Classic Selection

For my book club our next pick is for each of us to choose a different classic literature book. I narrowed my choice down to 2 books, but thought I would ask the opinions of anyone who might happen to come across my blog (I know I don't have regular followers, but I also know some of you are regular readers).  So tell me what you think I should read and why. 
 
Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

I eventually would like to read both, but because I am slow I only have time for one book before our next meeting.  And if you haven't read either of the above books, but have another classic favorite, give me your pitch for why I should read your favorite. ...and hurry because I have GOT to get reading!

3-2-1 Blastoff!

Brad and Caden got this rocket for Christmas from my super smart engineer of a sister, Shelley.  For Thanksgiving we went on a tour of a museum on the military base where Shelley works and they had tons of missiles and rockets that all the guys love hearing about.  Caden was so excited to launch his rocket, I don't even think he really knew what to expect.  I think he was surprised when it actually made a loud noise and flew extremely high into the air, then came back down and landed only a few yards from where we set it off.  The funnest part of all for me, was seeing that sparkle in Brad's eye and watching his excitement for the whole childhood memory/reenactment scene.  I actually have fond memories of this very same scene myself, except we would always launch our rockets in the empty field next to my grandparents house when we went to visit them in St. George.  Fun times.  Are Brad and I the only one's who ever did this as a kid? I bet not, anyone else have fun stories of launching rockets?

Rudolph

Brad took the kids to the playground and Jane fell and smacked her nose right on a metal stair.  Poor child, her nose is now glowing red, thank goodness she just got over her cold where she had a constant runny nose.  I would never be able to wipe her nose with such tender trauma to the area.  Brad reminded me later that Caden had done the same thing when he was about Jane's age and we think his nose recovered so that gives us hope that this is just one of those millions of injuries that won't cause permanent damage.  I think she makes the cutest Rudolph!

Home Sweet Home

My dear Grandmother fell and broker her shoulder in December and was not able to return back to her independent living apartment until the beginning of March.  She had to have surgery and a lot of therapy to get her to the point where she can begin therapy on her shoulder and is independent enough to live at her apartment.  I am one of the lucky few that live close and can visit her often and I love it! My kids love it too. Caden always looks forward to the M&Ms, popcorn, and soda fountain.  Yesterday we caught Grandma playing Bingo and waited for her to finish (I heard the residents get quite upset if you interrupt or disrupt Bingo).  Then we walked around and visited for a while.  Jane has never been known to hold anyone's hand. She always wants to run free, but yesterday when my grandma (her great grandma) offered her pointer finger to Jane, she took it and didn't let go. I thought it was kinda funny, and touching at the same time so I had to get a picture. I thought to myself how funny this was because we think my grandma must have tripped and fallen when she broke her shoulder and Jane, at her age, is tripping quite frequently too.  What a terrible combination.  What you can't tell from the picture is that Jane was wearing squeaky shoes and everyone was laughing as they walked (squeaked) by together. We are all so happy that my Grandma is home and happy. 

Aren't we just lovely?

We haven't had a family picture for a while and it's been a while since we took these.  Some were in September 2010 and the top one was Thanksgiving time.  Both times were quite windy (slightly maddening), but at least we got it done and the pictures turned out just great!

Primary

Glad that's over! Last November I was called to the Primary presidency and I was in charge of an activity.  I stole all my ideas from the internet because most know I am not creative.  It was a PJs party where they came to get to know their new Primary teacher.  Upon arrival each kid got a bingo game with facts about the leaders. They had to go around asking us which fact belonged to us. We had a huge matching game with fun facts about their teachers, we at cinnamon rolls in our PJs, then divided into groups for 3 stations.
P-Prayer they decorated a prayer rock
J- Journal they received a scripture journal to write in each month this year,
S- Scriptures - read the scripture in Matt. about loving your neighbor and played the game "do you love your neighbor"
We had a great turn out of kids and teachers so I think it all went really well.  Thanks to all those who helped prepare and execute the activity, couldn't have done it without tons of help.

Prince Charming

As I was helping Caden get ready for school one morning we had just finished brushing teeth and combing hair when we had the following conversation (as close as I can remember anyway):
Caden: Now I want some motion on.
Lisa: Motion? what is motion?
Caden: Ya know, Daddy always puts it on right here [lifting his chin up and pretending to spray something on his neck].
Lisa: Oh! Cologne! you want to put some of dad's cologne on? 
Caden: Yeah, so I can smell good [very 'matter of fact' like].

