Anything but normal....

Our new garbage disposal

2009-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

This hide-n-seek spot struck our funny bone!

The new favorite game at our house lately is hide-n-seek. Maycie usually hides behind the couch or behind the shower curtain. It never takes long to find her anyway.

This is how the game goes:

Mom: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10...ready or not, here I come. Maycie where are you?"

Maycie: "Mommy, I'm in the shower."

Mommy: "Maycie, I really can't find you."

Maycie: "No, mommy, come look in the baffroom. Open the shower so I can scare you!"

Buckle up, it's the law!

2009-01-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Before you call child services to turn us in for abuse...mute the sound...and listen to the giggles at the end!

Three minute Chocolate Mug Cake

2009-01-20T18:53:00.001-08:00

Warning: This is not for those who delight on counting calories or cringe at the thought of indulging themselves with a mound of chocolate deliciousness!

I have, like everyone else, decided that my New Year's resolution is to become healthier by exercising more and eating more nutritious...and if I happen to lose a few pounds on the way...YEAH!! Due to this, I have withdrawn from purchasing high calorie, sugar "treats"! It has worked, until now. Like all dieters, you come to a point where you would sell your soul for just one bite of something chewy, carmely, chocolately and creamy all in one bite. But, when you have nothing in your cupboards to suppress those urges, you find yourself in a state of chocolate depression. Rice cakes just aren't gonna cut it.

My sister told me about her friend's blog. She posted 3 minute chocolate mug cake. You heard me....chocolate indulgence in just 3 minutes....well, more like 5, including the prep time.

So, here it goes.......

3 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

1 microwavable mug
4 tablespoons flour (not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional...nuts too)
A small dash of vanilla extract

Add dry ingredients in mug, mix well. Add egg, mix well. Then, add milk and oil. Once mixed thoroughly, add chocolate chips and vanilla. Place mug in microwave for 3 minutes. The cake will rise over top of mug, do not be alarmed. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto plate. Drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup and whip cream or ice cream. ENJOY!

I am a quick, cheap and easy type of gal. Let's face it...there are some things you should NEVER try!

Dr. Digital

2009-01-19T08:33:00.001-08:00

Well, the results are in from my latest therapy session with Dr. Digital. You can view the results below.

I only share these results in hopes to help someone out there suffering from the same things I am! =)

Happy Scrapping!

Generations of Art!

2009-01-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

On my mother's side of the family, homemade bread is considered a form of art. It was one of those things I always thought, "I WISH I could!" Well, a few years ago, I tried. I have a Kitchen Aid and would quarter the recipe...because that is all the Kitchen Aid would hold. That made 2 loaves. So, I would slave in the kitchen for 3+ hours. You can't have hot bread come out of the oven and not have a slice, or two...okay...maybe even three. All that work...gone...and no bread to put in the cupboard to use for a later purpose. NOPE, not gonna do that again.

My parents gave me a Bosch machine for Christmas. I immediately came home, bought some bread flour, and went to work. I can now make 5-6 loaves of bread per batch. Two to eat out of the oven, 1 to store and 2 left to freeze. BEAUTIFUL!

Pretty, huh! Definitely an art! Betcha ya' you can smell it too!

Imagine this fresh bread, right from the oven with butter melted and topped with homemade strawberry jam! My mouth delights in every single bite!

To my family, I am now an official member...Nan would be proud!!!

He shoots....

2009-01-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

He scores!

January Blues....

2009-01-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you have no money to spend, you've realized the MORE you clean your house the dirtier it gets, and it is FrEeZiNg cold outside....you scrap...and scrap...and then scrap some more!!!

I LOVE these pages. I do not take credit for the layout (I am a great scraplifter), but I do; however, take half credit for the adorable kids in the pictures. My husband gets the rest of the credit!

Can I get a Woo Woo!!!!

2009-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

He did it! It's official. My boy toy has graduated! We are so proud you! Our future is looking bright thanks to your hard work and sacrifice!

I found it very thoughtful that when purchasing his graduation regalia at the BSU bookstore, they gave him a gift...a BSU Alumni mug! After the thousands of dollars in tuition, books, and parking passes, dealing with the grueling professors and spending countless hours on their campus and website, a mug is their way of saying thank you for your "donations"...are you FREAK'N kidding me. What is even more funny...inside the mug was coupons to use in the bookstore. They've received enough of our money! No, thanks! We'll pass!

You deserve the stars, babe!

Almost always!

2009-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

I consider each of you fellow bloggers friends, so I am going to let you in on a funny little story. We were at a little party playing games. Maycie was sitting on my lap. I was starting to get the stomach pains from not...how do I say it nicely....releasing the gas that was trapped inside! I decided, for the comfort of MYSELF, I would just release a bit...well, that little bit...turned out to be a lot...and that "lot" was loud!

Everybody stopped..."Maycie," I exclaimed, "say, excuse me!"

She looks up at me with all innocence, "No, mommy, I not. I not fart!"

"It's okay, Maycie."

"No, mommy, I not fart!"

Okay, okay, okay...child! After all the "honesty" talks we've had, I am proud of you for being honest. But, can you just be ALMOST ALWAYS honest...just this once for me! You are blowing my cover!

The race is so NOT on....

2009-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

I have never had a need for speed. I am quite content just putting along and taking things slow and cautiously. Boy, was I in for a ride!

We hop on our brother-in-law's snow machines and start on the trail....hanging on for dear life. One minute goes by......made it! Two minutes goes by.....plop, bump, poof! I take a much UNANTICIPATED dive off the end and into the powder! I shake it off, trying to act cool and acting like it was no big deal, while inside I am screaming like a little girl. I don't want to get back on...but my lazy butt is not going to hike through 4 feet of snow back to the truck...keep in mind we had only been on the trail for 2 minutes (so we had maybe gone a couple miles)....but these machines can go 0 to 60 in about 20 seconds or so...and Conrad was trying to PROVE his racing skills to Frosty the Snowman or something.

Okay, I can do this...put your big girl pants on! Hop back on....and off we go. Another minute goes by.....made it! Two more minutes go by and our snow machine decides to sink its bottom end in the plush powder...this is so not as fun as it looks! Five minutes into the fun afternoon ride and I have been thrown off and now we are stuck.

After a very rough start, it was actually fun. We rode into a cabin, went inside and had lunch. FUN!

We even managed to pull in front of the pack a bit with enough time to snatch a kiss or two!

Thanks, Nick, for helping us stay young!

Christmas on a dime

2009-01-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

This year for Christmas, Conrad and I decided our budget for each other would be significantly small...due to the fact that we are currently trying to purchase a home. Filling each other's stockings this year would have to be enough. I did the ordinary STUPID stuff...and, well, Conrad went above and beyond...as he always does....LOVE HIM! PLUS: he kept to the budget...love him double!!!

We were at my parents' for the holidays, and ALL of Christmas Eve he was out in my dad's "tinker shop". I wasn't allowed to go out there. All day I thought to myself...what could he possibly be doing?

DRUM Roll please...............................................

TA DA! Merry Christmas to me!

Using my dad's tools and a few supplies, he built me this frame. The back is tin, so I can just put some magnets on pictures and WaLa!!!
(It is super BIG too...the middle pic is an 8x10 and the other four are 5x7s)

Now, where to hang it.............hhhmmmm..................?

Welcome to MY world!

2009-01-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Where my hero fire fighter....

...turns into a cross dressing tap dancer! (he loves the sound the shoes make on the kitchen floor)

And my character confused princess...

...turns into a tattoo'd, cleavage showing princess!!!!

I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

From our family, to yours.....

2008-12-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

Super size me

2008-12-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

Maycie with her Tinkerbell dress up clothes on: "Mommy, do want to play Tinkerbell dress up with me?"

Mommy: "I don't have a Tinkerbell dress Maycie."

Mayice: "Maybe when we go to the store we can get you a very really big, big, biggest, bigger one....."

