Rialto"...they made more sense than the map. (which I believe was a practical joke played on stupid Americans) Hah...the next day we hopped on the train and headed for Florence. This was our favorite and longest stay of the trip. We rented a house on Viale Galileo, the actual road Galileo lived on at one point. It was situated across the river from the city up on a hill. The views were of the red tile roofs below and cypress. Did I mention I want to go back tomorrow? Yes, please. And let's not even get started on the food (or gelato....) Just not fair for one country to be full of so many good things. We washed our clothes at the house we stayed in...which was like something from a movie. Authentic stucco country Italian house, hidden behind a tall gated fence. We had apple trees and a clothes line (and a broken dryer, which is a whole story). The furniture was old and cozy, the toilet was even some strange shape, didn't realize toilets could be charming. But, yup they can.

The last leg of the trip we headed to Siena for a day by train. Trekked through churches, saw a few Saint's bones/hair/teeth at the museum. Ate "pizza" in the square. And then missed our train back to Rome. We ended up staying our last night in a hotel in Florence. The electricity didn't work...that was an adventure. At least we had a hot shower and a bed to sleep in. The lack of lighting might've been a good thing. I'm not sure we didn't have roaches for company.

And that's it folks. (Projector turned off, lights back on) You still awake? Hope you enjoyed the show. :)

Easter 09

2009-10-04T17:27:00.009-05:00

(note to self: don't wait 6 months to post...memory not so good)

Lots of after school Easter egg dying in these pictures. I think it's safe to assume there was a bit of "Oh...thank you....let's let Mommy do it...ok?" talk. And we had to be scrupulous with the egg labeling. Heaven's forbid someone get the wrong egg. :D

Easter morning was great, with the usual Easter Bunny baskets, greatly improved by what Nana and Papa Rick have sent. (Thank you Thank you!)

(The anticipation!!)

(Jackpot!)

And of course our Easter egg hunt...which was a first. In the snow! Technically, it was raining, but either way, many eggs were hunted. And immediately cracked open.

Paige turns 7!

2009-10-04T17:15:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful day in the hills. We had butterflies as a theme, and Paige was a great hostess to her friends. We made butterfly hairclips and went on a "Nectar Hunt" in the woods. (Watch out for the poison oak!...kidding) See picture gallery for more :).

Wet Noodle

2009-07-30T09:45:00.003-05:00

I deserve 100 lashes for not posting this summer. Our camera broke and the guy who can fix it lives all the way in Alpine. Excuses, excuses.

For now, you'll have to be happy with my photo updates. :) And here's Aunt Chris' photo album from the Wilhelm reunion at Netarts, Oregon.

Oh Pickles!

2009-04-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

The kids woke up to a scrumptious breakfast. Pickles with syrup. I told them this was a very special meal, only for the very best kids. They were not amused.

April Fools!

Cole turned 9!!

2009-04-01T09:39:00.003-05:00

PaperCritters attack! (Actually, it should've been....9 Year old boys....attack!) Cole is almost in the 2 digits. I can't believe how time flies.

For this party, he switched his theme a couple times. First it was going to be Legos---but then the boy next door brought a lego puzzle in a baggie. Cole put it together and realized it was for a Lego party. So there went that theme. Then he toyed around with doing a movie party....but

Mom could see her camera and computer covered in sticky frosting and pizza grease. So, that one was nixed.

Cole thought of the idea while making his Batman series at www.papercritters.com "Let's do a PaperCritters party!" Thus the idea was born.

It was a pretty standard party. We played games, gave out prizes, broke the pinata, open presents, pizza, ice cream, etc. I made a life size PaperCritter and they used it for a game. It barely lasted the party, thankfully Travis held it up to prevent it from collapsing. (Nicky---not the engineer---Graham got all those genes)

Cole's cousins Gabe and Sarah came, so they added so more fun to the mix. In all it was a great party. We sent the kids out to run off their sugar highs in the snow.

It's melting......

2009-03-17T10:42:00.003-05:00

Well our first winter at 5,330 feet. It snowed. A lot. And now my view out is a little less white. Is that grass I see?? Brown, but still....it is grass!

See our gallery for some more snow pictures.