He's only 3! This kid, although those who know him may not realize it, can be a total charmer.  Sometimes he will come really close to me face to face and say with the most sweet and sincere voice, "mom, you're so beautiful" while he tucks some of my hair behind my ear.  You just have to hear it, sometimes I almost burst out laughing because I can't believe how he swoons me.  Then one Sunday we were sitting together on a chair in the foyer at church and Caden spotted a friend of ours from the ward, Sarah who is about 8 years old, walking down the hallway toward us.  Caden stopped what he was doing and watched her come toward us, then once she was about to pass us Caden said "hey Sarah" in the most casual, nonchalant way.  It reminded me of when you would pass your crush in the hall in high school and you would try to act super cool and casual when you said hi to the person that you know would make you blush.  I seriously think everyday that I am dealing with a teenager, not a 3 year old. What am I going to do when he IS a teenager?  This kid is so funny sometimes I just can't help but brag about him. I was even laughing about it while I was proofreading this very post. 

Lights

Yes, we braved the cold, packed the kids, and ventured downtown to see the lights on Temple Square.  My brother was in town for only 2 full days so we were lucky we could go do this as an entire family.  We even got to witness a proposal.  No, not my brother's, but some other lucky gal & guy.  [sigh]

Sleep Over

Caden had his first official sleep over with his 2 Aunts Shelley and Lynette.  He was extremely excited he planned out where everyone would sleep and what they would do.  Since I have to play "catch up"  (don't judge) this picture and this sleep over happened sort of a while ago, but it was on the most magical night of all, Christmas Eve.

Christmas Shopping Yet?

I heard something a while ago that I thought was a great idea.  I can't remember who told me, so sorry for not giving credit, but a friend of a friend, who is a mom follows this simple rule of thumb when buying Christmas gifts for her kids:

Something you want,
Something you need,
Something to wear, &
Something to read.

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with trying to figure out what I should get for my kids.  I'm not a shopper or necessarily a spoiler so having this as a guideline will keep me from feeling guilty that I don't get tons of gifts for my kids and can help keep things fair.  Christmas is now really far away so hopefully now that I have written it down somewhere I will be able to remember it when it comes time to shop (oh, the dreaded shopping).

March Madness Again!

I was trying to make it a whole year before posting again, but sadly I failed.  We are in the thick of a gazillion March birthdays in our family and so far so good.  People seem to have their birthdays and turn 1 year older no matter what happens.  The weather has been getting warmer so the other day I took the kids out to play and realized my baby girl has never really been outside her entire life!  What a terrible world we live in (or should I say terrible climate?)  Anyway, this winter we have accomplished a few major things since we all went into hiding.  I had a baby, Jane. She is super precious and a great baby so far, but then again wasn't Caden a good baby?  Caden is now potty trained!  That only took 1 year.  Brad started working for Sandy Fire Department as a volunteer fire fighter and he loves it.  Anyway, I am just waiting for summer, not spring because that always seems to let me down, it's too unpredictable. I know I can count on warmth and sunshine this summer!

Even Steven

I guess this is news worth sharing... we are having a girl! We are really excited and November seems way too far away! About 2 weeks before my ultrasound Caden suddenly began speaking about "my sister" I was super curious to find out if he was right and he was. I also felt it was going to be a girl, but I didn't know if that was just me wanting a girl. The two things I am thrilled about now that I know I am having a girl are 1. I have a much easier time picking girl names that I like and 2. girls are so much easier to shop for (which helps for someone who hates shopping). The ultrasound picture below is of her long skinny leg, so cute!

We are still Alive!

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be offensive to anyone so factor in a little bit of sarcasm when you read it.
I am not even going to apologize for the lack of postings because frankly I guess I just don't enjoy it as much as most blogging people. I started this blog because I was sick of everyone pestering me to start one and now I am posting because I am sick of everyone pestering me to update it. We don't have very exciting lives and even if we did I don't have a clever way of relating any of it to you so if you are dying to stalk me and my family to know what is going on with us you should call or come over to visit. I would enjoy that much better...... just so everyone knows.