Okay, TIME OUT, she could have stopped at just plain "big"! Why all the adjectives!

Attack of the Christmas Oreo

2008-12-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Dude, the middle is the BEST part! Don't be wasting it like that!!!!

Smurf Turf

2008-12-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

As we are nearing the date for Con's graduation, we have received multiple fliers in the mail of different "graduate" items to purchase. One of those being...graduation announcements! I don't think the announcements they try and sell (you know with the class motto, school logo, etc.) are lame, I just can't bring myself to pay the price they are charging. PLUS: I pride myself in being different. I didn't want to send out the regular, boring, announcements...so I had an idea. What about getting pictures on the blue turf and designing an invite using that. FAB! Now....how to we get on the famous and "coveted" blue turf. We sneak in!!!!

We called our friends, Neal and Suzie, and they were going to help us snap a family picture or two. We pull up in front of where we were told we could "just sneak in". The door was locked! Of course!

Conrad's reply to that: "Maybe we should try and talk to somebody who has authority and they will let us in."

My reply to that, "Hhmm, yeah right!"

Well, it turns out, Conrad did just that. A gentleman came and opened the door for us (this was on a different day...or our second...legal try) and I was able to snap the family pictures I was wanting. And not to mention, Jaxon was in blue heaven. He loves any sort of ball and sports. It was so cute to watch his little legs run across the turf.

He thinks this picture makes him look silly. I think it makes him look successful!

It was great...only bad part was that it was so super sunny and cold and so our eyes were watering.

Curious??

2008-12-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

I AM still here. I haven't forgotten about my fellow bloggers. I have just been engulfed in the sea of never ending "to do" lists. Can someone send me a life raft?

Sadly, I can already relate....

2008-11-23T13:56:00.001-08:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

2008-11-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

I pulled out a shirt in Maycie's closet that she has never worn. It is pink with white polka dots on it. I got her dressed....rather...helped her get dressed and went on my mommy way. A few minutes later she comes to me all excited and doing her happy dance. If you have never seen the happy dance...I am so sorry. Maybe I'll video it and post it sometime.

After the finale of the happy dance, she exclaims, "Mommy, my shirt has Dippin' Dots on it!"

My secret plan....

2008-11-20T13:40:00.001-08:00

Gobble, Gobble

2008-11-19T07:16:00.001-08:00

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....

2008-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged. Name the top 10 reasons you love your child. I will say children...I would hate for one of them to think I have a favorite. This tag has come at a perfect time. A week after my 4 days away from them...and a new appreciation of being a mother and realizing that my "what I thought was a boring monotonous life" was actually a quite rewarding one. Here it goes:

1- I LOVE making chocolate milk! "Mom, I need chocolate milk!" ,"Mom, I need chocolate milk!", "Mom, I need chocolate milk!", "Mom, I need chocolate milk!", "Mom, I need chocolate milk!"...you get the idea right...but now...we have a change of pace...."Mom, I need STRAWBERRY milk!"

2- I LOVE picking up toys. I think kids do it on purpose. They wait until you put them away, thinking that it is a game, just to start over again.

3- I LOVE the comforting, reaffirming words of my 3 1/2 year old princess. "Oh, mommy, you are a beautiful princess!" Who could have low self esteem after that!

4-I LOVE the giggles of Maycie and Jaxon playing together...5...4...3...2...1...SCREAM....CRYING!!!! It always ends up that way; Jaxon is usually the winner!

5- I LOVE the anticipation each of them get knowing it is getting closer for daddy to come home and then having them run up to him and give him hugs and kisses. Hey, hello, it's me over here, your mom...you know the one who makes you breakfast, lunch, dinner, and CHOCOLATE MILK, cleans your clothes, plays play dough, builds "towers" and forts...but who cares about her, right....DADDYS HOME!!!!

6- I LOVE that Jaxon is learning to talk and hearing the funny cute words he tries to say...and having Miss Priss and Proper correct him...I was talking about Maycie people! =)

7- I LOVE 8:30 pm. BEDTIME! Not because I am excited it is time for them to go to bed...well, actually, yeah I am! I love hearing Maycie say her prayers and reiterate EVERY night how much she loves her Nanny and Papa...forget MOM and DAD! (am I starting to sound bitter).

8- I LOVE 8:30 am; having two little whispers and giggles, and then the snuggles I get during Dora the Explorer and Little Einsteins.

9- I LOVE Maycie's imagination and how our living room becomes a swamp with alligators and we can only step on the pillows or else the alligators will bite our toes off. Or, how the laundry basket becomes the babies bed and our end table becomes Maycie's desk...like daddy's...where she does her homework.

10- I LOVE Maycie and Jaxon for making me a mother and although I fall short in MANY areas, they still claim me as there "mommy!"

I tag: Audrie, Chelsie, Angie F., Nicole Smart, and Victoria

Play date

2008-11-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

As I am going about my day, doing my daily chores I am not listening, but overhearing Maycie chatting on her princess cell phone. All of sudden I hear her right next to me.

Maycie: "Hold on, I will ask her....Mom, can I go to Wilber's house?"
Mom: "Wilber? Who's Wilber?"
Maycie: "Wilber Meet the Robinson." (she thinks his middle name is "meet the")
Mom: "I don't think so, not today" as I laugh under my breath.
Maycie: in all seriousness, "Mom, his mommy said I can."

I decided to play along:

Mom: "Sure, how are you going to get there."
Maycie: "He will come get me in his magic ship."
Mom: " Okay, make sure you put your seat belt on for safety."
Maycie leaves, laughing, smiling and doing her happy dance..."Yes, Wilber, she said yes. Do you want to play................"

And she left.........I wonder how her play date went!

Worth it!

2008-11-12T20:01:00.001-08:00

Grandma wanted to take the kids for the weekend so we could celebrate our anniversary:

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse without asking for booster seats: Worth it!

Going to a movie and being able to watch the WHOLE movie: Worth it!

Not having to be home by 8:30 for bedtime: Worth it!

Not having to carry sippy cups of chocolate milk: Worth it!

Being able to get ready in 20 minutes: Worth it!

No fruit snacks, goldfish, raisins, mini mallows, or string cheese in purse: Worth it!

No, "Mommy, I need...........!" Worth it!

Sleeping in: Worth it!

Attending ALL of church: Worth it!

Cleaning the house and having it REMAIN clean: Worth it!

.......SIGH!!!

Not seeing them for four days and having them run up to you with arms open wide and giant smiles across there faces as they leap into your arms and embrace your neck: WORTH IT!!!!!

I wouldn't change a thing!

2008-11-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

With tiny tears that glistened,
my eyes were fixed on you,
and thinking of the life we'd share,
we softly said, "I do."
Our hearts were knit together,
from the time that we first met,
and memories were gathered,
that we will never forget.
While daily living life with you,
you saw the real me,
and still chose acceptance,
a lifelong mystery.
With many happy days gone by,
and others when we cried.
Some days we'd share so endlessly,
while other days we'd hide.
With all the ups and downs we've had,
in learning to be friends,
I know in this heart of mine,
I'd marry you again!
Author unknown

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY BABE! I LOVE YOU!

Soda Springs' Homecoming Junior year (we went to different high schools)...and...YES....we were high school sweet hearts!

In front of my family's cabin on Bear Lake.

Soda Springs' Senior Prom

Skiing at Beaver Mountain up Logan, UT canyon.

The night he proposed...July 18, 2003

Married in the Logan Temple on Nov. 7, 2003

Reception!

Con surprised me with a cruise for our honeymoon.

Snorkeling off of Catalina Island Coast on one of our shore excursions!

Raise your glasses for a toast: to more great and wonderful years to come!!

Child, are you deaf?

2008-11-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

If you were a fly on our wall the other day:

"Jaxon, don't tease Maycie."
"Jaxon, put those down, those are mommy's."
"Jaxon, NO!"
"Jaxon, stop it!"
"Jaxon, let go of Maycie's hair."
"Jaxon get out of toilet."
"Jaxon quit playing in the garbage."
...."quit jumping on the couch...sit down...off...stop...be nice...put that back...EAT...EAT some more...you made a mess...don't put that in your mouth...spit that out......"