You may have to copy and paste link: http://gallery.me.com/travandnickysfam#100133

MobileMe Gallery

2009-03-10T10:20:00.005-05:00

It was taking too long to upload photos. Until I discovered MobileMe--here's the link:

http://gallery.me.com/travandnickysfam

(This link may not work. If not, type into browser.)
I've got a bunch to upload. Eeee

Summer FHE

2009-03-10T09:53:00.008-05:00

Trying to get caught up---here's some pictures from summer. Family night is an adventure. Look at these willing participants. Can't you feel the thrill?

We play games. Note Cole and Grace on the floor.

We "use" treats.

Someone usually cries. And it's not always a kid. :)

But then we make cookies. And who can cry and eat a cookie at the same time?

A smashing success!

watch if you dare

2009-02-02T19:56:00.009-05:00

...waste a few minutes

Sacred Grove & Hill Cumorah Pageant

2009-01-29T14:42:00.002-05:00

Sacred Grove

(Just photos for now, I've got to get everything caught up. I'll post text later)

Transportation Museum

2009-01-11T19:23:00.003-05:00

Transportation Museum

Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It's been a while since this trip and all I remember is it was very hot.

4th of July w/ Wilhelm's

2009-01-09T13:14:00.002-05:00

Ohio--4th of July

My Dad and little brother and sister--Dillon & Amy--came to visit. It's fun having siblings in the same age range as my own kids. I also enjoy trading parenting war stories with my Dad.

We drove up to Ohio for a mini Wilhelm reunion. Only half of the sibs were there, even so it was a crowd. Thanks to the Kennedy's for housing us. Aunt Terry even monogrammed towels for the kids to take home. (Wow, crafty-lady!) Their home is located out in the beautiful countryside. I'm not sure their exact acreage, but it whatever it is seems perfect. They've restored their historic farmhouse, and my memories of staying there as a kid, are one of the reasons I love American farmhouses.

We saw the Paddocks and their clan. Always growing and/or changing faces from their family. We had some interesting discussions, which is to be expected at any Wilhelm get together. The disagreeing is the best part. So nice to have family that tells you what they really think. And especially when we always seem to hit all the hot topics i.e. religion, politics, and religion
Graham, this is where we got the know everything (and then some) gene. As well as the BS in knowing everything degree.

Huntsman Family Reunion

2009-01-09T12:09:00.002-05:00

Huntsman Family Reunion

We flew out to Utah to see all the cousins and Aunts and Uncles. We met at Fish Lake, with RV's and lawn chairs. The kids had so much fun in the couple days we were there. Many popsicles were eaten, crafts made, pictures taken, jokes told, songs sung. The highlight for most of our family was when our funny hillbilly cousins came to visit. Man they sure looked and talked like people we knew from back in NC.

Primary Tree

2009-01-09T11:06:00.003-05:00

The Primary kids made this artwork for our Bishop Craig from NC. We're so sad to be away from the ward. We miss you guys very much! Thank you to those who helped us out the few months before we left. We were sad to leave so abruptly :( But, it's been a very good thing for our family.

(The tree was made with hand and fingerprints as part of a spring qtrly activity. We also planted flowers for the chapel. Which a mystery person kept watered (thank you to whomever you are :) They were beautiful)

Early Summer Ambitions

2009-01-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

Early summer 08

So, school was out. Which meant no specific bedtimes, and long days at the pool. The first few weeks of summer are also full of fun crafty activities. Until Mom runs out of ideas. And that's when the trips began.

But, first, Cole did a couple of businesses. Lemonade stand, check. Then, a more creative, herb selling business. Door to door. I think our sweet neighbor Joan bought the majority of Cole's goods. I told him to go push them on someone else. But, she kept asking for more sachets. So, we made more.

The lemonade stand was great. Especially the umbrellas. At that point it was morning and about 80 degrees. Umbrellas weren't really necessary, but made great props.

Paige also made a bracelet for Lauren, our neighbor, because she had her tonsils taken out. It was very pretty, made with lavender crystals, which were Lauren's favorite, according to Paige.

This same couple of weeks, I did some closet cleaning, and the neighbor kids came over one day to help wear/eat our old birthday party favors. Mmmm, stale candy.

Summer in a Nutshell

2009-01-07T11:53:00.004-05:00

The summer is a blur, we went on trip after trip. Utah, beach, mountains, mountains, DC/Virginia, Ohio, New York. That's not even the correct order. But I'll post some pics that are chronological.

