During the Summer…

[I apologize ahead of time for the endless blog, but this was the only way that I could think of to catch up]

Drew had her end of the year recital with Center Stage. They preformed to the music of Aladdin "You never had a friend like me"

We celebrated Drew's 4th Birthday

We celebrated Frankie's 13th Birthday

(this one was a memorable one...we lost one of Frankie's friend and got the cops called on us and not because of the lost friend)

Drew learned to ride her bike without training wheels.

Frankie had his end of the year Choir Recital.

Frankie started shaving

Frankie went on his Scout Camp Out and Shot a perfect score in Riffle Shooting
(surprised? those video games paid off!)

Frankie got his braces taken off 

[the beginning...the beginning of the end...and the end]

Father-Son Campout

[I almost peed my pants watching this hillarious scene]

We went to the Orem Festival

 

We went to the Toadally Frogs Festival

Went on the Disney Christmas Carol Train Tour

(Who's on the left? Look closely at the lips)

 

Went to the Kelly Clarkson Concert

 

Had Floor seats for Stadium of Fire

(Thanks to uncle Julio)

And Fell in love with The Jonas Brothers

Had our family over for Pioneer Day

and had fun in our tiny pool and getto water slide

(yes! trashbags and dish soap were involved)

Went to the Balloon Festival

We Played With Friends
&
Played Dress-Up

 

 

Enjoyed lots of time at the Lindon Pool

Went to Park City for our family vacation

and visited the Olympic Park

 rode the Alpine Slide and the Zip Line

(if you look close at the last picture you can see a guy practicing his jumps)

 

Did lots of crafts and projects

Drew's B-day Present (Before)

AFTER

Got Pedicures
[thanks mom!]

Frankie and I went to the Second Hand Serenade Concert

Celebrated Our 5th Year Anniversary

We Took a Bike Ride to Lindon Days Carnival

[How else did you expect me to take Pax along?]

We took lots of motorcycle rides

Went to the park...had picnics...

played basketball...

just HANG OUT!

The New Addition To Our Family

We are happy to announce that our family has grown by 4 feet! No it's not twins or an abnormal baby! It's a puppy. His name is Paxil but we call him Pax for short.

We got him as a 4 month old puppy in June from a very nice young lady that simply felt guilty because she worked most of the day and couldn't give him the attention he needed.

Now that I have to stay home (not in the best circumstances) we decided what better to have a little one to cheer me up.

He is a Yorkie Tea cup and he is now full grown to a whole 3 lbs.

Who knew that such little things could bring such joy and happiness?

There is so much truth in my favorite scripture that says "from small and simple things great thing shall come to pass"

He was originally named Elvis, but that name just didn't fit him.

For a week or so we began to gather names that might fit him best.

Some of those were, Chip, Pulga (flea), Spec almost anything that might truly describe him.

As a family we took a vote and decided on Chip.

I was probably the only one that wasn't very satisfied with the outcome.

In fact, that was my last choice.

As I was lying in bed that night I thought, we need a name that describes his personality and not his size.

In the few weeks he had been here he had made everyone that had crossed his path smile, especially me!

He is just such a cutie that you just can't help but smile.

I thought…what makes us smile?

Sadly the first thing that popped into my head was the various medications that I have been exposed to since I had my anxiety attack.

Prozac, Lorazepam and Paxil.

We thought of naming him Prozac and calling him Zac for short, but Paxil was a lot better.
So there it is, Paxil.

He has become my happy pill. He makes me smile no matter what.

When we are out and about I can't help to smile when other people smile and approach us.

Pax's therapy also has included the much needed interaction with the outside world.

We take him most everywhere. He is definitely a show stopper.

The great thing is that he is very friendly and allows everyone including little kids approach him.



Drew of course can't get enough of him. He's like her baby brother that she's been wishing for.

She carries him everywhere, locks him up in her room and makes him play with her.

Sometimes, she reminds me of Elvira from Looney Toons.

She loves him so much she tortures him.

Does this picture say it all or what?

 A few weeks ago he was hit by a car. He went out on the main street by our house (which he never had done before).
Drew witnessed it all, but with help with some passing people, they brought him back to our house, unconscious and we were able to take him to the nearest emergency vet.

Drew was screaming hysterically and was so devastated. She kept saying "he kept playing dead".

According to witnesses he was thrown 40 yards.

After a night of observation, they determined that the only thing he suffered was a concussion.

For a puppy his size no one thought he would survive anything like that.

I know it sound silly, but I know heavenly father heard our prayers and new we (I) needed him.

Man! You never know how much pets mean to you until stuff like this happens.

We were all traumatized but specially Drew.

She kept blaming herself, but after some daily reinforcement she is now ok.

Here's a picture of him the day we brought him home. He has fully recovered from the accident. Now you may be thinking…"wow he looks awful". Well, let me tell you that it is not the accident that is making him look awful in this picture but the awful haircut that I attempted to give him a few weeks back. He is still recovering from that!