AARRGGHHH!!!

Child, are you deaf?

Fast forward a couple hours....

...Conrad: "Mandie, what's in Jaxon's ear?"

Um, yeah, he had broke off a q-tip in his ear. No worries, tweezers worked the magic.

Well, that explains THAT day.......

Help! Attack of the washing machine

2008-11-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am horrible at checking pockets before I put them in the wash. And, I have done it again (but, for the sake of this post, we are going to blame it on the washing machine). One of Con's favorite pair of slacks he wears to work came OUT of the wash with a stain...notice how I didn't say went IN TO the wash with a stain! I have tried using "shout". Nope!

HELP! For the sake of my marriage!!!! =) Any suggestions or magic potions I might try???!!!

Pookie Bear

2008-10-29T09:53:00.001-07:00

I was doing a photo session the other night and ended up having to take my kids. I was shooting a small family. They had a little girl a little bit older than Maycie. Maycie thought it was pretty cool to get her pictures taken like the little girl. Cool beans dude...I got some way cute pictures of her!

Doesn't she melt your heart!

NOTE: Pookie bear is a nickname Con gave her when she was just a few days old. Jaxon calls her Pookie sometimes too. To him, he is "buddy" and Maycie is "pookie".

FYI - You can view the family photo session I did the other night at: www.capturedmomentsbymandie.blogspot.com
(check tomorrow though...I don't have them all edited yet!)

Elvis Lives!!!

2008-10-26T21:07:00.001-07:00

"I HATE dressing up", says Conrad. "I don't care, you are anyways!" says Mandie.

This was at a couples only Halloween party. We played American Idol on the Wii...so basically we learned that no one knew how to sing in our group. The worse you were, the more entertaining it was. Conrad is doing a duet with our friend Clint. (video to follow...had a hard time loading tonight)

Sorry, turn your head taco style for this one. Clint was supposed to be Anna Nicole Smith, but he just turned out to be a hoochy mama 'cause no one got it!

I wasn't in the mood to go too far out of character...WITCH! Doesn't Con look like he is having a blast! haha No really, it was fun. And we pulled a first....HIRED a babysitter...NICE...I think we might try that more often!

We also had a family Halloween party with some other friends. It too, was a blast. This is Jaxon trying to hit the witch pinata.

You can't tell, but Maycie is Nemo and Jaxon is Squirt!

Thanks for the parties!

Stay tuned for an American Idol debut featuring Elvis himself!

Sinfully delicious!

2008-10-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

These are at least a "once-a-weeker" at our house during the Fall season!

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (I have just used cinnamon before)
1 teaspoon salt
1 and 3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Libby 100% pure pumpkin
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Makes approx. 12 pancakes. Serve with butter, syrup and WHIP CREAM (cool whip)! The whip cream is a must. NOTE: if you are watching calories...replace the oil with applesauce and omit the butter and syrup and use fat free sugar free cool whip! YUMMY!

Con's busy just got busier....

2008-10-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

With the economy struggling, we are constantly worrying about our financial security. How and where can we save money? is the constant question I ask myself daily. It hit me the other week that I need to concentrate just as much or more on my family's spiritual security. Well, I prayed about it, and didn't exactly get the answer in the way I thought. Conrad was called, sustained, and set apart today as the 2nd counselor in our bishopric. I am so proud of him and grateful for the priesthood in our home. Now, on top of working full time, school full time, he will now have church full time. We used to look forward to the weekends so we can spend some time with our daddy. I guess Saturday will have to do. I hope we can live up to the blessings that we are capable of receiving through this calling.

**NOTE: Wish me luck because I will have my kids...aka JAXON...all by myself in sacrament meeting. YIKES!!!!!

Raisins!

2008-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't normally share something like this. But, hey 95% of you that read this are probably mothers and can relate in some small measure to this experience I had with Maycie last night.

Potty training Maycie was...well...EASY! Really! She caught on super quick, even through the night. Since being in "princess panties" she has had 3 accidents, all of which she was super embarrassed about. (I would be too if I pooped my pants!) We are now at the stage where I don't have to tell her or remind her to use the bathroom, she does it on her own. If she tells me in a store that she has to go potty, I can now tell her to hold it till we get home. Life is getting GREAT!

WRONG!

She comes to me last night and shows me her princess panties. "Mommy, they're dirty." "Maycie, they are dirty because you didn't wipe good. We need to wipe our bums really good." "No, Mommy, they are dirty because of poopy in them!"

EXCUSE ME!

As she is explaining the "skid marks", I notice a trail of RAISINS coming from the bathroom, down the hall, and into the living room. Goodness Child...did you really have to show me that you pooped your pants! She was a little stunned that when she actually made it to me that there were no more poopies in her panties. I pointed to the trail she had left and explained to her how disgusted I was. It wasn't exactly a trail to paradise.

"It's okay, Mommy. You can just pick them up. Let me see your happy face!"

Oh child, I WILL show you my happy face......LATER!!!!!

NOT! I repeat, NOT!

2008-10-13T13:04:00.001-07:00

We had a few family things going on this last weekend, so we decided to head home. We enjoyed a nice, smooth, easy going ride.....

NOT! I repeat, NOT!

First we get up at 5 am. We have a baptism in Pockie and have to be there by 10 am. It takes 3 hours to get there. We leave just before 6:30. PLENTY of time. NOT! I repeat, NOT! We drove through a snow storm...hhmm...let me check my calendar...October 11....trapped in a snow storm...interesting. Our fault though, the weather man said it was going to snow this weekend. But, I pushed that little thought in the very back of my head along with the thought, "it will rain in the valleys, snow in the mountains." NOT! I repeat, NOT! We drove through one of the worst storms ever. Did we make it to the baptism? Barely! Showed up at 10:30 am. Good thing it was a Stake baptism and there were 11 kids being baptized. But, we were really glad that we made it and re-learned about our baptismal covenants and the Holy Ghost.

We then decided to venture to Logan to see my sister who just had a baby. No big deal, only an extra hour. NOT! I repeat, NOT! Crazy kids! The picture above portrays that things were smooth sailing for us....NOT! I repeat, NOT! He cried himself to sleep. Keep in mind, Jaxon doesn't have a monotone soft cry. He has a piercing, loud scream. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a soar throat today. I know I have an ear ache!!!!! But, it was really good to see our other family and baby Zack.

Hhmm...let's see...when is our next road trip...can't wait. NOT! I repeat, NOT!

Lose, Lose

2008-10-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

We were at the park the other day and Maycie comes running over with her hands holding her...well...you know. "I have to go potty." She started the potty dance. We looked around and NO bathroom. What does a parent do...you let them pee outside and it teaches the wrong thing...you try and get her home and she pees all over her clothes and car seat. Thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking...let her pee outside. So we found a little corner and dropped her pants.

Now, only 2 days have gone by. Maycie and Jaxon are playing on the back patio. I look out to check on them and Maycie has her pants around her ankles. YIKES! Yup...you guessed it, she peed outside again! Sad thing is, we live in an UPSTAIRS apartment. Yup...you guessed it again, it drizzled down and left a HUGE puddle on the gentleman's porch below us.

We officially just became "THOSE" neighbors.........

Conference Craft

2008-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do during the Saturday conference sessions is a craft. For some reason, I listen better. I kept thinking all last week what I wanted to do. I have PLENTY of things I could have worked on or rather....projects that needed finished. But, none of those sounded appetizing. I didn't want to go purchase a project because I am in a thrifty, frugal, anti-spending money state. I finally remembered that I had this project cut out. A friend and I seen this particular craft in a magazine, only it was an Easter version. I thought to myself, I can do that for the other holidays as well. So, we came up with a pattern and I cut them out. Well, I thought it turned out pretty ugly after I cut it out...so I stashed it in the closet. I decided to get it out this weekend, wipe the 2 years dust it had collected, and I started to paint. Not bad huh!!!! I am super proud of myself because I had nothing to look at/copy....I am REALLY good at copying!!!