Then in September we decided to move back to Utah. We'd sold Mantis, and I was ready to be back west. I finally admitted I needed family. The kids are loving being by Grandma & Grandpa Huntsman. And all the cousins. We finally can attend events, like Gabe's baptism last Saturday.

On with the pictures....

We're Baaaack

2009-01-05T00:05:00.003-05:00

So, it's been long enough. I'm firing-up the blog again. I'll try to get some photos of the summer up tomorrow. We're in Utah now, so I feel a little safer with going public again.

Here's to happy posting.

Cub Scouts Rock!

2008-06-09T10:43:00.002-05:00

This was taken on the first night of scouts for Cole. He wasn't too enthusiastic about the uniform. But, he was very excited about scouts. They look ready to go race some pinewood derby cars. Cole's got everything done for his Bobcat, so he'll be receiving that a couple weeks. Good job! Travis is the new Cub committe chair, so he's been trying to figure out his new responsibilities and get to know all the people he's working with. Unfortunately for him, I stole his secretary. (Sorry :) But, he's got another great girl to help him. He's just got cub camp and then a break until school starts in August. Kind of the perfect calling for him with his busy summers.

Look, I didn't kill the plants yet!

2008-06-09T09:17:00.010-05:00

Last night I took some pictures of the garden/yard. See my baby tomatoes? That's future salsa, right there. Also, I had to put a before and after of my flowers. Ignore me in that photo and look at the flowers behind me, then look at the next photo (sorry they're kind of hard to see). In just about a month those petunias have gotten enormous. See, I told you the miraclegrow was making me look good. Also, I love all the bees and butterflies the flowers are attracting. So, I had to include a picture of that. What a peaceful night. Watering and listening and looking. Oh and I didn't know if I planted a squash or a watermelon, but now I think it's a zucchini, see the yellow flowers on the last picture. Maybe it's a squash? But, definitely not a watermelon.

Burning down the house...

2008-06-09T08:50:00.003-05:00

We live on a penisula of the lake and there is one 2-lane road that leads in and out. Traffic is a constant struggle here. So, the county finally ponied up the funds to widen the road. We were on our way to AuthorSquad about a month ago and we saw this. The fire department lit this house up as practice. It made me feel a little sick. But, I had to slow down and take a picture. What was incredible was when I rolled my window down. I was instantly hit with heat even though I was at least 80 yards away. Oh, also, look at the smoke coming out of the chimney, bizarre.

The Zoo with the Kinders...

2008-06-09T08:07:00.002-05:00

Paige's class went to the zoo on a field trip. I volunteered to be a chaperone, I'm not sure how much help I was, since I had my two little ones to watch. But I'm sure Mrs. Wagner appreciated having another warm body there. We brought Paige's best friend Mary Grace with us. She's such a sweetie. I'm glad Paige has a good friend like her to play with.

What we did on Memorial Day...

2008-06-09T07:44:00.001-05:00

Here's a slideshow:

Cole's a poet and he didn't even know it :)

2008-06-09T06:48:00.004-05:00

Here's a couple of Cole's latest poems from his book "A smorgasboard of POEMS:
(By the picture you can see I'm very proud him! :)

I AM
I am an eight year old and I love to write funny stories.
I wonder if I could publish my 100th book.
I hear loud noises like people talking.
I see someone reading a book.
I want $100,000,000!
I am an eight-year-old who loves to write funny stories.

I pretend to dance on a disco floor.
I feel bored.
I touch pencils.
I worry too much.
I cry way too much.
I am an eight-year-old who loves to write funny stories.

I understand that I can be distracted.
I say that it's fun to have your own book.
I dream to be a famous author.
I try to focus.
I hope I can make people laugh in my books.

I am an eight-year-old who loves to write funny stories.

LIMERICK ABOUT A PLANK AND A MOLE
There once was a plank that went blank
who liked to swim in a tank,
swimming is great,
it's really top rate,
said the plank who was blank.

There once was a mole who ate out of a bowl
eating is great,
it's really top rate,
said the mole who ate out of a bowl.

SUN ON ME
The bright sun shines on
free, young children relaxing
on the hot sidewalk.

