The Eyring Clan

The H word

2011-11-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling.
This has been the word that follows me throughout my day. I read about it every chance I get. I prepare for it any moment I am allowed. I talk about it with anyone that will actually talk about it. I constantly find myself praying to my Heavenly Father about it. It haunts me in my sleep and brings me peace when I think of what our family can gain from it.
But with all of this preparing, planning, reading, thinking, praying, soul-searching, and dreaming, I feel that I have hit a wall.
"Mommy. When I get bigger, I can't wait to go to real school." My sweet little Edana said as we walked away from The Canterbury Tales a middle school had put on.
This tiny little statement sent my heart aching. I could understand what she meant. I remember going to my brothers schools, peeking into their class rooms and being so excited for when I was going to be able to take those classes too. I remember the thrill of being in highschool plays, chatting with friends at my locker and finding solace sitting in the library reading a book, away from everyone. I remember the excitement I got every year picking out new clothes, books and backpacks for the new year to come.

As silly as it may sound, I began crying over these things I thought she would lose because of our decision for her education. These wonderful things that are available to every child in the public school system!

Every single fear, judgement and self-conscience thought I have ever had about homeschooling came swarming at me, making me believe that I was the most unfit person in the world to teach my child. I mean, come on! I was the person who was dim enough to think that Alaska was an island because the only picture I had ever seen of it was in a little square box just like Hawaii! I AM the dullest crayon in the box!

But then I realized that with the good, there is always the bad. The bullying, name-calling, stressing, boring, mind-numbing and over-exerting feelings that many people have felt with public school can also be paired with the amazing learning experiences that youth have there.

I hear the YoungWomen in my ward heartbroken over horrible conversations and bullying they experience day to day. I've seen 3/4 of a room full of kids between the ages of 13-17 raise their hands when asked if they have seen a gun or knife at school; many admitting that they have seen weapons there more than just one or two times. I have seen first hand the HUGE variety of drug use that is being used by students at school, ranging from drinking and smoking, marijuana, and even to harder drugs like meth, acid, and cocaine (and this was almost 8yrs ago!).

These things are not just connected to public school, this I am sure of. I know that these things do creep into the lives of homeschool students as well. Which made me then realize that this beautiful and almost romantic idea of what schooling should be for our children, the best schooling that we can possibly hope for and imagine, does not actually exist. There is no possible way or time where our children will be able to have access to every thought, idea, lesson or lecture. There is no possible way to shield our children from every scary thought, name, lie, heart ache, bad decision or pain that is out there. Because our children need to and have to learn these things for themselves.

How many tears have been shed because of our own decisons by our Heavenly Father? What an amazing Father He is, to constantly trust and love us with our own agency so that each and every day He parts with His own beautiful children, who come here to face the same things we find ourselves worrying over!

One of the best encouragements I have gotten about a child's education was from my mother-in-law. She told me the biggest thing you can do for your child's education is to "be there for your child." Homeschool or not, be there for them.

I have realized that no matter our decision for our children's education, we will be there for them no matter what they choose or need-just as our Heavenly Father has shown us. We will teach our children of our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ and their love for each and every one of us. I find that in this thing called "life", this is as real of a school as we can get.

So, to answer any questions: Yes. I will be homeschooling my children. For how long? I will take it one year at a time. But I am more encouraged to set my focus on being there for my children rather than obessing over what cirriculum we will use, whether or not they get into school plays or in what way I will track their progress.

I am so grateful for others and their clarity of life. This is the comfort I have been needing. Thankyou Momma Jones. Your words have echoed in my mind tonight, at a time I really needed it most.

*And just to note: among other lessons we hope to instill, Edana will know that you can in fact drive your car to Alaska.

New hobby?

2011-11-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

So I have been slooooooowly....at I mean slow-as-molasses kind of slow....writing for a website called Examiner.com.

I have been bashful about even posting or telling too many people about it do to the fact that I cannot write. I have always LOVED writing and as Larry can vouch for the many lists, journals, half-written blogs and other jottings around our house, I am constantly writing-as much as a mother of two can. So I am trying to slowly come out of my shell and say "hey, read this."
Though, as of right now I am a military life writer and though I do enjoy some facets of the military life, it is not a passion of mine. But I thought this a way to improve some of my writing, researching and journaling skills as well as making a couple of pennies on the side. (*yes. I am at 44 cents as of tonight! woohoo!)
I hope that it will also further my knowledge of this military life I live.
So, if you would like to follow along, or know of any military families out there that could benefit from the articles and deals I come across, please share.
Without further ado.......

All Things In Moderation-revised :)

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hooray for the lovely and brilliant Abby Olsen! Here is the blog that I could not copy and paste, if any were interested.
Thankyou so much Abby! I was having issues ...obviously. ;)

Once again this blog is sliding to the wayside.
In all honesty, most of the well intentioned projects I have started are sitting on the side lines as well.
I have come to a huge realization. I am an “all or nothing” person. I have said this in the past but I don’t think I have ever stopped to really consider what that means, what I can gain from that or more importantly what I can lose.
I apologize for the contemplative blog. There will be only one picture this time, so if you are in for some reading, by all means join me in my tangent.

“All things in moderation.” This musters up images of being on the internet, watching tv, playing video games (which I will admit caused this realization of mine) or eating. I have never considered that this term “moderation” would apply to such things that I find productive: preparing for our upcoming home school, organizing my home, cleaning my home, budgeting, spending time with hubby, baking, exercising, etc,etc. I realized that not only does my late night “binge” of playing a silly video game (causing not only frustration by lack of sleep but also another “project” that won’t be completed) qualify as a distraction but these other things that I have been busying myself with have distracted me from some many other facets of my life. But most importantly, my relationships.
I am sorry to you reading this, since everyone that I can think of that may continue reading would fall under this category…
I have realized that I become so obsessed with my projects, that I forget that I have friends and family that I have not talked to or heard from in so long. It reminds me of a talk that was given once, where a man had stated that if he was to find a sin for the Latter Day Saints to be distracted with, it would be to keep them busy.
I am such a person. I won’t do things because I know that if I do, I will become distracted. Writing this blog: a distraction from dishes, reading another home school book, folding clothes, and taking a 20min nap.
I am so fallible to distractions, tangents, projects and every day worries that I have forgotten that the wonderful people in my life mean so much more than all of these silly, of-the-moment things.
I ready to try moderation. It sounds like maybe it will be liberating. 
Though I did just try it with this blog and I have been editing and un-editing this now for the last hour. Sigh.
ALL THINGS IN MODERATION, JENNIFER!
On another random note: here is the one picture.

Larry and I on our 6th anniversary date.
Because of Larry’s love for John Wayne we had a “True Grit” themed day. Breakfast was grits (Larry made fun of me for the literal way I had taken the movie title), we played disc golf with my own twist on the game, namely us doing crazy things dressed as we are in the above picture. We then went home and watched the new True Grit. Then ended with us going to Flying W Ranch (which was pretty lame, so we got our money back and went to HU HOTS…LOVE IT!) We then ended the night by having our own shoot out with nerf guns. I feel so lucky to have this handsome man at my side. It is so comforting to know that I can always turn to him when I need someone to talk to, cry to, laugh with and even just hug. I love you so much Larry. Thankyou so much for these 6 years. I can't wait for the rest!!

Anyways, this was the only picture I got of us because our camera officially died. Seriously. The camera fell, shattered and then made these pitiful clicking noises before completely turning off. At least the date made up for it. :)

Sigh and cry. I will finally go finish my silly dishes now. :(

Summer Lovin'- happened so fast

2011-08-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how fast summer went by.
It's even more amazing how many things we actually did this summer. Ready for many pictures??
We started out our summer in Utah, where we played Were extremely great examples to our little nephew

We were able to see family and show off our little Ed

We FINALLY were able to go see Grandma Maggie!

We then headed to St. George for the Eyring Reunion where we were able to visit the beautiful Zions Park.

We were introduced to the silly sport of plankingWe visited the Hogle Zoo, a zoo Larry and I hadn't been to since we were kids.

We were able to not only see animals and dinosaurs but also Michelle Money(?) from the Bachelor
My little brother, Britton, graduated from High school!

Edana got to ride a horse

We were able to play with cousins

Jen then drove the 13 hour drive out to Austin, TX with the kids to see our friends, The Banks Family.

Oh, my how silly are kids were.

And also so sweet

We were able to meet up with Larry (as he was training there) and even went to Sea World. A first for our family.

And for some reason I only got pictures of the kiddos. But they sure are cute!

Back at home, we continued on with preschool during the summer

We had fun with friends

We went to the Renaissance Festival, where I talked Larry into dressing up with us...

..met a hired Jack Sparrow impersonator.... *the highlight of Jen's day*

and I even made my first full dress.

Larry and Edana got to ride an elephant.

Jen was called as an Activity Day leader

And was able to help run in the 195mile race of the Rocky Mountain Epic Relay!

And believe it or not, since finally getting these pictures loaded, I have found a handful more of things we did over the summer. For next time, I guess. Whew. What a summer!

Friend photo shoot and Family photo shoot

2011-05-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

I have been needing to write this blog for awhile. I decided to combine two photo shoots as of recent.

The first was with one of my best friends, Rachel.
We had realized that despite our year + of friendship, we didn't have any pictures of us together.

We had the talented Laurie Morrill take these for us at one of the coolest places I think I have seen.

I loved being here having one of my last colorado springs moments with my dear friend.

If I could sum up Rachel's and my friendship in one word it would be: honest. I have never felt like I had to be something else around Rachel. She has always accepted me for who I am, the good and bad. Honesty is one of Rachel's many glimmering attributes. I don't think she has a dishonest bone in her little body. She has always been honest with anything I have needed to hear, like my video game addictions, sending me conference talks that are exactly what I'm going through and even bringing me to realize the importance of my relationship with my children.

Though Rachel may be younger than me, I look up to her so much. In such a way that I could even put it as, "When I grow up, I want to be like Rachel."

She is spectacular in every sense of the word.

I have become a better person, daughter of God, mother and friend by knowing Rachel.

She has encouraged and been the greatest example to me with honesty.

I cherish these kinds of friendships that I have been so blessed to find. Ones where I am loved, despite my weakness. My crazy thoughts are accounted for, even when they consist of fears of animals, worries of not running far enough, or even the occasional thoughts on zombies. ;) Thankyou Rachel, for being ones of these honest and supportive friends.

After this photo shoot, the awesome artwork kept running through my mind. So when Larry asked where we should have our family pictures taken I knew just the place...