Now...where to put it...?

Halloween moon

2008-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this to me in an email. Funny!

A tag "4" you!

2008-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

This was on my sisters' blogs. So, here is how this tag works. Go to your pictures folder, look in the 4th folder and find the 4th picture. Cake walk!

This was really the 4th picture...not just a page I made to post with the 4th picture. haha. I remember how Maycie was such a big "new" sister. She absolutely adored Jaxon (until she went on her beating rampages). She always wanted to hold him. Tender!

I tag EVERYONE who hasn't done this yet. And, I will be hunting you down...aka...blog stalking...to check for those who have participated! =)

Don't read unless you want to leave a comment!

2008-09-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have had so much fun learning new things about photography. I have shot many sessions at Kathryn Albertson's Park and the Boise Depot. I am feeling the urge to branch out, but am stumped on other places to shoot. So, to all my Boise'ns, PLEASE enlighten me on a fun place to shoot. If you aren't from the Boise area, still shoot me with some ideas.

Oh yeah, you read the title. If you are reading this, than you read the whole post....so, you better leave a comment or I will hunt you down. =)

Little Stinker

2008-09-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Maycie has been wanting to go to Chuck-e-Cheese with her friend Tayson for weeks. We finally set up a date to go and she was ecstatic! She could hardly wait and asked me every morning "how many na nights left?" Friday evening she complained that her ear hurt. Then she asked for a band-aid so I figured she just scratched it. Yes, we put a Care Bears band-aid on...the cure all at our home. Well, she still kind of fussed about it that night. I mentioned that if her ear did hurt, that we wouldn't be able to go to Chuck-e-Cheese's with Tayson the next night. Zip.....not another word or complaint. So, we go to Chuck-e-Cheese's...aka...germ fest...and played, sweat, and of course had fun...where a kid can be a kid, right!? We get home and she starts crying and complaining A LOT that her ear hurts. Little Stinker. She hid her pain just so she could go play. Miss Smarty Pants...with stupid parents! She definitely fooled us. It was a rough night but we survived thanks to mommy's heating pad that she is now addicted to laying on.
Smart Parent: I thought I better mention that we did take her to urgent care this morning and she does have an ear infection. Antibiotics baby! We caught if before she needed drops.

Back in the groove

2008-09-15T12:57:00.001-07:00

New seatbelt...designed by a MALE

2008-09-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ha! Ha! Funny! I'm guilty though.

Attention all external hard drive users:

2008-09-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

I found out what made my hard drive crash. Well, it didn't exactly crash. It "fried"! Apparently, they don't have a cooling fan. If they are plugged in all the time, they get over heated. So, if you use an external hard drive for any reason, transfer the data to it, then unplug it. That should prevent you from experiencing what I did!The tech specialist was able to retrieve all my data...YEAH! Only $250....OUCH!

Daddy Little League

2008-09-08T08:11:00.001-07:00

So, sorry I haven't been posting. I have kind of been a "technology" rut since I lost my hard drive...not to mention a little depressed. But, I have learned that life does go on....sort of.....

Everybody has a dream of what they would have chosen to do with their life. Not that we would each choose much different than the way our lives have turned out. I mean, ONE thing you wish you could have done. I wish I could sing, professionally. Conrad, wishes he could play professional baseball. He loves it....and wants our kids to LOVE it too!

Notice her own "symbol" Conrad imprinted on her mitt.

I was actually really nervous for her. Conrad had her hold her mitt up like that and threw it... not tossed it...right next to her head.

Good catch!

You throw like a girl!

100% pure STUD!

A full circle

2008-09-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

This was the car my dad bought me when I was in high school. She ran like a champ. This particular picture was of our wedding. My cousins were making a MESS of it. The outside is nothing compared to what was left on the inside. Millions of small pieces of confetti EVERYWHERE, vents included. A few months later, we sold it to my uncle, who bought if for his son, my cousin (the one in the picture on the right). We didn't bother to clean it up very good after seeing this picture of those who were guilty of the crime.

Well, a few years have gone by, and we bought it back from my uncle as a work car for Con. On the way back to Boise, Con turned on the A.C....and sure enough....Confetti blew out!

The finale

2008-08-31T15:22:00.001-07:00

Summer is over, but we wanted an encore!

We built sand castles at the beach (Eagle Island State Park) with the Pearson family! Miss you guys!

Before long, the sand castle wasn't enough. Every castle needs a swimming pool right!

We had a visit from a friend we don't see very often. Thanks for stopping by Kristy and Jazlyn.

We went to a birthday party and my kids LOVED this swing. Maycie thought she was in "Rocket" from Little Einsteins!

Turn your head taco style for this one. At the party, there was a zip line that ran across the pond. Conrad tried it, spread Eagle as you can see! They also had a seat you could hook up to it, so Maycie and I went on it together. She cried....because she wanted to go again!

And Maycie had her first photo shoot. I didn't know she had taken pictures until I downloaded them on my computer...if you are wondering...yes I backed them up! I was thinking to myself when it came up that I had 76 images to downloaded. "Weird, I didn't think I had that many pictures on there." Well, I didn't! Maycie took about 25. She captured the elegance of our ceiling, the couch, carpet, her toys, and of course the favorite...the television (this one won by a landslide...a whopping 17 pictures). I have a small digital camera that I leave either in my purse or on the counter for easy access when scrapable moments present themselves. Maycie must have grabbed it, snatched some photos, and put it back where it belonged. Hey, at least she put it back. Wish I could say the same about everything else she "plays" with!

2008-08-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. WD...aka...hard drive,

I have had a huge problem trusting things, especially one of your nature. If you remember the reason you came about...because my last laptop's hard drive fried to a crisp. Something had to be done. I got your co-worker, laptop No. 2, which has been running great and doing his intended part of the work. But, even though he was new, fresh and full of space, I still had a hard time trusting him. I hesitated putting my hard work on there, which you know included digital scrapbooking tools, photography shoots, completed scrapbook pages, and most importantly, family memories. Because my hesitation got the best of me, I relied on you to carry and store these valuable items. I trusted you!
Now, one might say it is my fault, which partly it is. I should have had a backup. That is what you were supposed to be right? Well, I didn't trust Laptop and Mac as much as I trusted you. When Laptop and Mac got too "full", they quit working as effectively; hence, my reason for putting everything on you. You had plenty of space, 500 GB with 380 GB remaining.
I don't completely blame you. It may not have been your fault. Mac doesn't get viruses, that is why we purchased him. He made us feel safe, like nothing could harm him. However, I wasn't aware that you could still receive a bug by being hooked up to him while he was browsing the internet.
I am probably most disappointed with myself. This has happened to me before. The quote: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on ME!" is constantly ringing in my head. I cry different tears. Some because I am mad at you. Some because I am mad at me. And some because I am distraught about what I have lost. All my hard work GONE!
Yes, I can move on from here. Start over with the scrapbook pages....can't...don't have MOST of the pictures to do this. I don't want to start over and I don't want to move on. I am holding on to a glimmer of hope that you will come back to me. PLEASE come back to me.
I have been so concerned by your sudden "death" that we have called a specialist to help. Free examination and then could be up in the $100's to retrieve the hard work I trusted you with. Now I cry tears of deciding whether or not it would be worth it.
My conclusion through all of this chaos: I relied and trusted you TOO much. You were my friend. You were the only one I trusted to store my hard work. But, now I realize, I should only trust Mr. CD! At least he likes being burned!

Please come back!

Mandie

Suburban Cowboy

2008-08-26T20:58:00.001-07:00

While we were home a few weekends ago, Con's Uncle Terry took us horse riding. Maycie has been begging to ride a horse. I forget they will grow up as "city" kids. Well, when it came time, she clenched to my shoulder. She changed her mind...personally, I don't blame her. On the other hand, Jaxon LOVED it.