SOUND IS
piano key low and high dinging
cat meowing
sports fans rooting
basketball dribbling
bees buzzing

POTATO POEM
My genius potato
has discovered a
huge tomato! It's
10 yards tall and
six feet wide! Quick
hide! He's gonna eat
you!

Garden update...it's sizzlin hot!

2008-06-05T15:32:00.003-05:00

It's about 90 today. That's just nasty. At any rate, last night I put straw on the tomato bed, since I knew we'd have a steamy week. But, while I was doing that, I saw little baby tomatoes! Isn't that awesome? I can't believe how quickly they produced fruit, I don't even remember seeing flowers. Also, the flowers in the front yard have gotten huge! I love miracle grow. That stuff makes me look like a good gardener.

Princess Gigi turns 6!

2008-06-03T13:11:00.016-05:00

Wow, where has the time gone. 6 years old?? You are so big Paige! She had a princess themed party at Pigtails & Crewcuts. It was very sweet. Her 5 best friends came to celebrate with her. The only negative about the party was the owners wouldn't let me stay with Cole, Lily and Grace. So, I hardly got any pictures :( I was very irritated about that, but I didn't say anything. Too nice I guess. But, we got some cute pictures of her at home searching for her gifts. The photo of her cake (which was swirly brownies, her favorite, she doesn't really like cake) is blury, my camera wasn't working, errrrr! Sorry Paige, we had bad luck with the picture taking this year. You're such a sweet, smart girl. I can't believe you're already 6! We love you so much. :)

Captain Underpants turns 8!

2008-06-01T13:06:00.012-05:00

Da da da dum! Captain Underpants to the rescue! Or should I say Captain Buttercupwaffle Tushie. :) Cole's teachers at Authorsquad threw an awesome party! I couldn't believe how much thought and effort went into their planning. All the way down to the tp in the goodie bags. It was awesome!
We started out with the kids working on a book that was published at the end, and Cole brought home. Then they figured out their official pottypants names and decorated their tightie whities. I was loving all the inappropriate potty-talk (that's the 8 year old boy trapped inside, he he!)

They moved to the story carpet and read about the latest adventures of C.U.P. and his possee. Then they played pin the undies on Captain's Booty. Which was pretty funny. Captain would've left the house nude if he was really counting on them to dress him. They then ate pizza, and had some underwear cake. Lastly, Cole opened gifts. Such great friends to come to his party and bring such fun summertime toys (supersoakers galore!). It was a great party, probably Cole's best ever. And we didn't have any prep or clean-up. Yay! Happy Birthday Cole! We love you so much! You're such an awesome kid and big brother. :)

Let's get our shovels on!

2008-05-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

So, we (actually I) tried to plants some vegetables last year. I'm the only one to blame for the failed attempt. The tomato plants got pretty big, but then we went out of town, or I forgot to water them, or something and they died. So, now this year, I'm determined to tend to my garden long enough that I can actually eat something out of it. The biggest obstacle here is the soil. I think you could literally pick up a handful and throw a pot. It's awful. Anyhow, long story short, we realized we needed a raised bed, so the plants could have some good soil, instead of the clay.

Travis happened to time this project strategically on the weekend his parents were visiting. After finding a picture on the internet, Norm was able to figure out how to put the thing together. And after a couple days of work and a cut finger, it was done.
Blood, sweat and tears, no? Thank you so much you guys! You outdid yourselves, it looks like a professional put it together.

I planted early girl tomatoes, romas, peppers, green beans, cucumbers, a few herbs, and a watermelon (or a pumpkin, I can't remember:). Can you say homemade salsa? Hello...that's enough to make me a dedicated vegetable-waterer. Where's the chips?

Cheeeeese!

2008-05-13T15:20:00.003-05:00

Grace knows what a camera is.

Primary activity

2008-05-13T14:12:00.012-05:00

Here's some pictures from our primary activity. Thanks Heather for taking them. We planted containers to put by the doors to the building and made a painting for the Bishop's office. The flowers looked so pretty on Sunday! (Thanks to the mysterious do-gooder who watered them on Wednesday night. Maybe we can assign a YW to take care of them for a service project. :) And of course to Jannah, you're awesome for hauling all the water around on Sunday. I'll do it next weekend.

--be sure to see the picture of Cole with the bucket on his head. What can I say?