What I totally love is that now I have two fun memories of this random graffitied shed.

One with Rachel and me, on a beautiful windy day...

...and the other with my little family, on a cold rainy day. The best part about this next photo shoot? (aside from the fact that we are doing something fun as a family) We got to see a guy walking around half naked in the cold rain...and half naked from the waist down rather than the waist up. At least his priorities were straight.

Thank goodness he didn't decide to creep into our pics.

I never could understand what people meant when they said, "I've learned so much from my kids", until Larry and I had some of our own.

We have some of the most sweetest, daring, happy, intelligent, crazy and at times tiring, screaming and occasionally annoying kids on this whole planet. Whether I'm in bed trying to sleep, upset and trying hard to be in a bad mood, or going to the loo I have one of these funny little creatures glued to my side.

What an ironic cycle life really is. I remember my exasperated mom threatening me, "I hope one day you have a child just like you!" Who knew that it would be two rather than just one kid?

In all seriousness I have learned alot from my kids. Edana is quick to remind me to say "I'm sorry" when I have done something wrong and she will make sure to even check up on me, that I have done my apologies and feel better after. She has taught me what the pure love and faith in Christ and Heavenly Father is. So many prayers have been said for safety from wolves, upset tummies and most recent, a new toothbrush because the other fell in the toilet. She has so much faith and knows that Heavenly Father can hear her.

And watching how quickly Eddie can learn how to chew, play, talk, crawl and trust others is a very humbling thing to witness.

And to wake up every morning to my handsome Larry

and snuggle up on the couch to watch our favorite show is my most favorite moments that I have in this life. It may not be exciting but it's his and my moment.Well, enough of my tangents. Enjoy the pics.

And just to end our photo shoot...a lovely shot of one of Edana's many faces. Where she got the awesome ability to contort her face into so many emotions?

I have no idea.

We are alive!!

2011-05-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

I haven’t forgotten this blog. Really. It is frequently in the back of my mind. I’ve even taken pictures for it and have come up with clever blogs in my head, but when it came down to sitting here at the computer and taking the time, I had no real motivation.

I debated whether I should back track all my pictures or not, but have decided to just say where we are today and as I do my best to keep this updated, I’ll add some pictures of the past.

We have a four year old. It has been official since April 1st but it still hits Larry and I in waves of sentiment. Our beautiful baby girl is definitely not a baby anymore. Far from it, actually.

Her views of life are becoming more solidified rather than mere questions. Such as, she knows that the Easter bunny is not real, despite Mommy’s insistence that a giant bunny really did hop into our house and left her all of her goodies, yet she also has figured out that all of the people in the scriptures really did exist. It has been so fun to watch this little girl blossom into someone so unique. She gets very intense and serious with her works of art and writing letters to her neighborhood friend, Abigail. She has an incredible memory of books we have read, people she had met a couple of years ago, to even the places we drive and walk to. One of my current favorite things that Edana and I do together is read. We have been reading Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at night together and she is slowly gaining a love of listening to books and asks questions of words she will see day to day since we have been reading together.

Our little Eddie is now 7 months old and is so close to crawling! His smiley face brings so much happiness into our family’s life. No matter what mood I am in, I cannot resist laughing at his jabbering and cute belly-flopping to whatever may catch his eye.He is so in love and looks up to his big sister.One of the most beautiful things that I have witnessed is the simple moments of my children laughing together. It may be over the fact that Edana has stuck something sticky on Eddie’s head, but when her brother and her crack up over it together, it is wonderful.

Larry is almost done with this semester. My, what a roller coaster it has been! Between some stressful schoolwork overload and amazing moments for him, like becoming president of the zoology club at his school, he continues to say, “I’m almost done”.Larry has yet again gone gator wrestling this year, and even managed to talk some friends into going with him. He is constantly looking for a new adventure to go on and LOVES it when he finds one his family can join him in.
Recently we have gone and watched as he explored a bobcat’s cave, we drove into the mountains on a whim and found our own cave to walk through, he and I went on our first mountain bike excursion together and he took our kids out to a small stream nearby and showed them all of the amazing life that grows there. I love his enthusiasm for life. I love watching this handsome man being our kids tour guide to all things living. I love how much I learn from him everyday. I am so lucky.

Now for me. My happiest moments this year have really just been the times we have spent as a family. Despite some small bumps earlier this year with my health, I have come to find this past while to be an amazing time for our family. My recent endeavors have been finding what will be best for my children’s education, planning our small reptile business, trying to learn Spanish, and getting my body back in shape. I am so excited for what our future is going to bring.

Winter wonderland

2010-12-12T13:18:00.001-08:00

I took these a number of weeks ago, thinking about how much I love fall.

And the next morning, it snowed.

Snow is a finicky thing. When you are least expecting it, it falls.

When you find yourself humming "let it snow" and "winter wonderland", its gone.

Despite the small snow flurries this season, we Eyrings are enjoying the cold weather.

Edana has even said THIS IS THE YEAR she is going to talk to Santa...we'll see...

A favorite in our house: snowfights then hot chocolate.

Or going out to fun parades and festivals with friends.

Just a side note, as I was dancing around the kitchen one day listening to my beloved Christmas music, I saw this little face.

I love it when life feels completely perfect.

Edana's Blog

2010-11-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Edana has decided she wants everyone to see the pictures she takes, so we are helping her with her own little mini blog of her pictures and the things she wants me to type.

check it out at www.edanasblurbs.blogspot.com

Edward Joseph Eyring

2010-10-21T06:13:00.001-07:00

Our New little addition to the family Edward Joseph Eyring was born Oct. 8, 2010

at 5:36 a.m. 7lbs 8oz-21inches long.

Because of this sweet little boy we are now a family of four!
My mom was a great help, coming all the way from Utah to see her grandkids.

At the hospital Edana informed us that "the baby can stay here, mom"...

...yet she can't stop kissing and hugging this little guy.

It's so amazing how much love we instantly have for him.

Its so amazing how much love I can have for these three.

I really have the greatest kids.

My sweet boy.

One of my friends kept telling me how her sons were like her little boyfriends....

I totally understand what she is saying now.

To be given something so precious.

Something and someone that is able to make his daddy tear up at the slightest smile or coo.

Who is becoming our little girl's best friend.

Makes him the most special little boy.

A Full September

2010-10-04T02:19:00.000-07:00

September has been quite the month.

With things like...

Entertaining a 3 year old...
Getting presents ready for little Eddie...

Playing til our faces ached from laughing...

Seeing a real live Zebu. Suddenly one of the Veggie Tales songs makes sense to us...

Having animal adventures, as usual...

Going to our first Circus....

Realizing that some things would be more painful than being 9 months prego and sitting on a wooden bench for 2 hours, like be squished into a 20 gallon tank...

Saying farwell to an old command and hello to a new unit...

Getting ready for our next adventures...

....like more animal encounters???

I love to Ride my Bicycle

2010-08-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

Can You Remember Your First Bicycle?

I can't but I'm Sure it Was Something Like This...

Our Beautiful 3 year old

2010-04-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Edana turned 3 on April 1st.

This was her little birthday adventure...

Her favorite Princess as of right now, Princess Tiana.

Our April fool's pink cereal.

Little Hazel was able to celebrate with us.

What could be better than bubbles??

Or a tea party with friends?

Our little Princess.

Happy Birthday, our sweet little girl.

We are so lucky to have you in our family.

The Cabin Fever Posts..

2010-03-20T13:13:00.001-07:00

Here's number one at least.

Since being stuck inside with oh, so fun sicknesses, Edana has been finding interesting ways to entertain herself.

While mommy was finishing her midterm report, she decided to cook dinner for her...

..When asked what she was cooking, she replied, "Dogfood." Not sure if she was implying something...

And here's a proud mommy moment.

I came into the living room this morning with papers strewn EVERYWHERE. Silly me had left a stack of papers out and Edana decided to decorate the floor with them. As I was picking them up I saw these: Mind you, anytime I would ask Edana to draw me something up to this point, she would scribble some lines and hand the paper over.

At first I thought maybe Larry had been doodling with Edana the night before, but as I picked up the papers, EVERY paper had one of these cute little "people" on them.

Why this made me so happy, despite another element to a messy house, who knows. Maybe my fondness of drawing myself. But yay, she actually focused and drew a picture!

*Yes. I admit. I kept two of them and stuck them in her photo album. What can I say. I'm a cheesy-sentimental mom.

New Things To Life

2010-03-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how hectic life can really be.

There are so many things I feel like I should catch up on with our little family

Like our little girl's new fascination with becoming a "baby doctor"...

Or the cute little playmate we are so lucky to have a couple of times during the week.

Or when one of my best friends, since third grade, came out to visit.

Or about the time we played in California with family and meet ALL of the Princesses. (well, almost all but that could become a large debate..)

Or that our bearded dragons had TWO sets of clutches; the full egg count being 39!

Or even that we are expecting our next addition to our family this coming fall....

Now if only I could blog about all of these things....

A Merry Christmas Blog

2009-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Due to forgetfulness and the Christmas time crunch, we are doing a Christmas blog instead of our cards.

I would reinterate all of the things we have done this year, but in reality, this is a blog so most of you already know.

What I did want to write about are the things we have experienced this Christmas season and just how blessed we are by our loving Heavenly Father.

This holiday season has been bittersweet.

We are so excited to have our own little Christmas and start new traditions, but everyday we come across a slight pain of sadness from missing our families and distant friends this holiday season. From wishing we were riding a ferry down a freezing river to see some string of lights, or staying up late and playing games til we're too tired to make much sense, to getting all of the Christmas Eve preparations ready for another gathering that night...we miss you all so much.

This year, we decided to go the weekend before Christmas to the temple as a family. Though little Edana of course couldn't go inside, she loved her chance to talk about when she "has a boy and gets married in the temple". We have loved our little girl's desire to see the temple and constantly talk about the day when she gets to go in there. We hope to encourage this throughout her life and feel so blessed by the motivation a two year old can give us in going to the temple more.

Though maybe not a lot of outward changes are happening with us this year, we feel so many inward changes and how our persectives of life and our eternal goals are slowly coming into place.

Our goal this Christmas is to draw closer to the spirit and to really contemplate what a glorious holiday this is: the birth of our Savior!

"He lived a perfect life so that He could be the infinite sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb promised from the foundation of the world. He suffered the agony of the guilt of our sins and all the sins of the children of Heavenly Father that we might be forgiven and go home clean. He gave us that gift at a price we cannot fathom. It was a gift He did not need for Himself; He was without the need for forgiveness." -President Henry B. Eyring, Dec. 2009 Ensign.