He was waiting so patiently for his turn.

I love how the wind is blowing her hair in this picture. You can't see them, but she has her cowgirl boots on...with shorts and a Disney Princess T-shirt...classy!

If pictures had sounds, you would hear him giggling and saying "wee". Maybe that's what a horse sounds like in the mind of an 18 month old, or maybe he thought he was going to slide off the neck, or maybe he uses that word as describing something fun. What ever it meant, he enjoyed the moment!

Idiot!

2008-08-26T18:30:00.001-07:00

The idiot who posted the last post misspelled the link.

http://capturedmomentsbymandie.blogspot.com

Thanks Nicole!

Captured Moments

2008-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just started a new blog to post some of my favorite pictures from the portraits I capture while doing my photo shoots. You can view the sneak peeks at:

http://caputuredmomentsbymandie.blogspot.com

Where have I been....?

2008-08-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

I have absolutely no desire to do anything but READ. I am not an avid reader, and I wasn't excited to read these books. I was just tired of everyone talking about them, so I decided I would read them....but I was NOT going to like them.My kids have had brownies for breakfast and watched too many movies to count. I am behind on laundry, grocery shopping (hence, the brownies for breakfast), and cleaning. I haven't touched my digital scrapbooking for at least 2 weeks...this one is the biggest shocker! And most importantly, I haven't posted in a week. Hhhmmmm.....if only I were a VAMPIRE.......

How'd he do that?

2008-08-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

(Eagle Island State Park)

Well, Conrad has won both our kids over. We have a daddy's girl and a daddy's boy! How'd he manage that? Well, I don't think it is fair...and I am feeling left out. All well, I really wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks Con, for being the BEST dad ever!

I should have been cleaning....

2008-08-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

The conclusion....

2008-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Would someone else teach this kid how to eat! Hint: Food goes IN the mouth. I finally figured out why he is so skinny...nothing EVER makes it in his mouth!

I miss you already!

2008-08-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Burrito
Hoagie

This Summer I have been to the park at least 3-4 times a week for the free youth picnic in the park. The lunches are free for any youth 18 years or younger. Adults can purchase a lunch for only $1. As funny as this sounds, it feels like less effort for me to put my kids in the car and drive to the park. I have grown to love this. The kids eat, play and then when we get home, NAP time! They also have daily activities for the kids....coloring, painting, tie dying shirts, making picture frames, key chains, etc. Did I mention FREE! My monthly food budget has gone down. Well, this fantastic program ends once school starts...bummer! Back to 3 meals a day. Wish me luck!

2008-08-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

Every photograph tells a story.......need I say more!

Kormylo Part 1

2008-08-07T17:40:00.001-07:00

Durrant Family

2008-08-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE taking pictures, so if you are interested in booking a photo shoot, please email me. I charge $35 for a children's session, and $50 for a family session. Both include a portrait CD.

Einstein!

2008-08-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

I walk in to the bathroom, Maycie is laying in the bath tub like this, and the conversation goes as follows:

Me: "Maycie it is time to wash your hair."
Maycie: "Mommy, don't get my ears wet okay!"

She must have gotten her mother's common sense!

Chapter 5: Big Boy Job

2008-08-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

The famous saying has always bugged me, "there is light at the end of the tunnel." Well, for us, that tunnel was very dark for a very long time. We are still in this so called "tunnel". But, ladies and gentleman, we have reached the light. Conrad has received an offer from Micron as a Tax Accountant. He doesn't graduate until December, but they want him and are willing to work around his last semester. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see what this next chapter in our life holds. It isn't a jump to financial freedom, but the increase has brought the light. We hope to post the next chapter soon.

For those interested in the parts of the book you have missed:

Chapter 1: Boy meets Girl
Chapter 2: She Said YES!
Chapter 3: Campus, pennies, and diapers.
Chapter 4: Making room for one more.

Stay Tuned:

Chapter 6: Home Sweet Home

My #6

2008-08-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

To those who remember, and for those who don't care, a few years ago our old computer crashed. The hard drive was fed up and decided it no longer wanted to run for the Anderson family. And, being in the age of technology and digital cameras, I very rarely developed pictures. I used up my memory card, transferred the pictures to the computer, and started over. Some of you may know where this is headed. Well, if "lazy" Mandie never printed off pictures, and had them on her computer...aka hard drive...and it crashed...well, Mandie doesn't have those pictures anymore. I lost all of Maycie's new born pictures until she was about one year old. I had about 2 dozen that I had printed off. I cried! Hard! I felt like the worse mother and that was before I started doing digi scrapping.
Well, a dear friend of Conrad's, MR. NEAL KOSKELLA, being the computer wiz he is, retrieved those pictures from our old hard drive. Once again, I cried! So, Neil, you have officially been added as #6 on my list of hero's. (For those wondering, I am not sharing the other 5).

THANK YOU NEAL!

Action Jaxon

2008-07-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

Jaxon will only eat when he can feed himself! (If you think this is bad, you should see him eat chocolate pudding (his favorite!)).

He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his flip flops. First thing every morning, he brings me his "soos".

He loves driving and making car sounds! He gets that from his dad.

He has recently taken a liking to slides.

He smiled when he was at the bottom...you know the look...this is really scary until it is over look and then they want to go AGAIN!

He wanted to go again! He won't hold your hand because he HAS to walk by himself.

Because mom has the camera VERY frequently (hey, there are a lot of scrapable moments!), he has finally learned to say, "CHEESE!" We love our Jax!

2008-07-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is Maycie with one of her best friends, Tayson. They were pretty cute at the water park. Never left each other's side.

She said YES!

2008-07-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Conrad asked me to marry him five years ago. Wow, time flies when you are in love...I know, enough with the mushy stuff. Let me bore you with our engagement story. Conrad invited me up to his house for dinner. He was cooking (he is surprisingly an excellent cook). Well, except this meal. It was two shades away from being black. Sweet none the less. He was acting kind of rushed. I thought maybe it was because we both had to get up early for work the next day and I still had to drive an hour home. He then proceeded to ask me if I wanted to go for a four-wheeler ride. Heck ya! An excuse to wrap my arms around his sexy stomach. We hop on and head down his street. We get about two blocks and the four-wheeler just stops. DEAD! Con reaches in his pocket...hey, he is more romantic than that...he was reaching for his cell phone to call his mom to come get us. He was very agitated, which was making me frustrated and wanting to call it an early night. His mom comes and tows us home. Funny, huh!? He then asks me if I want to go for a ride. At this point, I was irritated at his pushiness and frustration because I thought he was trying too hard to get me to make out with him! He knew it didn't take that much effort. Sshh! Don't tell my mom! Well, we hop in his Jeep and he turns down this road, which started to look vaguely familiar. It takes you to a place that overlooks the city of Soda. He had taken me to this place almost exactly four years earlier to the day where we shared our first kiss. SIGH! We watched the sunset and then he kissed me. Fast forward back to time. We nearly missed the sunset this night because of a burnt dinner and DEAD 4-wheeler, but as the sun was going down, he took me by the hand and.......well you know....the mushy stuff. It was an unforgettable night that I will cherish forever. We were then married in November. We were both so excited to tell people we were engaged and most of the comments were, "It's about time!" We dated for 4 1/2 years and have now been married for almost 5. Looking back at the last 5 years, I would definitely say YES again!

....it keeps going, and going, and going...

2008-07-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Today Maycie comes up to me all with her head hung low and a little whimper coming from her mouth. She is carrying a coloring paper and a pencil. We are trying really hard to teach her that we can't tell what she needs when she doesn't use her words...simple to some...but we are working on it.