 

Here are some more fun pictures of Pax. Is funny how his hair makes him look like a different dog. 

Oh yes! and he is a BYU fan!!! 

 

 

Whine Any One?

Circumstances have forced me off of the blog wagon but I am now beginning to climb back on. There is so much to catch you up on, some good, some bad and some funny. I decided to start with this one since it describes a little bit of all of those.
On one of my sanity trips to the store, the kids and I were browsing around the dollar section at Target. I love this section because not only they have great deals on scrapbook stuff, but once in a while you will find treasures like the one I found on this particular trip. THE 2 PACK WINE STOPPER!!!
I was in awe! Finally, some very cleaver person invented what most mothers like me have needed.
As I explored this item with excitement I wondered how to use it. I looked for instructions, pictures, something.
I turned it every which way to figure it out without opening it. I'm sure the people around me thought I was weird, but I didn't care. I had finally found what might help my days go better.
I kept asking myself…do you blow it? Let them suck on it? Does it make a high pitch noise that only they can hear? Is it medicated candy?
I was puzzled. A few moments went by before I realized that my miracle invention wasn't what I thought it was.
My hopes and dreams were shattered, my excitement taken away, a lot of emotions came over me, laughter, confusion, disappointment.
This "great" invention wasn't so great after all. It was a Wine Stopper NOT WHINE STOPPER!!!

You see, Drew has been going through the whining phase of her life.  it seems like it's been forever.  When I saw this, I was so relieved to know that it wasn't just me out there with this problem.  So many people out there that such invention was needed.
I was desperate for something and this seemed to fit perfectly (once I could figure out how to use it).
I finally stopped and laughed at myself for thinking anything like this existed.
Was this a desperation moment or an airhead moment? Or an airhead on a desperation moment?
The greatest thing was showing it to my mother-in-law and her excitement was just as great as mine. At least she feels my pain!!
Well, I ended up buying it only to help me keep OUT of the wine, which sounds like a good interim solution while someone out there invents the real "WHINE STOPPER" jk

GRRRRREEEN????

[I've had a hard time finding the energy to post something on my blog...this one really got me going. That's even over Drew's birthday party and so many other blog worthy events]

There are times that I find it hard to find the words to describe how I feel in English. This one was one of them!!

So, my family is making the minute effort to do our part to save the earth and be green. It first started with one "green" grocery bag given to us by my boss. Then the energy efficient bulb in our closet. To continue our efforts, I took the plunge and bought a whole pack of "green" grocery bags from Costco. These bags are huge and heavy duty!! The biggest bag can fit Drew comfortably in it and probably withstand her weight. Doesn't say much since she's barely 28lbs but you get the point.

At first it was hard to remember to bring the bags into the grocery store. I finally got in the routine to do it. I know this is a new thing and everyone is trying to do their part. For the most part I can tell the cashiers and baggers don't per say love them but they smile politely in approval. They are ackward to bag and to carry BUT WE all should do our part, even if it's inconvinient.

Today, we went grocery shopping. This was my first "big" grocery trip since I got the "green" bags, so I took my 6 green bags in. When we got to the checkstand, we proudly handed the bags to the cashier. It was so weird. It was almost as if they had never heard of them and had no idea what to do with them. The bagger even asked "is this for the frozen items?". I was confused, but politely said "they should be able to hold anything".

Both Frankie and I stood in amazement watching the bagger AND the cashier, put things in plastic bags and then in the "green" bags!!! I wanted to say something, but as you all know, I hate shopping (any kind) and at this point, I just wanted to get out of there. When we got to the car both Frankie and I were so confused, bothered, irritated, at the fact that all 6 bags were only filled in 1/5 of their capacity and the rest of our groceries were out in plastic bags. As we proceeded to load them in the trunk, we were able to fit all the bags in the green bags and one was even left empty. It wasn't as if we bought $100 worth of bread. Everything we had was smash proof!! ES EL COLMO!! (grrrr??) That's all I can think of.

One good thing...I got 30 cents (5 cents per bag) credited to my bill.

OH YEAH!!! that's another thing...so, we're all trying to save the planet, but then we get a mile long receipt with surveys and advertisments, even when we just buy one item!!! What is that about??? Roberts Crafts is a perfect example on how NOT to save the world.

In retrospect, I wish I would've just unbagged the groceries and took back the plastic bags to prove point. I should also call the survey numbers and give them some real feed back!! One of these days (when I get another spurt of energy) I should contact, both Albertsons and Roberts Crafts and give them some suggestions. If any of you work there or know someone that works there, feel free to tell them for me.

Abby's Wedding

On March 28th I was delighted and honored to see one of my bestfriends Abby get married. Congratulations Abby!! You deserve all the happinness in the world.