May we all remember what this holiday is and feel the pure love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that He holds for all of us.

Merry Christmas!!! We love you all so much.

Love, The Colorado Eyrings

Swap blog..

2009-11-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I've seen other blogs do this, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I know that there are alot of you out there that are so creative and talented with homemade items, so I wanted to try starting up a swap blog: everyone makes an item and then swaps it with a new person.
To see all the details of this swap, check out the new blog
http://craftersbakersmakersunite.blogspot.com/

Remember: you can make ANYTHING. If you don't do crafts but bake, bake some cookies! If you don't do either of those but design awesome things, try designing that person's blog or burn a cd and design the cover! As long as some part of it is handmade you can join in the fun and in turn receive awesome homemade stuff!

Fall Favorites..

2009-11-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Sooo many pictures. Sooo little time.
Here are some of our fall favs:Edana wanting to go to school.

Two Healthy lizards. Finally!

those girls got bangs!

pumpkin carving

Edana's new style. (mom, dad, she insisted on the pink hair...and no i did not dye it.)

two new cakes that were made

Our birthday boy

Airforce v. Army

daddy's little girl

Banana Jelly Bean

2009-11-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

that is what Edana was for halloween this year...

Probably the cutest Jelly bean I've ever seen!

MARATHON

2009-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

ok. It's time to do this.

I will admit, I have been putting this off for sometime, mostly because of some internal struggles on the outcome of the marathon. For the last week I've been saying, "At least I finished!" but truthfully, I felt like a loser inside. For two years I have

been training and hurting over this run and because of my silly pride I ended up finishing with mostly older folks, that were just cruising by me.

But I've come to realization that I DID IT! Yes, maybe not the speed I wanted but I DID IT!

So now, I'll just toot my little horn.

Toot, toot, toot, toot.....

The run itself was gorgeous. When I was able to focus on what was around me, the view was incredible. To pass by actual volcanoes is a very humbling thing. Yes, they are inactive, but still humbling.

When it comes to marathons, I've decided the commrodory is what it's all about. To be up at 4 o'clock in the morning with thousands of other people just as crazy as you, if not crazier (one guy was doing his 20th st. george run!), and to instantly have something in common with everyone surrounding you. Noone was rude or grumpy from the cold. To see so many strangers huddled around campfires, enjoying one another's company...it was great. It gave me the sense of belonging...even if it was my first time.

I'm not going to go into mile by mile details, but just to inform those that are curious, St. George Marathon is NOT all down hill. I've decided this is some cruel joke that people like to tell first runners...maybe it's just to give us hope.?? Luckily, the biggest hill is near the beginning, so it's over with fairly quick.

Some of the things I learned along the run:

Gu is still the top gag-inducing product one can take for supplements on runs (yes, this is a comparison to the jelly beans, gel balls, and power bars)

Orange slices are literally little slices of heaven

Peeing in the brush really doesn't cover anything. (at that point I really didn't even care)

running backwards intimidates those behind you, even if you reassure them it makes the knees feel better

You can scream out any random word and people will cheer along with you

wrapping a knee that already hurts will do nothing

26.2 miles is a LONG way

I am so overwhelmingly grateful that I was able to do this. That despite my pride, my Heavenly Father answered my prayer and sent me a little running buddy (thankyou Neshelle, wherever you are!). I am so lucky for all of the love and support of my family. I can't believe that they would drive all the way to St. George to cheer me on. It meant so much to me and I probably really didn't convey that, that day. I love you, my family. Look at all of the beautiful people that came to cheer me on.

Thankyou also to everyone that wanted to be there but couldn't. I am so grateful for just how many people were cheering me on. Thankyou so much for your support and love.

And thankyou, Papa Jones.

Fall Food

2009-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Some awesome recipes to warm a fall afternoon.

This first recipe I fell across while looking for an awesome grape jelly recipe at the library. We recently were lucky enough to go grape-picking at the Pinkal's house. After this visit, I am determined to one day have my own beautiful garden and become self-sufficent. The Pinkal's really are an inspiration to me and if you haven't met them, you really should.

Grape and Walnut Schiacciata

from Outstanding in the field by Jim Denevan

3/4 c. warm water

1 pkg. (2tsp) yeast (I use Saf yeast. it speeds up the rising time)

1 tsp + 1 Tb. sugar

1/3 c. olive oil, plus extra for brushing

2 c. flour (I used unbleached, all purpose)

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups stemmed small seedless black or red grapes

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (not a fan of walnuts, so I used sliced almonds)

Combine the water, yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in a small bowl. Whisk briefly to combine and set aside for 5-10min. until foamy. Whisk in 1/3 cup of the olive oil.

Whisk the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and gradually pour the yeast mixture, using your hands or fork to incorporate the flour little by little. When the dough begins to come together, add half of the grapes and mix with your hands to incorporate them into the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 min. until smooth, breaking the skins of some of the grapes as you knead.*NOTE: The book did not state or even elude to just how sticky this process becomes, so I would stress on folding the grapes into the dough as much as you can...seriously.* If grapes roll out of dough, knead the dough without them and then work them in quickly at the end.

Alternatively, use an electric mixer with the dough hook attachment. After the flour and salt are whisked together, beat on low and gradually add the yeast mixture. When the dough comes together, add half of the grapes. Turn the mixer to med-low speed and mix until smooth, about 2 min.

For the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Brush the top with oil and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside until the dough has doubled in size, 1 1/2 - 2 hours. (Not only did I use Saf yeast, but I also microwaved a rice bag, wrapped it in plastic, oiled it, and set it with the dough, cutting the rise time to around 30 min!)

Brush a 13x9in baking sheet (or casserole dish) GENEROUSLY with oil, including sides. Press the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle walnuts (or almonds) and remaining cup of grapes on top and press down to flatten into dough. Brush top with oil and set aside to rise for additional 30 min.

While dough is rising, preheat oven to 425 F. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tb. sugar over the top of dough and bake for 20 min.

Reduce temperature to 350F and bake schiacciata for an additional 10 min., til golden brown. Let cool for 5 min. in the pan, then turn out onto a cool rack or wooden board and serve warm.

This next recipe was taught to me by my friend Tamara, out in Norfolk. She cooks like you wouldn't believe and her philosphy with cooking was to not be intimidated by recipes and to just try. I'll be adding some other recipes I learned from her in the future, like her awesome pie crusts (yum!), but for now on to something entirely too good to pass up.

French Onion Soup

from Tamara (serves 6-8)

4 large sweet onions, peeled and cut into rings

1/4 c. butter

around 4 Tb. flour

6 c. beef stock ( I use the beef boulion granules, so 6 c. water with 6 tsp granules)

2 c. water

3/4 c. creamed sherry ( you can use plain sherry, but I'd suggest creamed. Sooo much better! thankyou, Tim!)

around 2 tsp salt, plus whatever to taste

french bread loaf, or baguette
mozzerella cheese, shredded or sliced

Melt the butter in a large soup pot, over medium heat. Add the onion rings and stir to coat rings in the melted butter. This is the longest part. The longer your onions are cooked and browned, the better your soup will taste. In the beginning, your onions will fill the pot like this

at around an hour of cooking they should look like this.

When your onions are nicely sauteed down and brown, add the flour and stir together til you get a oatmeal-like consistency.

Add your beef broth, water, salt and sherry. Bring to a boil and keep at a low boil for about 4-5 min, stirring occasionally. If you can still see some flour bits, whisk the soup a little til they break up. At this point, taste and add more salt if you'd like.

Slice your bread and place one slice into every soup bowl. Place your cheese ontop of the bread and then ladle the soup overtop, melting the cheese.

If you have oven proof bowls, ladle the soup in first, place the bread slice ontop of the soup, topped with the cheese and broil til your cheese is nice and melted.

Enjoy!

A Fall Craft

2009-09-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

With two extra kids in the mornings for the next few days, I decided that we needed some activities. Fall activities.

I love fall. I love fall colors. I love fallen leaves. I love the chilly air on sunny days. I love it.

So, we decided to paint our own fall trees.

It's all pretty much self explanatory, so here are the pics.

Later Gator!

2009-09-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, it occurred to me that we are not your typical family. While most enjoy Labor day weekend sleeping in, grilling hot dogs, and watching football, we were rushing around at 5 o'clock in the morning trying our hardest to be on time for Larry's important class: Gator wrestling.

Yes. Gator as in ALLIGATOR.

Colorado Gator's is a working farm filled with all sorts of animals. From ostriches, donkeys, goats, sheep, to rattlesnakes, pythons, bearded dragons, and of course...gators.

The farm originally was intended for the tilapia farm that it was and still is today. The fact that it is now a gator farm is by accident: the gators started out being a "fish disposal" for the bad tilapia they had. Now, after years of rescuing alligators and other reptiles from careless pet owners, the gator farm is not only a tilipia farm, but also an alligator reserve.

Upon entering the gator farm, tourists can be led to believe they have stepped into a theme park based off of a Louisianan Crocodile Dundee. Deceased gators skins are everywhere and the men working there have a similar resemblance to this 80's hero. Along with this awesome decor were pictures of other crazy individuals riding on alligators backs, one of the famous youtube girl that had gotten bitten in the face while there, and pictures of men that had actually lost their fingers by these gators because of carelessness.

As crazy as this gator wrestling class is, we actually were not the only ones insane. Three other guys, all jumpy with nerves, were there just to take this class.

This was their instructor, Jay.

The only way I can describe Jay is by likening him to a Tarzan raised by gators. He lives and breathes gators.

Not only did we get to witness this man surf a 600lb gator, but while the wrestling students and wives stood behind a 6ft wire fence, examining a batch of gators the guys had to wrangle next, Jay flung his body completely over the fence, landed on a gator's back, held onto it while being drug 10ft and completely submerged in the alligator infested water, tied a rope around the gators neck, then stood up a declared, "That's the best way to do it. You have to ambush them before they know your there." Though he comes off at first as careless, he has great respect for these gators of his. He quietly admitted that the first time he was bit by a gator was when he was 5 years old!

This guy is crazy but in a very respectful kind of way. The only reason he lets others do this wrestling class is not for all fun, but alot of it is actually to help him catch and medically treat these animals.

While there, we actually were able to witness a gator that needed surgery to remove a cyst. It was surreal, crazy, and disgusting to witness it, but Larry loved it!

I love my husband. I love the fact that I have never seen him so nervous while on our way to Gator farm. I love that out of all the big guys wrestling, he was always the first one to volunteer to catch a gator. I love that while I cringed and walked away for all of the medical procedures, he was happily sitting on the gator's back, watching intensely. I love that while all of the other guys screamed the first time they pick up their gators, he just bent over and picked one up.