Me: "What's the matter Maycie?"
Maycie: "My paper is broken. Daddy fix it?" (It had a little tear in it)
Me: "No sweet heart, daddy can't fix it, but we can get you a new piece of paper."
Maycie: " No, mommy it needs more batteries!"
To our 3 year old, batteries fix everything. I wish that were true. Too bad I couldn't put a few AA Energizer batteries (you know the ones that supposedly last forever) in the back of my check book and have it zap a few extra numbers in there! =)

Drop of DEATH!

2008-07-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am a 20+ year old, and in control of my bodily functions. I laugh at those who use the term "peed my pants." Well, ladies and gentleman, I did just that. I thought it would be fun to re-live my fun, spunky, daring, thrill-seeking days, so I talked Con into going on this ride with me at Roaring Springs. We got to the top...I was changing my mind, but had to PROVE that I was daring enough. We get in the boat. They push you off the ledge and it is a straight drop to the bottom, and then a steep incline on the other side. Well, I don't consider Con and I small people...the life guard had a hard time pushing us off. And then, she succeeded....oh my holy bucket of pearls...! My stomach reached the back of my throat. And as I mentioned before...I WET MYSELF!

Waving my last goodbye to my kids! (You can't tell, but my pants are DRY here)

AAaaaahhhhhh!

My pants are now wet!

My brother and sister-in-law decided to dare it as well...after watching us and realizing we survived!

Jaxon 1....Conrad zero

2008-07-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Jaxon has the first official tally mark on who beat up who. Con was messing around with him and Jaxon poked him in the eye...or so we thought. His eye got all red and kept watering. It looked really painful. His boss at work MADE him go to the urgent care to get it looked at.* Sure enough...a large scratch! Conrad is currently holding the urgent care doctor on a pedestal for the drops he gave him.

*Time out: this happened the other day. We both figured if he went in, we would pay $20 for a copay to have them tell us..."Dude, it's your eye...what can we do?" So, we hesitated to go get it looked at.

Jakobi Photo Shoot

2008-07-15T22:52:00.001-07:00

...and she lived happily ever after!

2008-07-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

A few posts back, I asked for some advice on a birthday party. While we were home for the 4th, we had a beach/princess party for her with family. We also had a pizza party when we came home with Maycie's close friends. Here is the result.

These were my invites I sent out. I used Adobe to create them and then sent them to Costco to be printed off as a 4x6.I made my own Disney Princess bingo cards. I Googled Free Disney Princess clipart.For my prizes, I went to the dollar store. I made this Princess chest from a shoe box. It held the bingo prizes. When the kids were playing Bingo, I had old carpet/fabric samples and we used them as Jasmine's magic carpets.

I had some scrapbook gems, so I glued them onto the silverware.

I bought the glass slippers from a party store. The kids really enjoyed dipping the veggies into Cinderella's glass slipper!

I went to Burger King and asked them for 20 crowns. I wanted to use them for birthday hats. They gave them to me for free, no questions asked. I used gold paper and made a circle to cover the BK logo. I put each child's initials to tell the crowns apart.My mother-in-law bought this outfit for Maycie for her birthday. She gave it to her before her party so she could wear it. She was a beautiful princess for her royal birthday celebration.

She was beyond SPOILED! You can also tell by the background that we did her party/BBQ on the beach at Bear Lake. It was super fun! We just grilled hot dogs.

Of course a Disney princess party has to have a Disney princess birthday cake! We served pink strawberry ice cream with it. We also served pink "princess punch". I bought the Disney princess plastic table cloth from Target and was able to find a 245 piece Disney princess paper dinnerware.

Overall, it was an absolute blast for all who attended. I had so much fun planning it and it turned out to be relatively cheap. She may not remember much, but it was still worth it. I can't wait to plan her 4 year birthday party!

My hunk-a-burnin'-love

2008-07-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!

This time it's about the husbands...

1. What is his name? Conrad Ivan Anderson...aka...Lover Boy!
2. Who eats more? Me (not proud of it)
3. Who said "I love you" first? Sadly, don't remember.
4. Who is taller? You mean who is shorter...we wouldn't classify us as being tall...I am shorter by about 4".
5. Who is smarter? Con
6. Who is more sensitive? tough one
7. Who does the laundry? Me...lucky boy...he doesn't even know how the washer and dryer work!
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you're looking at the bed, I do...if you are in the bed...he does.
9. Who pays the bills? He makes the moolah...I pay the bills!
10. Who cooks more? hands down me
11. What meals do you cook together? We avoid this area (he doesn't like how I cook and vice versa)
12. Who is more stubborn? Both
13. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? Neither, we're stubborn remember!
14. Who has more siblings? Conrad, 5 sisters...myself, 2 sisters, 1 brother
15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? He does...I just tell him which pair to wear! =)
16. What do you like to do together? bike ride, bath...sshh don't tell, camp, ski/snowboard, and dream of what life might be like someday outside our 4 cornered, square apartment.
17. Who eats more sweets? Me, myself and I
18. His guilty pleasures? ME!!!!!!!!
19. How did you meet? Youth Conference...BIONIC '99.
20. Who asked who out first? He did, but I much anticipated it!
21. Who proposed? Conrad (see #22)
22. Who kissed who first? He did...we were on a hill behind his house that overlooks the city of Soda. We were watching the sunset! ROMANTIC..huh! What a sweetie. And, to add to that, almost exactly 4 years to the day, he proposed at the same spot while watching the sunset again! sweet SIGH!
23. His best features? Pecks, butt, and hands (I love them, weird I know). He is quite the eye candy, those are just my FAVORITES!
24. His greatest quality? I have to just pick one...huh...HARD WORKER!
25. Tag: Michelle, Amber, Ashley D., Jaimee, and Jen

A "get away" during our get away!

2008-07-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

For the 4th, we traveled to Bear Lake. We stayed there at my family's cabin for the weekend. We had a family birthday party for Maycie while we were there at the lake (pictures to come shortly). I got over my cold and enjoyed the sun. No sunburns....just tan lines!

Con had the whole week after the 4th off, so we decided to fly by the seat of our pants and do whatever we wanted. So, we stayed in Soda with his family for a few days. He went fishing with his grandpa and dad, and also golfed with his brother-in-law. Good times!

On Tuesday, we woke up with sick kids. YEAH! That seems to happen to us EVERY time we go home. No exaggerating! Even though we had sick kids, my mother-in-law begged to watch them while Con and I went on a date. Well...that turned into an over night date. Con surprised me with a room at the Black Swan Inn in Pocatello. I knew we were staying there, I just didn't know what room. I opened the door and found this...........
....Tropical Paradise! My favorite was the waterfall that came through the rocks next to the heart shaped tub. Thanks babe! I LOVE you!

I had a really hard time leaving my kids, especially knowing they were sick, but it was SO worth it!

Beach, Sun, Relaxation....and a COLD!

2008-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are off to Bear Lake once again for the holiday weekend. Not only am I taking sunscreen, beach towels, swim suits, water toys and tanning lotion (for myself), but I am taking cold medicine, cough drops, and a box of tissues. That's right. I have a cold in 95 degree weather...BITES! These last few weeks have been so busy I feel like I have been running everywhere with a schedule so tight there is no room to poop unless I schedule it in! I must not have been running fast enough because the COLD caught me.

We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend. I always gripe about gas prices, taxes, politics, etc. But, really, we are really lucky to live in a place where we are FREE! Well, it does cost us quite a bit, but you know what I mean!

What have I been up to?

2008-07-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

The "BIG" yellow slide

2008-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the clip. You will have to tilt your head, taco style to watch it. It also gets bumpy because I was trying to get closer while holding Jaxon.
Maycie's new favorite attraction at Roaring Springs is the big yellow slide. She wanted to go on it, and there was no height limit, so I grabbed two mats and headed up with her. I knew we would get up there and turn around (which I was alright with). Well, that isn't what happened. She layed down on her mat, I layed next to her and the life guard sent us off. First, I peed my pants. Second, I started screaming and praying that I wouldn't die. And third, I knew Maycie would hate it and so I screamed, "hang on tight". We get to the bottom and I look over and smiles are gleaming from my 3 year old. I am twenty something and was terrified, but she thought it was absolutely fun. She said she wanted to go again, so I made Con go with her!Jaxon just enjoys watching. Chicken! He HATES the water and he screams because he is hot and miserable. Well, boy, figure it out! He is S...L...O...W...L...Y...warming up to it. Maybe by the end of the season he will get his whole foot wet!