Great to be Eight!

2008-04-26T13:04:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day for a baptism. The sun is shining and everything is green. A rainbow would make it perfect :) We went to the church this morning, and it was such a neat experience. It was just our family and Bro. Sheridan. Which made it much more intimate. Norm and LaRee flew out to visit and help us. Cole's been looking forward to today for a long time. We were very proud of him! LaRee helped with the music. I'm glad she can play the piano so well, because one of those songs was not very familiar, and she just played it from sight. Travis spoke on baptism and then did the baptism. But, opps a foot stuck out. Grandpa was joking with Cole that his baptism was exxtra special because he got to be dunked twice. I gave a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then, Norm confirmed Cole. I loved what was said during the blessing. I need to write it down tonight before I forget. Oh, and Paige and Lily gave the prayers. This is one of those days that Cole will always remember. Very special. Here's one of the songs we sang, one of Cole's favorites:

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
and I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Thanks Randi for this time waster :)

2008-04-25T12:21:00.002-05:00

My friend, neighbor & sometimes workout partner, Randi, sent this email. I liked her answers, but I'll try to come up with my own. I tag anyone who reads this.

1. Where is your cell phone?....... tucked under my waistband
2. Where is your significant other?.... out and about
3. Your hair?..... long
4. Your mother?.... too far away
5. Your father?.... witty
6. Your favorite thing?.... love
7. Your dream last night?.... mmmm, something good I'm sure
8. Your favorite drink?.... chocolate milkshake
9. Your dream/goal?..... to leave a little beauty
10. The room you're in?....kitchen
11. Your hobby?.... painting, drawing, photography, reading, music, learning new things
12. Your fear?.... my children being harmed and those tiny airplanes (eeeekk)
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?..... Utah and happy
14. Where were you last night?..... home
15. What you're not?..... good with details/being organized
16. Muffins?.... banana bread
17. One of your wish list items?.... a cabin
18. Where you grew up?... Oregon
19. The last thing you did?. ate an oreo
20. What are you wearing?.... a brown t-shirt and shorts
21. Your TV?.... neglected
22. Your pets?..... oscar and ziggy (very lazy cats)
23. Your computer?.... always on
24. Your life?.... always moving
25. Your mood?.... happy
26. Missing someone?.... yes
27. Your car?... full of crumbs
28. Something you're not wearing?.. shoes
29. Favorite store?.. anthropologie
30. Your summer?..... toes in the sand
31. Like someone?.... yes
32. Your favorite color?.... celadon and white
33. When is the time you laughed?.... really laughed? last night
35. Who will resend this?.... I'm not forwarding
36. Food?.... croissants/ice cream/pasta/reeses peanut butter cups (I can't decide)
37. Favorite word... serendipity

Family night on Sunday night

2008-04-20T19:36:00.006-05:00

We did family night tonight, because Travis doesn't get home until about 9pm on week nights. So, we've been doing family night on Sundays, which is actually pretty fun. We don't have anywhere to be and we just took naps. Perfect conditions. Tonight I was thinking how funny it would be to videotape family night. It's like organized chaos. I'll have to do that one of these times.

No, not a kiss!

2008-04-20T17:45:00.004-05:00

Cole's getting to that age where he's easily embarrassed by me. :) So, it's fun to tease him.

"Ohhh Mom, Good thing you don't have your blog anymore!"

"I know! Good thing."

Popcorn & PJ night

2008-04-20T17:19:00.003-05:00

This was a cute shot of the kids all waiting to watch their movie. Grace actually laid still for about 4 pictures. She's good at copying the big kids.

Easter Bunny came!

2008-04-20T15:54:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Mom & Rick and Norm & LaRee and of course the Easter Bunny! The kids had a great Easter morning. You'd be surprised where I found candy wrappers. I just found a stash of chocolate eggs behind the bookcase, last night. In a ziplock bag, definitely Lily's handiwork.

What happens behind my back

2008-04-20T15:50:00.005-05:00

This is what happens when I sit down to work on primary. :)

March/April happenings...