The boys all start out with small 3 ft. long gators, a 100lb alligator snapping turtle,
and then worked their way up to a 600lb/ 11-12ft long gator rightly name, Kamikaze. I will never be able to get over the heartpounding realization that my husband was wrangling a gator that was three times his size!

While one would think this excursion would be a once-in-a-life-time thing, Larry is already planning to go back. Because of the fact that these men were some of the few to actually wrestle Kamikaze, they were told that come next August they were more than welcomed to be the wranglers for 2010's Gator Fest: a gator-like rodeo where men (and occasionally women) will compete to see who can catch the largest, as well as the most, gators. I have never seen Larry smile so big.

For other videos of Larry's excursion, click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OD3orZHtCg and then you should be able to look up our other videos from this one!

Our Outdoor Adventure

2009-08-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

*Note: Due to the extreme conditions that we were in, no actual pictures of the events could be taken during the actual event. Please bear with our use of google pictures*

Since living in Colorado, we have been able to witness some of the most beautiful creations of God. From Garden of the Gods, to the beautiful Pikes Peak, we are always in awe.

Yesturday was one of those awe days.

We joined Larry's Aunt Michelle, her kids and parents on their drive out to Colorado's Paint Mines. These rocks and hoodoos are beautiful!

While meandering through the scenery, we failed to take note of just how close a mass of black clouds were heading. Poor Larry, kept prompting and pointing out the obvious lighting and thunder rolling our way, but being with a group of girls, his voice was drowned out by all of our need for exploring.

We only got about a miles hike into the Paint Mines when the rain really began. We took no heed to the water and toted some happy kids laughing in the water. And then it hail.

At this point, we decided to wait out the storm under a small cove of sandstone rocks. Water mixed with sandstone = mess. The longer we waited, the larger the hail became. One thing we didn't consider when going into a small canyon-like setting while it was raining was the chance of flash floods. Granted, the flooding was nothing in comparison to this, but it came fast and fairly strong.

It was amazing how quickly the water collected and form a rushing river inside of these trails of rocks. Knowing if we didn't move quickly we'd be flooded in, we each grabbed a sobbing child, hiding as much of their little limbs as we could and ran through this new river of hail and muddy water, praying that it would get better. Looking back, it really seemed like a scene from some Brendan Fraser movie with everyone trying to escape the rushing water and firing enemies.

It's amazing at how lucky we were despite all of this.
We all came out cold, with nice sized welts from the quarter-sized hail (!), and only one of us briefly had a meeting with a small cactus on the way back to the cars.

It's amazing how heart crushing and terrifying it is to know that you are practically helpless in covering a child from the pelting pain of hail.

It was amazing to witness how quickly the large mass of clouds hurried past, despite the enormity the storm should have been.

It is amazing that despite our not heeding any still small voice, our Heavenly Father still loves and helped us.

I have definately gained a much greater respect for nature and just how quickly one's situation can change, in just a blink of an eye. I have such respect for how in control Heavenly Father is, when we all felt so incapable.

One day, I hope to go back and be able to take some Painted Mine pictures of our own, but we'll wait for a REALLY sunny day, I think.

A Scanlon Tradition

2009-08-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the Scanlon household was not a normal experience. For family home evenings, we would put on either various plays, puppet shows, or make our own videos.
It was amazing to find out at an early age that other families did not do this. I had thought every family did their own remakes of the hit films of that year or even just the occasional music video.
No. This is a Scanlon tradition.

To continue with this tradition, we made our own Abba music video in ode to our Scanlon grandparents 60th wedding anniversary.

Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S17V7LcdB70

And if for some reason you want more, here is the outtake video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdFRjmmmXPc

BAT ATTACK!

2009-08-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is what Larry found at work today...

Yes, it's a real bat. Live and flapping. Yes, that's my husband. Strange but funny.

Thought for the day...

2009-08-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

...how did we let this happen?

Mud Run!!!

2009-08-01T15:48:00.001-07:00

Ohhhhhh Yessss! I woke up bright and early this morning in great anticipation for this! Colorado Springs 4 mile Mud Run!

I was invited by some girls at Larry's work to come along and join their team and I am glad I did. It seriously was a lot of fun. Though the advertisement on the flier was a bit off: "Four miles of pure mud with lots of obstacles along the way!" (um, only 4 and one of the obstacles had us swing over a pretend mud pit, since they forgot!), this still was alot of fun and have decided nothing is better than starting your Saturday wallowing in the mud.

Here we are, the Warrior Princesses!!!!!

With matching shirts, wings, and all!!

A great before shot, with our awesome new tattoos...

Ready? SET....

...Go!

note: the group that we are running with won the costume contest. Tsk tsk. They didn't even have wings!

Larry, Edana, and Cpt. Venn (taking pic) were awaiting our return at the end.

And here we come!!!!

note: I'm the girl in the back not knowing how to army crawl. Yeah. Figured that would be me with all the army girls! ;) I attempted it and got a face full of mud!

And here is the lovely "after" shot! Ha ha! I love how Ashley (middle) was the only one with her wings still intact!

I think this is a great look for me.

While we waited on the results, we contributed to the "shoe bin" and were hosed down by an fireman.

To our surprise we won our section! Our winning prizes? Wet wipes and a tube of sunblock.

This really was a great run and suggest that all of you find the nearest mud puddle and have at it!

Oh...and my poor wings did not make it...

on a side note, we were on the news! yeah for everyone getting to see my muddy behind!http://ww2.kktv.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?clipId1=4008005&flvUri=http://flash.video.worldnow.com/kktv/KKTV_010820091728015985_5958642B.flv&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=PLAY%20VIDEO%3A%20YMCA&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//ww2.kktv.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp%3FclipId1%3D4008005%26flvUri%3Dhttp%3A//flash.video.worldnow.com/kktv/KKTV_010820091728015985_5958642B.flv%26at1%3DNews%26vt1%3Dv%26h1%3DPLAY%2520VIDEO%253A%2520YMCA&rnd=63497418

Thought for the day..

2009-07-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Why can't all days be like this?

Thought for the day...

2009-07-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

...What would it feel like to be a stacking doll?

A Utah story-by Edana and translator Jen

2009-07-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I've decided to keep this a sweet and short version of our Utah trip and Edana will be our tour guide:

Q: Who is this Edana? "It's Edana. He eat the pony." -a story from Shel Silverstein's Fallling UP...I think

Q: What are you doing? "Ummm.. I dancing. And Grandma hops."

"Xander and Maggie...no...no Maggie, it's Abby."

Q:What's Xander doing?

"Her dipping her finger. HE'S a baby." -clarification help by mommy

"It's sliding." IT'S sliding?? "Yeah."

Q: What happened? " I fall down." You fell down? "YEAH! Edana fall down" (-she FELL asleep at 5 guys, on the table.)

Q: Who is this? "It's Maggie and Edana. Ummm..it's little."

Q: What are you doing? "Uhhh, I holding Xander."

"It's slip n slide!"

"It's princess Maggie!"

Q: Who are they?
"(whispers) Princess Maggie"

Q: What are they doing?
"They kissing daddy."

....and that is when our camera's battery died and we realized we left the charger at home!

Research Paper

2009-06-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

So, I'm totally using the blog to my advantage of all of you wonderful people that follow this. I am in the midst of writing my research paper for my English comp II class and was hoping you all could spare some time and take a survey for me! Your help would be awesome! Thankyou!

http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/a5j31fq/How-the-Economy-is-effecting-you

Here we go again!

2009-06-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Potty time!!! And this time Edana intiated it! Woohoo! It was a hard start yesturday, but this morning Edana woke up and seems to understand a little better of what she needs to do. Cross your fingers!

Crafty Me

2009-06-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yes. I said it. The C word. Crafty. It was barely a year ago when this word was one that should never be spoken.

I was NOT crafty. Artistic, sure, I could live with that. But NEVER crafty.

I could never understand why a person would want to spend hours at a sewing machine or gluing bits of paper together.

How was that fun? Granted, I would spend most of my time playing in a pretend world of sims, where all I worried about was getting my silly characters to use the bathroom.

But recently, something just clicked on. I love creating things.

I love crafting things and seeing the finished result. It may not be the cutest thing ever, but I made it!

My friend Emily and I have recently had a cool experience with one of our craft endeavors: sock monkeys. It started by Momma Jones and I trying to figure out how to make one of these darn things for Abby's baby shower, to Emily and I now selling them to local stores here in Colorado Springs! It's been quite the experience, and I've kept myself from getting too excited about it all, seeing if there really is a dire need for sock monkeys and such, but what I find the most thrilling part about this all is that I can FINALLY make presents for other people that are not coupon books or elmer's glued pictures with popsicle sticks.

I heart my sewing machine.

Oh, and if any of you are in the neighborhood, stop by Envy in Old Colorado and Retro Moto's Toys in Manitou...you may just see some fun little monkeys in need of a good home.

Miracles

2009-05-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back. To the blogging that is, though I guess technically I'm back from Utah too...though that was two weeks ago.

I will be honest. I have been terribly lazy about putting up more blogs and it's not that I don't have pictures, I do, I've just been lazy.

I had the chance to be able to go out to Utah and spend time with my sister-in-law Abby, her hubby CJ and their new little boy, Xander.

Despite Xander's little size and the conditions he and Abby went through, they both are recouping and getting so much stronger.

It was amazing to see how connected little Xander was to his mommy and daddy. Xander would become so calm when Abby was near and would zonk out in his daddy's arms. As much as CJ protests, Xander looks so much like his daddy.

Though Edana couldn't go in the room to see Xander, she LOVED looking at him through the window. Everytime we went to visit him she would say, "Ooh! Hello baby Xander! I love you!" and then would ask to hold him. It was very sweet to see how much love Edana already has for her little cousin and she STILL talks about him all the time at home.

I am so humbled by the real miracles that are occuring all around us. I am so grateful for the miracle that took place right here in our own family and am so grateful for the constant place of miracles in this world. We all truly need them and I can say without a doubt that miracles are real.

On a huge has-nothing-to-do-with-anything-side note: this is what happens if a little girl continues to stay up til 11:00 at night and not take many naps.

Craziness.

Sewin' on up...

2009-04-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

I know that I am behind on my blogs: Easter, fun umbrella pics we took...but those will have to be set aside for a later .

Today, I am tooting my own horn because for once I FINALLY sewed something all on my own!! It may not be the cutest thing ever, but I did my best and even all of the stitches are even!!