I've been tagged!

2008-06-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

3 Joys:

1. Swedish Fish
2. Happy Kids
3. Un-interrupted sleep! =)

Fears:
1. Running out of Swedish Fish
2. Jaws
3. Groceries or gas in the car...Hhmm...that fear is reality!

3 Goals:
1. Cut down on Swedish Fish
2. Con's much anticipated graduation date...DEC '08...can I get a whoo whoo!
3. Lose weight....no surprise there.

3 Obsessions/collections:
1. Swedish Fish
2. Digital Scrapbooking/Photography
3. I collect Disney movies

3 Random facts about me:
1. I hate wearing socks
2. I love popping pimples...oh quit, you know you like it too!
3. I never buy anything clothing for myself or kids that isn't on CLEARANCE!

Danes Photo Shoot

2008-06-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Camping at Horsethief Reservoir

2008-06-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went camping with our friends, Brandon and Maria Rex. It was way fun and beautiful scenery. It was up just past Cascade. On our way up, there was a motorcycle accident and they called in two life flights, so we were stopped for over an hour. Everyone just turned their cars off and walked around. All well! We heard the two people on the motor cycle died, but not for sure. SAD!
Conrad enjoyed the fishing. Maycie enjoyed wading in the water until we discovered little leeches on her leg. YUCK! Both kids were driving us crazy with their whining, etc., so after dinner, we turned on Con's truck, strapped them in their seats and let/made them watch a movie. Overall, it was a great weekend and we can't wait to go camping again.

Tuckered Out!

2008-06-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

The other day, Jaxon fell asleep like this. It was really funny to watch him sway back and forth and try to keep his head from not bobbing. It killed me not to go pick him and cuddle him to sleep, but I was having more fun laughing. I have been taking my kids to the free youth lunch at the park. They serve free lunch to any child 18 or younger from 11:30-12:30, Monday through Friday. It is beyond great. I take them at 11, let them play for 30 minutes, then we have our picnic and then when I get home, time for bed. And the park is only a few blocks away. Anyways, Jaxon played a little hard this day...went to bed late, woke up early kind of thing! So, he was tired. You'd have to be to fall asleep sitting straight up.
***On a side note: He never would/wanted a bottle until he quit nursing at 11 months. And now...you know where I am going with this...he won't give it up. He is now 16 months, and I want him OFF...any suggestions!

Eeww Gross!

2008-06-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

String Cheese Boogers!

Hide-and-Seek

2008-06-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am doing the laundary (I know....can you believe it), and I can't find Maycie. Our apartment is only so big, with very few places to hide. Suddenly, I hear Jaxon chuckle, "CiCi". He found her.

I bet right now he is thinking, "If I close her in here, she won't be able to get me!"

Cochran Family Pictures

2008-06-17T12:14:00.001-07:00

2008-06-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

The "Queen" needs help!

2008-06-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Queen is throwing the princess a birthday party. Any comments regarding games, activities, decorations, etc., will be greatly appreciated.

The never-ending land of BOOKS!

2008-06-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

We joined the Boise Library's Summer Reading program. If Maycie (and Jaxon) reads so many minutes, hours, etc., she/he gets prizes from different sponsors (ex: Boise Hawks ticket (baseball)). I have never really been one that reads. I am not saying I don't enjoy a good book...it just isn't something I do on a regular basis. But right now, I would give anything to read something that has more than two sentences per page and has zero illustrations. Let's just say, I am tired of reading the same books...Dr. Suess, Mrs. Wishy Washy, Seven Scary Monsters, Going for a Walk in Tiger Wood, No Honey for Whinnie the Pooh...enough said...even typing the titles makes my body cringe!

Where's Waldo?

2008-06-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

I took Maycie to the library for Storytime. Usually when I do this, we go a few minutes early to find some books to check out. We were walking around looking for some books for Maycie and I spotted Where's Waldo. I remember it was one of my favorite books growing up. So, I thought what the heck, Mandie, get it...for you! So, I did! And shockingly, Maycie and I fight for it. Good times!

No boys allowed!

2008-06-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our Princess Tea Party!

Cheers!

Shut up! I don't fit in the tent

Jaxon really wanted to join us. But, rules are rules!

Proud of my man!

2008-06-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Con received a letter in the mail from the Dean of the College of Business and Economics. It congratulated him on his academic performance for the Spring 2008 semester. He was added to the Dean's list of the College of Business and Economics. Only those students who earn at least a 3.5 or higher semester GPA are awarded this honor.

To some, it may seem simple to receive a 3.5 or higher. Try doing it when taking an 18 credit semester...on top of working 40+ hours a week, being a superb dad and husband. Let's not forget church obligations either (ward finance clerk).

We are so PROUD of our Daddy!

Just Kidding!

2008-06-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

Earlier I had mentioned that I had zero pictures of our trip home for Memorial. My sister caught wind of that and sent me some she took.

The first night we stayed at Audrie's. My sisters and I sent our husbands out to rent a movie for the "grown ups" (secretly hoping for a chick flick...yeah right! They actually did...27 Dresses!). We let the kids watch Enchanted down in the living before it was time for bed. They wanted a popcorn party. No big deal. Right? Wrong! We got chit chat'n and became completely oblivious to what our children were doing. Let's just say popcorn tornado.One of the funnest things to do at Bear Lake (besides swimming) is riding a 4-wheeler along the beach. You can't tell, but Jaxon is screaming . He wasn't such a fan at first!Playing Animal Dominoes with Grandma Reeder inside the cabin because it was RAINING!

June Recipe Swap

2008-06-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have another recipe swap/game night tonight. Just thought I'd share!

100 pennies, 20 nickels, 10 dimes, 4 quarters, $1

2008-06-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am not an avid dollar store shopper. I am a firm believer that the items in the stores are $1 for a reason, and most of the items in the store aren't worth even that. However, I, like many others, often shop there looking for random items. You know when you think of an item and you just know the dollar store will have it. Well, that was the case for me. I am now the Sunbeam teacher in my ward and I wanted to make a paper bag puppet. I KNEW the dollar store would have a package of them...well...for only $1. Wrong! But, I did find these swimming suits. And guess how much they cost....duh...$1. I know they may not be the best quality (you get what you pay for), but, children have a tendency to ruin, tear, dirty, and stain. Thus, the reason for the $1 swimsuits. I hope I get my moneys worth!P.S. I found them at the Dollar Tree on Milwaukee. They range from sizes 6m-24m. I got Jax the 6m shorts and they are a little big. I got Maycie the 24m, it fits her just right.

Kenadee Dawn

2008-05-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Outwitted by a 3 year old!

2008-05-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

Most of the time, we need a vacation from our vacation. I still have not got back in the "groove" we call everyday life (in other words...I am feeling very LAZY). It doesn't help that Maycie is just getting over a nasty fever, cough, and cold...and now Jaxon's got it worse than Maycie had it. So, enough rambling and on with the story. Yesterday, Maycie walks up to me and says she is hungry. I look at the clock...CRAP...it's 5:30 pm and I haven't thought about dinner. YIKES! I have no ambition and no desire to make anything. PAUSE: let's stop my story right here. One of the staples of Maycie's life is chocolate milk. There is no such thing as "white" milk at our house...it is chocolate...or no milk at all! I often wonder if she mistakes hunger pains and thirst because she is always asking for chocolate milk and rarely tells me she is hungry. Okay, let's move on....I cautiously ask her what she wants for dinner, terrified of her answer. She replies, "chocolate milk". Con and I have started a new thing where she has to eat her meal first. If she has a few bites, she can have a drink of water. If she eats half of it, she can have juice. And if she eats most of it, she can have chocolate milk. My reply to her wanting chocolate milk for dinner was, "Only if you eat your dinner all gone. Now, Maycie, what do you want for dinner." She thought for a moment, then looked at me and said, "Cocoa Krispies". Yippy! Your lazy mom can handle that one. Eat up girlie! Well, most of you are probably thinking to yourselves how stupid I must be. Cocoa Krispies turns into chocolate milk!