Anyway, since December Brad and I had birthdays, Caden turned 2, I have been sick with child #2, I took a trip to San Diego to see my brother graduate law school, Brad's brother returned from his mission, we got new windows, we celebrated our 6th Anniversary, and we went to Ohio/Kentucky.

Brad, Brad, He's My Man!

Brad is finally done with the Fire Academy and he passed all of his tests! He did a great job and the day he finished he calculated that he had taken 134 tests in the course of 13 weeks. We are glad it's over. He is fully certified and we can hopefully have our lives back. Now he is applying for Firefighter jobs and we are hoping he might get one close, but don't know where he might eventually get hired on. Thanks for everyone's understanding and support during these last couple of months.

Fire, Fire, Fire!

A few weeks ago Brad started the Fire Academy. So far he has really enjoyed it, but holy smokes, it is rugged. It is a lot like boot camp. They have to run miles, do "up-downs", carry classmates, and jump out of windows while wearing all their gear. He has been doing about 80 hours a week between working 2 jobs and attending the fire academy. The picture below is just after his first day of class when he got all of his gear. He doesn't look excited in the picture, but he was. The timing of all of this couldn't be more perfect for Caden since he is obsessed with fire trucks. We all can't wait until the end of December when he will be done and hopefully certified.

You Gotta Love San Diego

A couple weeks ago Brad, Caden, my dad, and I went to San Diego to visit my bro Bill and have a little vacation. I had really been missing the beach so I insisted we go. I love the beach. It was a lot of work with Caden, but the weather was perfect (as always). I was also able to visit my best friend April and her family. They are one of the best families I know. I was so caught up with visiting that I didn't get any pics with April this time so maybe next time. We also visited some friends from our BYU married student ward. Brock and Emily's family is growing so fast and I am jealous that they get to live in San Diego. We went to the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, the beach, San Diego Harbor, In N Out Burger (twice), my aunt and uncle's house in Upland, and way too many gas stations.

B-Rad

Picture taken at Barlow Family Reunion 2008 Park City Utah
I just thought it was a great picture of Brad. Totally him, isn't it?

"Do you have any coupons?"

The self checkout voice (particularly the one at Smith's) has always gotten stuck in my head after leaving the store. I have had a secret desire to actually be able to touch the "yes" button on the screen. Last night I was finally able to push that button and respond to the lovely automated lady who says "do you have any coupons". Sadly, it only saved me just over $3 (which is why I hardly ever bother with those dumb cluttery coupons), but I happily walked out with that voice stuck in my head again. Sorta reminds me of "welcome to movie phone... why don't you just tell me the name of the movie you want to see". "Do you have any coupons?"

Tractors and Dirt

If it seems like I include a picture with every post it's because I do. The reason is because I can't entertain with my writing like most of the witty people in my family so I am forced to provide something worth viewing.

Below are some pictures of Caden's first camping trip which happened back in June. I also took him to one of Brad's job sites because Caden loves tractors and is always pointing them out while riding in the car.

We went to Payson Lakes and Caden was filthy the entire time.


Caden playing with Brooklyn and Ryland, he doesn't put up with any sissy play.


Standing on a really large tractor


Brad and Caden


That scoop is huge!

Summer Stuff

For all those who are checking every day to see if I have something new on my Blog, this one's for you. But don't expect too much. I really have no idea how anyone has time to update their blog every week, especially with summer going on. Plus I don't think we do much that is blog worthy. We have done a few fun things so far this summer so I decided to put more pictures up even though I should be working right now (don't tell my dad). So enjoy these pictures and keep hoping for more.



Caden I took Parent-Tot swimming lessons this summer and I found out how much he loves the water. The first few lessons I couldn't keep him in my arms. He wanted to dive down into the water all while pushing me away from him. He still thinks he can totally swim on his own and he definitely has no fear of the water (which is good and bad). He did end up learning some good skills and we are working really hard at blowing bubbles so he can learn to hold his breath.





This is a water slide that we had at our FHE group BBQ. He couldn't get enough and I should have worn my swim suit cause I got soaked too.


Brad's sister and mom were so nice to watch Caden while I went to Youth Conference and while Brad helped his uncle work on the road to his Cabin. I think he didn't even miss us. Caden always has so much fun with his cousins Brooklyn and Ryland.