Plus, it is freaking adorable on the models I had for it.

Poor Edana is still so small, but it fit Anaya perfectly.

So, sorry Emily, I stole your daughter for my apron model. I'll have to pay you a "mommy's fee" or something. :)

I am getting so excited with my new sewing machine, that I have been plotting my new additions to add to Emily's and my etsy site.

...btw..just commericializing here, but you really should see the awesome purses Emily makes! I may just have to try my hand at making one...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6837466

Mi Familia

2009-04-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were lucky to have our family come and see us.

Bright and early on Friday morning, we were awaken to a CJ, Abby, Maggie, Matt and Laura.

After "allowing" them to have a few hours more sleep, we made our way to the Cheyene Mt. Zoo.

Hmmmm...I wonder whose idea the zoo was????

We also got a surprise confession that little Xander may actually come out resembling a certain bear...

We also went to Manitou Springs and did some fun window shopping, where we found some awesome eye wear for Edana. Alas, no actual pics were taken in Manitou.

On to the bday party. Yes, it's true, Edana is two, so we invited family and friends to celebrate. We tried to keep the kids (and adults) occupied by pin-the-backpack-on-dora, ring around the rosies, and find the balloons games, but in reality when you have 15 people in an apartment, there is going to be some chaos.

*side note: here are the long awaited dora head cakes...

...that weren't actually served at the party, due to the fact that poor dora looked high, and jen actually tried one before giving them to others. trust us. she is a very kind person in not serving them.

We had chocolate dipped strawberries and occupied the other kids while Edana opened her presents..

The next day was a COLD one. So, we improvised and did all things indoors. We went to Patsy's candy store, where we were able to squeeze into a tour they were giving to the public. What could be better than being indoors on a cold day, while inhaling the sweet smell of chocolate and having all the samples you could get your hands on? It literally made me want to become Willy Wonka.

We then attempted to go on Ft. Carson base with everyone, but alas, they were onto us. We had a German 'spy' with us...poor Laura. So, we went to the dollar movies instead.

Though we didn't have as much time with them as we would have liked, we are so happy they endured the LONG car ride to come see us. It was so good to meet Matt before the actual wedding. It's funny, since we all (us Eyring/Olsen girls) kept being worried how Larry would treat Matt, but Larry and I both agree that he is the best person that could ever be found for Maggie.

We are so grateful for the wonderful siblings that we have.

For the cute CJ and Abby and the optimism they seem to always have in life. Though they may have been married after us, I'm always inspired to be like them. They seem to know so much more about marriage than I could ever know. They are always so kind and careful with eachother, and it's so reassuring to see that in a married couple.

For Maggie and Matt and the reminder of enjoying every moment together. It was so sweet to see all the private moments they would sneak away and have together. I hope they always have that and am grateful to be reminded to savor those moments.

For Laura, our German sister, and for the incredible person she is. She may seemed reserved at first, but she really is this funny, adorable and kind hearted person. I am so glad to have met her and for her friendship. And for the fact that she made my little girl's day just by giving her a hug. :) It makes me laugh at the irony of their relationship.

As we mormons say, We are so blessed. :)

Two cute, Two sweet, Two...

2009-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

My baby isn't a baby anymore.

It amazes me that this fun talkative, little girl was once so tiny, still and at times, quiet.

It amazes me that this small wide-eyed baby became this smart, fun and energetic little girl we have today.

I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but Edana I am so proud of you. At already two years old, you have shown your daddy and me the great desire and motivation you have in learning life. There is never a day that goes by where I don't have an instance where I feel so overwhelmed with joy of having you in our family. Your smile can perk up the frowniest of faces, and your big heart shows, even at the small age of two.

Your daddy and I love you so much and are so grateful that Heavenly Father was able to part from one of His dearest daughters, so that we could have you in our family.

I love you baby girl.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

...and I love that you are STILL playing intently with your new doll house. It makes mommy smile.

Happy Birthday, Emily!!

2009-03-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met Emily Eliason? If not, you really should. She is one of the kindest, sweetest and most considerate person you'll ever meet. I have been so lucky to call her friend for the past year, and have learned so much from her.

Such as: if you go outside to sunbath creepers will always be there to gawk, there is a way to salvage a waterlogged ipod, the best wontons are in St. Louis, running is the best therapy, you can make a cute sundress out of an old button shirt, sheets are the best costumes..ever..even if the kids don't think so, windex cleans anything, highschool musical is addictive...and I will admit..it rocks, no matter where you go there is always someone with a phone(or email) and drama, a good loaf of bread is excellent on a bad day, and even though Emily makes it look so effortless, running a 6min. mile, making noodles from scratch, making doughnuts, and diy projects are not easy.

Emily, thankyou so much for the friendship you have given me. It is so nice to always have you there, even if it's just talking at the park. I always am so grateful for the support and love you give to me and my family. Thankyou for being such a good role model to me in being a mother, living life without stressing over everything, standing up for yourself, and being a good friend. I am so grateful that we met you guys on our first sunday here and even more grateful that our quirks didn't scare ya'll too much. ;)

I hope you have a Happy Birthday...oh...the babies have a surprise for you...in case you read this before you come back.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a side note-but to go along with Emily bday, here are the pics from the her pj-tea party. Ruth, thankyou again for all the help and the awesome idea of the cake bites! Those babies are YUUMMMY!

Dear Virginia...

2009-03-26T09:14:00.001-07:00

For my birthday (and yes...it was in January, but we're celebrating it late this year. :) ) Larry, Kirsten and Tim got me the present of having a vacation without an Edana, and running my first half marathon.

To fly in a plane without your own child crying in your lap is heaven. I would highly suggest this leisure activity to any weary mother.

I landed in Norfolk at 5pm and was greeted by an excited Kirsten and a not-so-sure-who-this-crazy-lady-is Malcolm. I was so overwhelmed with how much had changed in just these two, within only a year, I knew that more was to come. I kept telling Kirsten how I felt like I either woke up from a coma and everyone was still them...just older and wiser, or I had some Colorado dream and I was back in my VA life.

We then headed to the Runner's Expo to sign up for our Halfmarathon that was in two days and took moments to take some fun pictures of the Expo scene. From oversized golden coins, to underwear saying "In my dreams, I'm Kenyan" it was definately something to experience.

We met Tim in the parkinglot, where he drove up on his cool new motorcycle and showed me that he was indeed growing out his dreads! I'm still jealous and maybe one day my albino-zulu heritage will work on my side to get my own.

Can you believe it, Malcolm walks??! I couldn't. It was so frustrating but fun to see this full grown toddler. I feel like I've missed out on so much, but know that , that is the beauty of life: people don't stop growing and learning when you're away. I had so much fun playing with this little boy. I have yet to see his cool dancing moves, since he wouldn't perform for me, but I was able to see just how much he has grown. From saying "More" and "Hi", to bolting away from surprising things (such as bubblewrap), to eating a whole piece of pizza himself, to holding his breath underwater in the pool and wanting so badly to just swim on his own. I can't believe that only a year ago I was holding this tiny little guy, amazed of the miracle baby that he was.

I enjoyed playing and spending time with this little stud.

The next day was all fun and games, starting with Tim's french toast. Seriously...I requested this. It's that good. We then went swimming at the YMCA (and I fell in love with the idea where people will watch your baby for 2 hours while you work out!), ate at an awesome burrito place where these things were literally the size of your head, and then headed on over to another dear friend of mine, Tamara.

On to the marathon! After LOADS of water, carbs, and sleep, Kirsten, her friend Sara and I were soooo ready for this! It was such an awesome experience, and whenever I tell people about it, I usually get a crazy look or act like I'm pulling their leg when I say, "IT WAS AMAZING!!!" I've never felt so excited/nervous, lighter than air, exhilirated, and just plain happy to be there, especially considering the 13 miles! It went by so quickly and I have been finding myself a hankering for more. I'm guessing that's the runner's high everyone kept trying to tell me about. It's great. I wrote a more detailed description of the run here.

Though my trip was short, I wouldn't have wanted it anyother way. It was such an amazing thing to experience how sync two people can be, even miles apart. Kirsten and I were right at the exact running level, and it's almost as though we had trained together.

I am so grateful for the trip my friends and hubby gave me. I am so grateful for all my Virgina family and all the inspiration I am always left with from these wonderful people.

I came home with a determination to: cook(Tim),workout(Kirsten),keep going to school(Tamara), enjoy precious moments(Malcolm), not let anyone else determine what/who you are(Kirsten), not bite my nails(Tim) and to just continue to grow and learn (all).

I heart you, Virginia, because you are where some of the best people in this life are

Goodbye Larry...hello again love

2009-03-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

For the past almost two weeks, Larry was out in Sam Houston, TX for some military training, leaving us girls to fend for ourselves.

What did we do?

Bowling, of course.

Edana's new favorite game is bowling with our old empty fruitsnack and cereal boxes. It's my favorite because it was a cheap toy!

Between cleaning the house, doing laundry, running (half marathon coming up!),clipping coupons(yes, I've become that mom),

eating many of Arby's free sandwiches (blue bacon is the BEST),

dancing the nights away,

making bows (thankyou Katie and Emily),

and finding my camera in Edana's room...

I've had my share of fun for these two weeks.

I never realize the full extent of how much easier things are when Larry is home, until he is gone. I am so grateful to have this sexy man back home. Life is good again.

Pigtails!!!

2009-02-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

I know, what a thing to be excited about...Pigtails. But you all need to realize how frustrating and sometimes infuriating it is to get comments like, "What a cute little boy" or "He's a heartbreaker" despite little Edana being in ALL pink and holding a babydoll.

So ...

YAY

FOR

PIGTAILS!

Oh, and yestureday while at the grocery store, Edana got her first ,"AWw! She is such a doll!" from a complete stranger. :)

Happy Birthday Kirsten!

2009-02-24T00:16:00.000-08:00

To Kirsten:

I don't even know where to begin. I feel like we've literally been through thick and thin with each other, despite only knowing each other for 3 years. You are one of the few people that I have been able to connect instantly with and the only one that I think really knows who I am and where I am at in my life. You pretend that you don't care what others think, but the beautiful thing about that is...you do. You treat others with respect and kindness, even if that may mean some bluntness is needed :). You aren't afraid to stand up for your loved ones: friends, family. You acknowledge the positive in others and commend them for their achievements, yet significantly down play the fact that you have achieved so much! Here you are: alive, strong and continuously working hard for your family, your beliefs, your goals, and dreams. You amaze me by just how strong you are. You want to do an iron man for goodness sakes! I am so grateful that you are so willing to be my friend, despite the goofiness, blunders, and distance. I am so touched by the nurturing friendship you have given me and wish so badly that I could repay you for all the pep talks, encouragement, laughs, shoulder to lean on, thrift store outings, pictures you took, and love you have given me. I am so grateful for this day, because today was the day that my dearest friend, Kirsten, was born. Happy Birthday Kirsten.