2008-04-20T14:02:00.008-05:00

So, I'm trying to remember the highlights since my last post. First, Cole turned 8! Yay! I can't believe he's old enough to be baptized. We actually have his party in 3 weeks, which is kind of funny. But, since his birthday is at the end of the March, and April has been slammed with activities, we're having his birthday the second weekend in May. Paige was a little miffed about that, since her birthday is in May. But, I told her at least you don't have the exact birthday as your brother. Huh, Graham?

I'm rambling, anyways, Cole's baptism is next weekend and Norm & LaRee will be coming out to visit. We've been working like crazy to get the house (and mainly yard) presentable. Travis mulched all the flower beds and they look beautiful. As far as inside goes, just don't open any of my cabinets, and I think we're set. It's always good to have guests, puts a deadline on my spring cleaning.

Travis is busy with pest control. This is when he goes under until August. Hopefully this crazy job will end soon. When he was doing yardwork, he said "you know your job sucks, when spreading mulch is like being on vacation" True dat. I'd like to say he's been busy doing other things, but right now work is all consuming. Maybe another vacation? Good news, the wildlife company in VA is doing well. Maybe that's a better path with no door to door sales.

I've just been busy with school things and primary. Always something to do or somewhere to be. Somedays, I'm just happy if I can remember my name. You know it's bad when your 5 year old is chastising you. "Mommy, you forgot my lunch money!!!" Oh man! Sorry! Also, I've decided they need to invent a floor that absorbs crumbs. You know, like a self-cleaning oven. Like at night, you close the door and in the morning, voila! Beautiful floors. Graham you get workin on that.

Kids have been busy with school and activities. Cole's been writing about Nut, the world-traveling peanut, who's currently in Japan with his sidekick Wasabi. Paige is starting riding lessons next week. Lily has been practicing her name, and likes to draw 6-legged dogs. And Grace is busy bossing everyone around. They've been loving the good weather. Lot's of caterpillar finding, muddy knees, allergies, and all around springtime fun. Such cuties, if I do say so myself.

Back to blogging

2008-04-20T13:57:00.002-05:00

It's so nice to be back on our blog. Thanks for the emails of concern about the weirdo. No new developments with him, so no news is good news, right? I've been trying to pay attention to anything suspicious, and haven't been worried. So hopefully, he's found someone else to creep out. At any rate, thanks again!

Cole's got a light out

2008-03-14T13:08:00.003-05:00

Cole got off the bus the other day looking very somber. I asked him if everything was OK, he just nodded. As we walked into the house he burst out in a huge smile. With a big hole where a tooth use to be. He's got that cute goofy grin now. He said the tooth was hanging by a string in the cafeteria and he finally yanked it out. I asked him "Did it fall in your spaghetti?" "Ohhh, Gross Mom!"

Don't buy the jackets yet

2008-03-09T16:36:00.008-05:00

It was family night, 6pm and our good friends the Killians were waiting for us at the bowling alley. We got the cool shoes, picked out our balls, and we were ready to go. I'm not sure what was funnier, watching Lily try to granny toss the ball (sounded like "BANG"...ooooh sorry bowling alley owners) or my humiliating 20 something score. Cole & Paige were like pros. I think it was all those bowling field trips in preschool. Of course Travis killed us all. Hopeful our kids have his bowling skills. If not, sorry!

We didn't quite make it through the whole game before everyone was done. One too many close calls with Grace's fingers and the ball machine thingy.

Huge Thanks to Mamacita!!

2008-03-03T08:30:00.003-05:00

My awesome Mom came out to help me the past few days with the kids while I had a minor surgery. She was so fun and loving with them. They were very sad this morning when they woke up and realized she'd really gone to the airport. Travis and I thank you so much for your help Mom! That really lifted our burdens.

The only crazy thing about her visit was the accident she had. While going down our wooden stairs, her shoe got caught and she fell half way down the flight. Ouch!! Travis and I both ran to see what happened as she lie motionless on the ground. That was the most scared I've felt in a long time. After a trip to the ER, see was diagnosed with a concusion, thank goodness! Nothing broken. So, thanks again Mom for all your sacrifices to come help me! I love you :)

We own it!

2008-03-01T13:12:00.003-05:00

I just made my last payment on our minivan. Woohoo!! I know...don't be jealous. You wish you could float around town in my seafoam green grocery gettin machine. She's a beaut! And, now I don't have to be reminded monthly, that I actually bought such an ugly car. Let's see how long I can resist the urge to upgrade. My bet is I can last at least a year. (picture disclaimer: that's actually not my car, mine's a little more seafoamy and not so shiny :) But you can get the general sweetness of my ride from this photo...I told you not to hate.)