Top Ten: The BEST and WORST of Bear Lake

2008-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

1. BEST: Our family owns a cabin on the East side of the lake (beach front even...FUN!).
WORST: We still slept in a tent on the lawn outside.
2. BEST: We seen lots of family.
WORST: There were grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, moms, dads, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. all trying to play games, visit, watch movies (all going on at the same time), etc., in a 1200 sq. ft. cabin with 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bath....CROWDED and SQUISHY!
3. BEST: There was lots of food and goodies!
WORST: There was TOO much food and goodies.
4. BEST: We were able to do a lot of other things while down in that area.
WORST: We drove a lot. (Drove straight to Logan, spent the night. Drove to Bear Lake, then to Soda and spent the night. Drove to Pocatello for baby Kenadee's blessing, then back to Soda, then back to Bear Lake, spent the night. Drove back to Soda, spent the night, then back to Boise...exhausting!..and expensive...3.89 gallon x 27 miles per gallon = EXPENSIVE!)
5. BEST: Maycie got to play with all her cousins from both sides of the family.
WORST: She picked up a few habits and learned things she didn't know (and I liked it that way).
6. WORST: We didn't sleep much and my kids got WAY off their schedule.
BEST: My kids went to bed at 7 p.m. last night, woke up at 9 am. Plus, they took a 3+ hour nap today!
7. BEST: Maycie got to play in the water...Brrrr! We walked down to the water for something to do. Maycie wanted to put her feet in...WARNING...it always starts with the feet. Then we look over and she has her pants off. A few minutes later, she screams because she tripped, fell face down, and well....went swimming!
WORST: She is now sick with a fever and cough! Stupid parents...they should get written up for that! Well, they are actually paying for it twice because Jax is now getting sick as well.
8. BEST: One night, all four of us slept together while cuddling...or rather lied together on the same mattress in the same sleeping bag, listening to the rain and dodging the drips from hitting our heads! Maycie started out in the cabin and Jax started out in a play pen next to our bed in the tent. Con and I started out snuggling...then as the night went on...children came between.
WORST: We have all officially defrosted!
9. BEST: We made lots of memories...hence...Memorial Day weekend.
WORST: Some of those memories we wish weren't memories!
10. BEST: Con had a 5 day weekend, with 2 paid days off and 1 holiday pay.
WORST: There is nothing BAD about that!

BONUS
WORST: I took zero pictures at Bear Lake over the weekend.
BEST: I have nothing to remember those unwanted memories!

Is there anyone out there?

2008-05-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I often wonder if anyone reads this, or if I just post things for my own amusement and therapy. So, if you read this, leave me a comment and let me know what you are doing for the Memorial weekend. I hope you have something exciting planned. If you don't have anything planned, think of something. Don't just sit around...life is too short!

P.S. We are going to Bear Lake to freeze our behinds. Why would the weather cooperate when we have a vacation planned? Should be fun though!

Tagged by Amber

2008-05-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

All about me -- Alphabetically!
A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? happily attached
B. BEST FRIEND? my hunk'a'burnin' love!
C. CAKE OR PIE? both..why not!
D. DAY OF CHOICE? Wednesday...bet ya wanna know why...but, it's a secret!
E. ESSENTIAL ITEMS? underwear, bra, shirt, pants, shoes...you get the point!
F. FAVORITE COLORS? Melon, black (they CLAIM it is slenderizing)
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? Swedish Fish
H. HOMETOWN? the land of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE...not quite...but close enough!
I. INDULGENCE? bubble bath in the dark...it's fun...try it alone...or with company is fun too=)
J. JANUARY OR JULY? Both...love to ski and love to swim/sun bathe
K. KIDS? Maycie 3, Jaxon 1, Conrad 25
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? Conrad, Maycie, Jaxon
M. MARRIAGE DATE? November 7, 2003
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 2 sisters, one younger, one older and 1 brother, deceased
O. ORANGES OR APPLES. Oranges
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? Spiders, getting in a car wreck, children getting severely hurt or sick
Q. QUOTE: Hakuna Matata!
R. REASON TO SMILE: Bad day
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? Cat Woman
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE: Audrie, Chelsie, Ginger, Hillery, Sarah, Becka...whoops that's 6, can't count!
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I hate wearing socks...so Winter stinks!
V. VEGETABLES? Can I have seconds?
W. WORST HABIT? picking my split ends (Con HATES it)
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? anything I didn't cook!
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? ashamed to admit I don't know, and too lazy to look it up before I post this

That's a first...

2008-05-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

To all my faithful readers...if there are any...our insurance company came through and ended up paying for my teeth cleaning. Remember, they sent us a letter saying they declined to pay because I was a few days before my six month mark, and they only pay for two cleanings a year (every six months...to the day!) Well, we filed a claim. And, they accepted it. YEAH! I was really actually quite shocked. I almost had the check written out because insurance companies are stubborn and back stabbing and will do anything and everything to get out of paying for what they claim they will cover. Thanks United Healthcare!

HOT weather = water park!

2008-05-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Maycie begs (literally) everyday to go swimming. The girl is the perfect example of a "fish". It has been too cold and we keep telling her "when it gets warmer outside". Well, Spring came, and every time we would go outside she would say, "mom it's warm, let's go swimming!" Because she loves swimming so much, we decided to splurge and buy season passes to Roaring Springs Water Park (thanks Hansen's!). This last weekend was SUPER HOT, so we finally took her swimming on opening day. To say she loved it would far underestimate the experience. I think it will be money well spent. Jaxon, on the other hand, HATED it. Con and I have claw marks on our shoulders from him trying to cling to us every time we would walk in the water. Poor kid...get used to it boy...'cause we'll be there a lot this Summer (I'm such a mean mom, huh!).

Watch out Maycie...

2008-05-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

...Jaxon can almost keep up! You know what they say, "Pay backs are the #%@%#@%@#!" The teasing is about to go EXTREME!

Our family band

2008-05-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

If you remember, Conrad gave ME guitar hero for our Wii for Mother's Day. Well, anytime we play it, Maycie goes and gets her "guitar" and rocks out with us! Jaxon claps and bounces. I think we will put in for America's Got Talent!

Whatever it takes

2008-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Maycie pulled a box of cereal (it isn't dog food) out of the cupboard and didn't take care of it...as you can see. Jaxon, of course, found the box and went to town. When I had finally noticed what was going on, my first reaction was to run over there and clean it up. And then, I thought, "why not just let him play until he is done. It is keeping him occupied, he is getting fed, and he is having fun. GREAT!" I knew I was going to have to vacuum anyway, so I was an AWESOME mom and let him have his few moments of pure pleasure with the cocoa puffs!

Is this for me...or you!?

2008-05-12T21:10:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention what I got for Mother's Day. Besides my wonderful husband making me dinner, he also bought me an outfit (he claimed it was for Maycie). He has been wanting Guitar Hero, so he bought it FOR ME...rather for him...for Mother's Day (he claimed it was from Jaxon). Now, the gift from him. Are you ready ladies? He bought me a gift card from....drumroll please....Old Navy...nope...American Eagle...nope...Bath and Body works...nope...Victoria Secrets...YEP! Oh Sweetie, it's Mother's Day...not Valentine's Day! jk No, he is really not that selfish. He knows I love their bras. Expensive, yes. Worth it, every penny! After having two kids...I need a lot of help and support...and Victoria Secrets is my ticket!