And because I can't be there to celebrate with you, I made you something.

....ahem...it's titled....

"Desluna, Genyphr, and the Flying Panda Bar saves Lokunamewana"

On a terrible and bleak day in the city of Lokunamewana, the houses were in flames from a very large and (I'll admit) very cute dragon who was carelessly playing with his new fire breathing skills. The Loknamewana townspeople were afraid and it seemed everything that could go wrong, was!

The mayor of Loknamewana, Mz. Pow T. Face, knew that the only way the town would be saved is if they had some superhero help. So, Mz. Pow T. Face aired her own world wide commercial, offering a beautiful pink leather handbag along with some fire red pumps to anyone that could save Loknamewana.

In a very distant town, so distant it needn't be named, Desluna and Genyphr, two renowned superhero runners were taking a nice jog with some athletes and their sidekick Panda Bar. While the race was going, the commercial of Mz. Pow T. Face came on the scoreboard. Realizing that the city of Loknamewana really needed their help, and they were down to their last pair of red pumps, the superheroes jogged off to help.

Meeting with Mz. Pow T. Face, they were informed of the dire situation and dressed for the occasion. With their best faces (and dresses) on, they quickly sent the little dragon on his way home, where he was sent to a naughty spot for the chaos he caused by his mommy dragon. Then, seeing that the Loknamewana-aans had no homes whatsoever, they put on their own show called Extreme-Extreme Home Makeover and rebuilt and decorated the entire towns peoples houses.

Then Desluna, Genyphr and Panda Bar went on their merry way to wherever with their new pink handbags and red pumps in tote.

The End

Raise your scones to a new lease!

2009-02-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

Well. We did it. We re-signed our lease (already!) to stay in our cozy little apartment for the next 15 months. Maybe a silly thing to celebrate, but after a hard decision of buying a house, then not, then looking for a new apartment, then not...we are staying. We are so grateful for the great apartment we have and the time we get here to call it "home".

As a "gift" from the Knolls Apartments, we had an accent wall painted in our room. I love it. I didn't think I would be, but alas, I am a purple girl. In celebration, we made cranberry scones for breakfast and had little lemon lime cake bites (leftover batter from crumble cake) for dessert that night. HOME SWEET HOME

Until our next duty station.

Potty Wars and Crumble cake

2009-02-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

Today has been one of those days.

After the sudden interest Edana has had in the potty, since her bestbud, Anaya is potty trained (yeah for her!) she has been talking about it and asking to sit on the potty.

So...I tried to encourage it. We bought the panties, juice, potty treats/stickers, and trainer diapers. After about 2 hours of constantly going to the bathroom, this is all to show for it...

It literally was the Potty Wars today. From Edana not understanding why mommy wouldn't give her a potty treat for going on the floor, to mommy sighing heavily as she watches her daughter scream demon-like when encouraged to try on her panties. How other mothers seem to do this seam-lessly, I will never know. So after much coaxing, screaming, crying, pushing, leaks, and tearing up the toilet paper, Edana had a nice nap, while mommy got her frustrations out by baking.

I will always be the first to admit it: I am NOT a baker. I love to bake. I love to create new ideas from recipes I read, but when I actually attempt it, nothing ever turns out the way I would hope.

Today's attempt: Lime Yogurt Cake with a lime sugar frosting.

To me it resembled a scrambled cake. Instead of cursing and tossing it in the trash, I essembled the cake on a plate, flourished it with frosting and lime zest and laughed. This cake definately sums up this sort of day.

It actually tasted really good, but it's frustrating when things don't turn out the way I thought they would...like our potty day.

At least I have a loving husband that will always be my guinea pig for these kind of days. He's even managed to get a happy Edana into big girl panties. My hero.

Valentine's Day Celebrating

2009-02-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for anything cute, pink, and mostly-girly. (on the side note: I'm also known to love black, dark, and some would say "morbid" things...go figure) So, valentines day was something I was looking forward to. A day to celebrate how much I love my family and ANOTHER excuse for some baking!

We started our celebrations with our cousins we had been babysitting that week. We decided to put some restless children to work and made sugar cookies for our friends and kind neighbors. (They put up with all the noise for that week, so we thought they deserved some cookies!)

I then broke down and finally did some valentine decorating.

For the actual V-day celebrating, we all exchanged gifts.

Then Larry and I went out the Friday night before and painted some love mugs*note:mugs not done...no pictures. :(

We also went out to dinner at Pizzeria Rustica and enjoyed some brick oven pizza. Oooh! So good! It was so nice to have a night alone.

I am so lucky for the incredible family I have. My sweet husband, who puts up with more drama and high maintenance than any other man. I am so grateful for him, his friendship, support and love. I could never make it in this life without him. (And his sexy looks are a nice side perk for the whole package!)

My darling little Edana, who always makes me laugh and cherish life. Even if we knock heads most of the time, I am always amazed at the wonderful kid she is and how incredibly smart she has become all on her own.

To all my friends and family, near and far: I love you all too! It has helped me so much with different phases and transitions in my life to have all of you there to support and love our little family. We are truly so blessed by your love and friendships.

We hope you all had a lovely Valentine's day! Here is a virtual Valentine's, just for all of you!!

Copy Cat-Name Game

2009-02-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

So, I'm totally copying my sister-in-law, Andrea's, blog. I thought this game was hilarious, so I had to try it out for our fam. Thanks for the fun idea, Andrea! Or should I say...Buckwheat? ;)

YOUR REAL NAME:

Larry Eyring

Jennifer Eyring

Edana Eyring

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME(mother and father's middle name):

Edward

Marlene Rahn

Joylene Joseph

NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad):

Lawrence Joseph...wait a second....

Clarence Claude

Rory Carl

STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name):

Eyrla

Eyrje

Eyred

DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal):

Red Binkterong

Pink Flying fox

Pink Elephant

SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, city where you were born):

Joseph American Fork

Joylene Orem

Loralie Portsmouth

PORN NAME:(1st pet and 1st street you grew up on):

Anole SixHundred East

Buffy Eighthundred Thirty

..we'll leave Edana out of this one...

SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning):

The Green Dr. Pepper

The Pink Horchata

The Red Hot Chocolate

FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 3 letters of your last name):

Laing

Jeing

Eding

GANGSTA NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie):

Reese's Samoa

Chocolate Chunk Grasshopper

Any Vanilla Wafer

YOUR RAPPA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle):

Larizzle

Jenizzle

Edaizzle

YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets):

Black Pyro

Black Vada

Black Turbo

..I think our superhero names are the best!

Keong hee huat chye!

2009-01-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

Our greetings to you this Chinese New Year! I apologize. My computer won't write in Chinese characters...plus I wouldn't know which ones to use, so you get it in Hokkien. (?) : means "congratulations and be prosperous".

We are starting one of our new traditions in celebrating different cultures holidays.

To start out the Chinese New Year, I swept the floors: symbolizing sweeping away all bad feelings or spirits from the previous year. note: you shouldn't sweep a for few days after, or you may sweep away the good spirits entering your home.

"Painted" our door ways with red (hung red ribbon, decorated with Chinese symbols of what we want to gain as a family); symbolizing good wealth and good fortune.

Made papercutouts and hung them in the window.

We made pork and cabbage dumplings and stuck a yen in one. Who ever gets the yen will have goodluck for the rest of the year.

And we ended our night with our version of a "togetherness tray". It was suppose to include sugared tangerines, waterchestnuts, figs, etc...but we settled for yogurt covered raisins and strawberry mentos. :) my, how cultured we are.

Tonight, we will give our offering to the kitchen god and place honey on his picture, so that he'll give good reports to the other gods when he goes back.

Oh, and Larry got the yen. Here's to making Sergeant this year! :)

History...let's keep it that way

2009-01-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

This year is a first in many different ways, not only for our family, but for America (as we all know) as well.

Our family's first, was to celebrate Martin Luther King Day the right way. We usually take this day as another celebrated four-day weekend, but I really wanted to take the time to go out and commemorate and meditate on what this great man did for our nation.

We woke bright and early and drove out to Denver for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King marade. Despite being there almost 2 hours early, we were still in the back. It was so overwhelming to see the thousands of people walking in memory for Mr. King and walking towards a new America. I am ever so grateful and humbled by the courage of a man to face what he knew to be a long and terrible journey, and I am even more grateful that our nation has seen the error and is willing to change.

Hurray for January 20th! Congratulations to our 44th President Barrack Obama! I am so excited and ready to do my part in the long journey of change ahead of all of us Americans. I am grateful for our new President in being the voice and motivator for our change and I am overwhelmed to how far our nation has come. I am grateful to see the joy, hope, and pride that African Americans now claim; to come from a long history of hurt, ridicule, and hate, and now see a nation that is as much theirs as any one else's. May that history be far behind us, and may we continue towards a better path.

A Surprised Thankyou!

2009-01-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

So, I just had to add this on here, that tonight was such a great night.

Full of confusion, surprise, laughs, chats and gratitude.

My dear friend Emily threw me a surprise b-day party tonight. I literally had NO IDEA! I really think that was a first for me. Usually I have some degree of knowledge that a party is at least in the works....but not this time. Emily had planned a girl's night tonight and I really thought that's what it would be.

If only someone had taken a picture of my face. I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. It's funny, because my intial thought was that either when everyone yelled, "Surprise!" They were playing a joke on each person that walked in, or that the person they were saying surprise to was coming in behind me. It really was such a great surprise and such a wonderful party. Is it silly that I kept getting all teared up throughout it?

I am so grateful for my friend Emily and all she does for me. I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends that showed up to the party! It is so good to know that I have people here that care for me just as much as I care about them. Thankyou, all so much for the great surprise, the presents, and especially how loved I feel here in Colorado. I think I just might stay here....for awhile, at least. ;)

Me, (that is, if I were Lucille Ball) being surprised....

Snowy Days

2009-01-14T12:11:00.001-08:00

I keep getting my hopes up by all of these sunny days, thinking "YEah! Spring!" But the next thing I know, the city is covered in MORE snow!

How do we survive these freezing days? We have our ways....
Making

snowmen...indoors....

And a new found favorite...