Life As Dad Knows It

2008-02-27T23:42:00.003-05:00

It's about time I put my small stamp on Nicky's famous blog. As everyone can see, Nichole has a gift for writing. The most amazing thing is she does it so effortlessly. As you read this small paragraph, know that it probably took me about 3 or 4 hours to put the words together...and thank goodness for spell check! I love her blog...especially when I am out of town. It makes me feel I'm back home and feel homesick at the same time. I wanted to share a little bit about me and my family from my perspective.

Like all Dads out there, my life revolves around trying to balance my time between providing for and spending time with my young family. I learn more and more each day that work is overrated and playing with my fam is where it's at! My favorite family activities are our annual trips to a cabin in the Smokey Mountains, summer trips to the beach, taking Cole to the annual Jazz vs Bobcats game, daddy daughter dates with Paige and Lily, throwing Grace in the air, tickling the girls, running through the house chasing the kids like a monster, our 10 min family home evening lessons before the kids melt down from "lesson fatigue," and when the kids come running yelling "Daddy!" when I get home from work. My free time is spent playing or watching sports. As I get older the playing decreases and the watching increases. I just started playing tennis a year ago. It's an "old guy" sport you can play for years. It will get real scary when I take up golf!

Cole is the only boy surrounded by girly girls. But he's all boy. He loves teasing his sisters, playing make believe, writing stories, running around in the woods behind our house and riding his bike. Like his mom he is very smart and unbelievably creative. As they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He is also a very caring boy...always thinking of others.

Paige is my little sweetheart. She is so kind and her smile lights up the room. She sometimes gets the least attention because she is so easy going. She is the first one to run up and give me a hug when I get home from work. She's also a great little cheerleader. SAS All stars...a step ahead...Carolina's finest...enough said!

Lily is the little firecracker in our family. She loves to get into everything, plays with it, tears it apart, and finally discard it wherever she happens to be. She is mommy's little helper in the kitchen. She is the last to go to bed at night...just too much to do! She gives the best hugs and kisses.

Grace is really bursting with personality now. She wants to do everything the big kids do. She doesn't realize she's only 16 months old. She is a disaster at church, but at least she gets me out in the hall when the talks are boring! That's a joke of course:) She gut laughs when I throw her in the air and that makes me gut laugh too!

What can I say about Nicky. She said in her blog she sometimes feels like a wild horse..."wanting to be free and sometimes getting myself into trouble, but really just docile at heart." I have at times tried to tame her but quickly realize that is exactly what I love about her. She's spontaneous, creative, fun loving, artistic, and inspiring. I love to see her new paintings and other creative ideas that she brings to life. I don't want to embarrass her, but hey, this is my mini blog and I can say whatever I want! She has always been stunning to me, from the time I first saw her across the fast food joint she worked at! The amazing thing is, she is even more beautiful today than she was back then. OK, now I've really embarrassed her. Mission accomplished! Suffice it to say, I'm very blessed to have her as my wife, and to share life's ups and downs with. She makes everything in my life richer and brighter.

That's a little bit about my life as I know it. I'll make sure to write again in another year or two. I hope that Nicky finds this "blog worthy" and it makes the cut to be posted! Until next time!

Ciao!!

2008-02-25T10:07:00.003-05:00

They say everyone needs a job to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to, right? Well, the "something-to-look-forward-to" part is taken care of for the next 6 months. Me and Mamacita are going to Italy! It was Rick's idea, and it was an offer I couldn't refuse (that's a really bad Godfather reference, sort of italian, right?). Mom is coming to stay with us in a couple days, and we're going to plan everything. I'm making it my personal goal to gain 5 pounds from all the pasta I plan on eating. Yay!

The Latest Stuff

2008-02-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

We've been busy lately. Here's an update on some of our stuff:

Travis--He's been busy traveling all over the country! Utah, Virginia, Georgia. Taking care of business for Mantis & Huntsman Wildlife. This was his last week of traveling, so things should be less crazy...well until April. Yikes! We all miss him when he's gone and there is a huge difference when he's not here. He gets in this afternoon, can you say Pizza & Movie night tonight!! Yay! He's also been playing racquetball with a good friend of ours at the Y, and enjoying that. He wishes he had more time to play sports, but he always gives his free time to the family.