Snow cones...well, I guess more like slushes.

What we did for our Christmas Vacation...

2009-01-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I know. This is mucho late and I feel almost like I'm typing up some English project, but I wanted to share the fun we were able to have out in Utah for Christmas this year and hurray! I took pictures! So here is our Christmas highlights!

Relaxation was our goal this trip.

While Larry enjoyed the parents cable

Edana learned how to play Hide and Seek with Aunt Abby.

Jen's relaxation? Eating Momma Jones cookies. Seriously. I would drive to Utah and back for these babies!

Where there is Utah, there is....

SNOW!!!!

Edana could not get enough of it.

Neither could Larry.

We were so lucky to tag along with Abby and see her friends Heather and Cody's baby boy Tatem.

Edana LOVED baby Tatem. On to traditions! We went on the Jones/Eyring tradition of floating down the Provo River gazing at the lights,

where Santa canoed up to the boat and handed out candy. Edana hid from "scarwy" Santa, and wouldn't pop her head out of Larry's coat til he was gone.
Oh, and that's Mike in the ski mask. :)

On Christmas Eve we combined family traditions and celebrated it Jones/Eyring/Scanlon style

We ate yummy food,

played white elephant gifts,

read a Christmas book and the Birth of Jesus, and sang karaoke.

It's times like these when I realize why people must get drunk to enjoy karaoke. ;) It actually was alot of fun singing karaoke mormon style and the highlight of the night was watching Laura look embarrassed by all of our strange American traditions.
Christmas morning was spent with the Jones family.

The night before we opened our new Christmas pj's.

Edana was totally enthralled by opening these cool wrapped boxes

Our little Princess FINALLY got her own princess attire

Momma and Mike got a giant moving spider-from us, I might add

Maggie FINALLY got THE Christmas! Laura didn't seem to let down that she was with us and not in GermanyOh, and multiple games of Harry Potter Scene It. I love that game. ( I had to add this picture, which should have been my first clue that Abby was going to take me down at Scene It)

On to our Scanlon Christmas!
The girls had a blast in their new tent.
Kyra was more into unwrapping presents than anyone else!

Edana enjoyed playing with her cousins.

And we actually had Christmas where all of us kids were there!

To end our fun holiday celebration, not only did we get the flu and THEN give it to EVERYONE else (how nice of us) but we celebrated my birthday Murder Mystery Style.
The characters:

Addler the gambler and Silky the *ehem* "hotel" owner.

Mr. "S" the easily payed off district attorney and "Torchy" the sexy club singer

"Socks" the golfer/club owner and Molly the wealthy mobster

And Billy "The Kid" the pitcher for a pro baseball team and "Scoop" the "tell it like it is" news reporter

We all waz called cuz Eddie da Mobster waz missin. We met at da Speak eazy down town and tried to figgur out who wooda wanttid Eddie ded.Who dunnit?

Play it yourself and find out! It was way fun and even cute little Lizzy got into it. :)

I even got a yummy lava cupcake with a twisty candle! It totally made my day, especially after being sick the night before.

And that's what we did for our Christmas Vacation! WHeW!

Tis the season...

2008-12-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

I've been finding myself saying this alot. "Tis the season!" I exclaim, as yet another child passes by me with a cough and runny nose. "Tis the season" yours dearly chuckles as screams for "I want that!" are heard down every toy aisle. "Tis the season" I wearily think as I write out my To Do Lists or take a glance around church at all the tired faces of hard working/ overdone moms.

Really, this line of "Tis the season" is befitting for almost anything you encounter this time of year. Despite the times of weariness or feeling completely rushed, I love it. I know it's all completely commercialized, but hey..."Tis the season"....

Here are some of the Eyrings, "Tis the season":

Baking cookies for friends; new and old.

Pretzel rods also for the above.

Larry trying out different flavors for these said pretzel rods.

This year: butterscotch. What a beautiful man he is.

The trying desperately hard to run off all the extra pretzel sticks consumed.

Dressing up our child in clothes akin to something from a "Christmas Story".

...And I was going to add fun pictures taken of our "Tis the season" of running 5k and going to the "Winter Wildland" at the zoo, but alas I think either an Edana played with the camera messed with the camera and erased it all, or there was a confusion on the parentals part if the pictures were already loaded or not. :( I even posed with a mascot of the Grinch and everything!! ...sigh....

Ahhhh...tis the season.....

Gratitued

2008-12-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

I haven't had the time to enter in our thanksgiving yet, so yet again, I'm behind on the Eyring fun.

I always love Thanksgiving, even if stores and media seemed more jazzed about Christmas and surpass this little holiday. I love it. I love being able to share stories with friends and family, to reminse about the "good ol' times" and learning something new about eachother. This year we were able to go out to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with my family, while my grandparents were there. I actually enjoy being closer to family. For years, I never thought I'd feel this way, but I love the feeling of "belonging" somewhere. I know that our family is always welcomed home in all our Utah families houses and what a great blessing that is.

Though there may have been a few down points during Thanksgiving:
Poor Mike spraining his ankle during football, and my mom lying in bed with food poisoning all day; it still was such a great holiday and Edana even got to help with her first decorating a Christmas tree with Nana! She loved it!

I apologize for the lack of pictures, since I always seem to forget to take alot when it's an actual kodak moment, and also for the fact that I wasn't able to get a picture of jello with foreign objects floating in it like I promised some, due to my mom's sad illness. But I'm sure Christmas will make up for both. ;)

So, what am I grateful for?

Life.

Laughs.

Family

Love

Friendship

Food

Clean water

A place to sleep

A running car

Good health

Being a stay at home mom

Support

Kindness

Music

Books

Prayers

Temple

Those whom Sacraficed everything for us

I am so grateful for the life I have. Though, I will admit, I complain alot at times, I truly am grateful. I am so lucky to have the life that I live and am so blessed by the people in my life: friends, family, new friends, and just kind people I meet. Why Heavenly Father blessed a person like me with all of this, I may never know, but what I do know is that I am so grateful to Him for His never-failing love and constant guidance. I love my Father in Heaven and am always so amazed by His wonderful plan for us all.

Thankyou.

Oh what a beautiful Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-03T06:19:00.001-08:00

So many great things to be thankful for.

An awesome hubby.

A silly child.
Dear friends. Caring family.

...I know that alot of you may not realize where these pictures are from, but maybe one or two of you might. No, I'm not writing my Thanksgiving blog, it will have to be later, because this morning I discovered an interesting thing. Our bulky loveseat has a nice little hiding place located underneath it and IN the fabric. Yep. How did I find this secret place? By searching for the DVD remote (note: still has not been found) but the most incredible thing about it is what I found there. OUR CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good ol' little Vivi',whom has been missing for about 8 months, along with all our pictures of our last days in VA.

I literally got all teary eyed looking through them and it came crashing down on how much I really miss everyone there.

So, I must apologize to my family: Dad: (though you didn't know it) I'm sorry I ran around like a mad woman looking for this in your house. Momma Jones:Ditto. Andrea: I'm soooo sorry for the millions of phone calls bugging you about the camera. Kirsten: for the frustration you felt in losing all the fun pregnant photos.

I literally am on cloud-nine today. Seriously. I feel like I could look to my right and hang-ten with an angel.

HuRrAYyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss Virginia.

I miss my families there.

Today

2008-11-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

I love today.

Even though I am behind on the housework and these blogs of mine (oops!), or despite the fact that I just spent my lunch on cleaning up the raw turkey and it's brine I knocked all over the kitchen floor and "enjoyed" myself as I wrote a letter to the Better Business Bureau (remember the whole cell phone blog from before...yep...still not resolved)...I heart today.

Why?

This is what I woke up to:

A happy little girl, jumping crazy in her crib.

She couldn't stop laughing, which in turn made me laugh. So I joined in.

The peels of laughter continued and I took pictures of our silliness.

I'm happy that Edana FINALLY has a room to play in.

We were mean parents and had our guest bed in her room before.

Not anymore.

So much room to play in.

She's loves it.

And I love that.

Why else do I love today?

Larry bought me flowers last night, so I put them all over the house today

Any other reason?

I played with playdoh.

Who else can say they played with playdoh for their dayjob?

We pretended to be "Ace of Cakes"

I like Edana's the best, though I must admit, those lime green candles on mine rock. ;)

I love being a mom. I love being her mom.

Did I mention?

Blog Searching

2008-11-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

I have developed a weird fascination: Other people's blogs. I don't know what it is about it, but I love reading what other people write. Even if it may seem so mundane, I love it. Maybe because it's a step out of my own life, or maybe just for plain curiosity's sake, but it love it. Tonight I have found a blog from a woman whom takes random pictures of the strange things people wear in NY, a blog by an excellent writer in Los Angeles whom is completely infatuated with her hubby it's almost sickening, to a blogger whom is just tired of today and decided to stay in pj's all day and do absolutely nothing but blog. Is this sad that I find it so interesting? What a great way to waste my precious "me" time. At least I enjoyed not thinking about scrubbing the dirty bathtub for a little while and now, I go to sleep.
But if any of you have this strange fascination, do share. I'd love to share these special "gems" I seem to find while just being plain bored and hiding from my real duties in life.

Hurray for Mr. 23!!!

2008-11-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

So, as you might have known, Larry's b-day was Saturday. We started our morning with a scone and omelet breakfast, where I insisted Larry wear his B-day sombrero hat and he opened his presents of "Oregon Trail" and a cool snake species book.

We then had ourselves a ball at Denver's Reptile Expo...we'll...actually....Larry had a ball at the Expo while Edana and Jen meandered around wondering what the crap half of these things were. After much debating and running from one kiosk to another, Larry did it. He found his beloved frogs. I have to admit, they're freaking cute. I enjoy watching them hop around chasing each other. Larry named them Pyro and Aqua. Aqua because one of them has a freakish-fetish just sitting and watching the waterfall and Pyro because Larry thinks his back looks like there are flames going down his back. All in all, they are very cool and I don't even have to clean their poop! That makes it all worth it to me.

On Sunday we had a ...sorta-surprise b-day party. The sorta part because after our friend Josh had taken Larry out for "home teaching" his wife Emily and the kids were going to come over and we'd all surprise Larry. Ha. So, silly Jen forgot to turn back on the ringer to her phone and didn't hear the gate call, so poor Emily was locked out the apartment complex. By the time I realized they should be at our house, I call to find out that Emily is waiting at the gate for a person in front of her to unlock it, and who should be behind her but Josh and Larry. It was pretty funny hearing the play-by-play of what was happening but I felt bad for being so forgetful. So, apparently what tipped Larry off was the seeing little Austin laughing and running into the apartment. :) It still was alot of fun and we got to have yummy ice cream cake and play Spades. (which Emily and I totally kicked butt in, btw....hehhehehe...)