Nichole--I've been busy with the kids and all their activities. Trying to learn my new calling and loving the people I get to work with. Slacking on my scripture study, but promising to do better. Gaining an even stronger testimony of the power of scripture & prayer. Thinking up some fun questions for our blog, I'm going to videotape and interview everyone in the family about our favorite things. I want to do this each year as a record of how we all change.

Cole--Loving his writing class at Author Squad. He's currently working on a story called "Nut". It's about a world traveling peanut who visits different countries. His first trip is to Paris, where he mets "Brad the French Bread" at a "Nose Shoppe". Apparently Nut has no nose and he's at the shop to "pick his nose". Brad says "Gross, don't pick your nose." Nut says, "What I need a nose?" Brad replies,"Oh, I thought you were piiiiicking your nose." Nut says, "I don't have a nose!!" His stories crack me up. We love reading the things he writes, and know he has a special gift for writing. Cole's also schleping through his piano practice/lessons. Not really loving it, but doing it anyway. He says, "I don't like doing this, and I'm quitting as soon as I can play all the hymns." Good, we're on the same page. :)

Paige--She's had a bunch of fun activities in Kindergarten lately. There was the teddy bear parade, we had to make a snowman from things at home, and on the 101 day of school Cruella Daville came to her class (we made a dalamation t-shirt with a collar, and felt ears she wore over her ponytails...cutiepie!!). One of my favorite days was when she got to wear her favorite dress to school for the letters Q & U's wedding. Today she's on a field trip visiting the fire station. Lot's of details for Mom to remember. Thank goodness for calendars! Paige is an excellent student and very helpful to her friends. She loves to play on the piano, and has made up a song that's very pretty. Her little fingers play that song up and down the piano. She really has a gift for music. That's one of those talents where I can see it's a fundamental part of her, a gift from God.

Lily--What can I say about Lu. She's my cute little chica. Always with me, helping out. In the kitchen, if I'm making chicken noodle soup, Lily's making chicken noodle soup. I can hear the sound of the chair sliding over to the counter right now. Yesterday, I was making rolls and she was helping me butter them. She's going to be a great cook one day. One thing that scares me about her is how dang smart she is. She's got smarts and tenacity. Which is a great combination for life, but requires me to step-up my parenting game. Another sweet thing I've noticed about Lu, is her ability to comfort people when they're sad. Grace has had the flu the past couple days, and Lily is constantly bringing her juice, or teddy bears, or a blanket. Then patting her on the head and saying "This is what Mommy's do" That makes me feel so happy :) I'm sure she'll be an awesome mommy one day.

Grace--She's our social butterfly. The other day at the YMCA childwatch, she was playing with a little boy. They've both been going there since they were 6 weeks. They were lifting up their shirts showing their bellies and then laughing. That was sweet. She's had the flu the past couple days, so we've been home. But, even when she's sick, she has a sweet temperment. Just needing a little extra TLC. As far as some of her favorite activites, there are three things she loves to do everyday. First, dump out the catfood, and maybe eat some, if she's hungry (ewwwww). Second, pull out all the tupperware (which is in a cabinet with a rubberband around the handles, that lil' helper Lily always removes for her) Third, go up to my bathroom, toddle over to my drawers, remove things and then toddle over to the garbage can. Lift the lid, dump the stuff, repeat. Then I have to fish them out, gross!

So that's what we've been up to lately. If you read this whole post you must be a grandparent! If not, wow, you really are a good friend. Hope everybody is doing well!

Happy Valentine's

2008-02-14T19:27:00.010-05:00

Here's some shots of us eating chicken parm...mmmm. Thanks Brooklyn Boys. :) The kids are lovin their gift bags from Grandma & Grandpa Huntsman. Thank you!

Dog days

2008-02-12T23:42:00.004-05:00

I just found this post from a while ago. It was Paige's 101st day of school and she's dressed up like a dalmation. We had fun making her costume. You can't tell but we made little felt ears that went over her ponytails. She loved it! I had to take this picture really quickly in car line, while leaning out of my car, so it's not the best quality, but you can see how excited she was.