So now, after 23 years, Larry finally has his dart frogs, which defines him as a real man. (or so he thinks) ;)

It never fails....

2008-11-12T12:20:00.001-08:00

It Never Fails.....

That when I think dishes are almost done...

Another dish comes my way.

No matter how many times I water the plants...

They always seem to die.

No matter how full I stuff the washer...

There's always more loads to do.

No matter how much needs to be done

I always end up here on the computer.

Whenever I think I'm by myself

My little shadow is always near.

Despite the fact that it's 11:00 and my kid is fully dressed

I'm still in my pj's doing chores.

I never fail to realize that despite all these things

that never seem to get done

I love my life anyway.

Just to add....

Edana and I were playing down the hallway when all of a sudden she got terrified and bolted at me while we were taking silly pictures. She wouldn't tell me what it was but keep shaking her head saying "scarwie scarwie". couldn't figure it out until i looked at her pic....

I don't know. Maybe I watch wayyyyyyy to many Ghost hunters, but i kept taking photo after photo to see if there was more dust and even had Edana run around, but no little orbs were in the pic.

If nothing else but silly, you kind of got a chill, huh. ;)

Happy Birthday, Larry

2008-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

To larry

Who would've known that in 23 years,

This baby would be a man?

Who would've known that this freckled-face boy

Would have a daughter as his biggest fan?

Yes, who would have known that this silly brother

Would be so proud of his sisters, two?

Who would have known that this adventurous child

Would grow to sit on back, admiring life's view?

Who would have known that this handsome fellow

Would put his life's dreams to the side?

Who would have known that he's happiest when

His wife and child's home he can provide?

We are so grateful for you Larry and want you to know just how much it means to us that you are here in our lives. Thankyou for all the selflessness and for having such a big heart. We love you and are so proud of you! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

Here's to Fall...it was short and I'll miss you!

2008-11-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

The weather has significantly dropped these last few days and the weatherman predicts snow. So, cheers to my favorite season: Fall! May next year last longer!

And here's a great insert for all the fun fall things we have done this year (and the pics that I forgot to put up!)

Did I mention that we did go to a pumpkin patch this year? No? Yeah, I forgot to put that up. We went out with our friends the Eliason's and had a blast playing on these HUGE slippery slides they had there. Though the large boxes full of pumpkins was not my idea of a real pumpkin patch, I guess in CO you really have to wing-it. But seriously, these slides were the best!

Hands down, Larry and Austin win the "best sliding-position" award....

and Josh I think wins the "best face pulled". :)

We also got a fun family pic. Why Larry is the girl scarecrow and I'm the boy...we're not sure....

And the cute babies wanted to sit on the tractor, so we moms encouraged it (especially if we could get some great pics!)

Then for pumpkin carving! What could be better than pulling the slimy guts out of pumpkins? Not much, in my book. Though everyone else's looked a whole lot better than mine, it

still was an awesome night of pumpkin gutting and making smores in our fireplace!

Fall means the end of the presidential election! It over! Yeah! No more mud-slinging or pointing of fingers! No more silly commercials that play over and over again! This year was my first year to vote. I was so proud of myself that I took a picture with my voting sticker. What I didn't realize was that voting is a kin to taking a test that you haven't studied for. Sure, I was all decided when it came to my vote on presidents and state officials, but amendments...I had no idea. So, sorry to CO if my vote somehow put us back at all. I really didn't know what all the garble said.
Another blessed opportunity with the cold weather, is the excuse of staying inside and being lazy! ;) These days, Edana and I are getting creative in entertaining ourselves. Yestureday, we had a princess picnic, and we dressed ourselves up (as well as her bear. She insisted!) and danced around the house giggling for no reason. I never thought that this would be how I would use this dress, but it's probably better than anything I could have phathomed.

I heart fall.

My Halloween!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

As much as I want to be watching a scary movie all cuddle up to Larry right now, I wanted to take the time to actually write a post on the day it was meant for; Halloween!

Alas, I don't have any cute pics. of little Edana in her costume this year, or her friends, Austin and Anaya whom we went trick-or-treating with tonight (I always forget the camera on these kind of days) but I can improvise.

Ode to my Halloween; the best holiday that's out there. Hooray for the spooks and ghouls gliding down the streets. Hooray for the glowing grins of the jack o'laterns leading the way. Hooray for the crisp leaves crunching underfoot. I LOVE Halloween. I love the creepy feeling the cold night air brings, as you get ready for a night where you have no idea what you'll cross.

My choice of costume this year? Emily Strange. Need I say more?

Edana? Well, originally was suppose to be a spider, but decided she would rather be Tinkerbell today. But that's ok. She was probably the cutest Tinkerbell I've seen.

We started the nightout by going downtown Old Colorado, where all of the businesses were handing out candy. Who knew EVERYONE in ColoradoSprings would be there? Seriously. I don't think any of the political campains out there have seen crowds like this. Maybe Obama and McCain should consider handing out candy...if only that weren't strange and creepy...

*Promise my only and last political reference in this blog*

It was alot of fun to see all of the fun costumes and to load up on candy! Amazing! It's still a fun holiday, even as a parent! I was telling my friend, Emily, how I would have never imagined myself walking my own kid around door-to-door trying to teach her how to trick-or-treat. It's so weird when I get those overwhelming moments of "I'm a mom". But really, it's kind of nice too.

We then went out to Fountain and hit a bunch of houses out there. Within five minutes of it, Edana encountered a man with a mask and was traumatized for the rest of the night. Though, I think the giving her a sucker thing worked...for awhile. It was alot of fun to go out and really experience Halloween the way Larry and I did it as kids. It so disheartening to realize that trick-or-treating is almost a thing of the past and trunk-or-treats are the future for our children. The things they get jipped out of because of selfish people who would rather pervert these holidays than celebrate them. Boo to them.

So, now as I wrap up this silly blog (since Larry is urging me to join him and his movie) I just wanted to let you all know how much I love this holiday and even if people may think it's evil or commericialized (a justified "duh" inserted here) I would like to say how could this be evil if it makes such a vast majority of people (mostly children!) happy?! I love it!

And just to my daddy...I'm not sure how much you read this, but tonight I miss you so much! I miss the man that gave me my love for this amazing holiday. I wish so badly that I could be there with you scaring the crap out of neighborhood kids! Boy, do I ever!! I miss having this day together that you and I shared, when the rest of the family seemed to sort of just blow it off. It may have been a grand day today, but it would have been so much better to me if you were here. I miss you so much today. I love you, dad.

Part Two of the "To Utah and back saga"-To Abby

2008-10-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ha! So I've haven't been good at playing catch-up with these blogs. Ah, well. I actually would have forgotten completely if it wasn't for my sister-in-law Abby, who seemed so sad about my lack of family pictures. I feel real bad about it to and have to insert in here, no it's not because any of you are boring or that I don't love you as much, it's because while in Utah I was so overwhelmed with what was going on that I only took three pictures the whole time I was there! :( And here they are:

While driving out to UT, I kept receiving phone calls from Larry's parents asking when I would get there and such. I thought that their interest was in that they were waiting to see Edana and spend sometime with her and me, which in itself was true, but what I hadn't been told by my parents was that they didn't have room for me because they were demolishing the basement and redoing it while I was there watching the boys for them. So, I'd again like to apologize for the lack of communication there and reassure them that if I had know the whole situation they would have heard much more from me!

Wait! Why was I there?-a question that I heard from many while there and when I came back, since I didn't tell people the reason, I just kind of left. Yep. I'm that big of a recluse I guess.

The whole reason I went out was because my mom had asked if I would come out to UT to help the boys out with anything while my parents went to Italy for their anniversary/birthday celebrations. But what I wasn't informed until I got there was that there would be big burly construction workers walking in and out of the house while I was there and that I needed to check and make sure they were doing what they were suppose to.

So, here's a great mental imagine for you all: Short Jen with a stack of notes she took earlier from her dad (about the construction that was to be done) telling a huge guy (seriously, this guy looked like he almost had to duck for the ceiling) named Jake what things he still needed to do and asking him what time he would show up the next day. Kind of funny, huh?

But I did have fun staying at my in-laws and getting to hangout with them. And we finally got Edana use to everyone! She's finally doing great with other people...sort of. The first picture up top is Edana with one of her new cousins, Lizzy, whom I got to watch while her daddy was shooting a movie for one of his film classes.

The next two pictures would be pics I promised to take for Kirsten of my "I'm becoming my mother" day I had. *To make the story short: I had been trying to figure out why every time I used the dishwasher, I found the soap packet lying on the bottom of the washer, untouched. Silly me, thinking that the water didn't work to dissolve it, I grabbed every dish my parents owned (since I didn't know which ones the boys had washed those few days before) and washed them all by hand. It wasn't until after the dishes were all cleaned that it was brought to my attention by either Brandon or Abby ( I can't remember who told me) that the plastic hadn't been taken off of the soap. durhf!

To make the trip even more fun was my two brothers. How my mom handles these two teens I will never know, but after this I really look up to her! While I was "babysitting" these two boys, I: found myself helping one with an English project due the next day! Was yelled at for not taking the other to work. Was continuously sighed and eyes rolled at, and compared to my mother. I was at one point compared to "the devil" and realized that I wasn't a person they wanted to hangout with....hmmm...what fun.

So, to some up my trip, it was long, fun/stressful, glad to have seen everyone, but so glad to be home kind of trip.

ps-To Abby: Dearest, I wish I would have taken more photos and if I had I would have Definitely included the whole family in them, I was just a loser and didn't even think about it. I suck, and I'm sorry!

Boo to the phone companies!

2008-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

So today was my day to finally contact AT&T about my cracked/broken/water damaged/ will only charge if you hold the cord just right phone. I hate dealing with phone company's probably just as much as going to the dentist...which I'm still overdue on...oops! Why is it that these phone companies love to just keep on sending you to person after person after person? I've been at this for almost two hours now and have STILL not gotten the issue solve that even though I pay for this supposed insurance monthly, they keep telling me it's not on my account and the company that takes my money isn't AT&T affiliated. But wait, didn't the AT&T store offer us this great deal on insurance in the first place??? I feel like someone has just sucker-punched me in the nose and the pain is slowly traveling to my entire brain.

I hate phone companies.

I took this picture to make sure my face was indeed still intact....wow...aren't I glad I've been going around in public today? ick.